What should my chlorine level be to get rid of algae?
Any time your pool drops below 1 ppm of free chlorine, you are in the danger zone for algae (not to mention bacteria and viruses), especially if your pH and Alkalinity levels are off too! When your chlorine level is not high enough, it fails to kill organic compounds that aid in algae growth.
How did I get black algae in my Pool?
You can get black algae through a variety of sources, but it’s mainly introduced into your pool through sources such as unwashed bathing suits or inner tubes that you may have used in the ocean or the river. You did remember to wash those things before you put them in your pool, right?
When did the algae in the pool go away?
You shocked with chlorine and the algae went away by December 9th. You had stains left and now report that the algae seems to be coming back on December 24th. At the time you were reporting the algae, it seemed like it might be mustard/yellow since it clung to the walls and was not green.
What kind of algae can you kill in a pool?
If so, then it might be black algae instead. Mustard/yellow algae takes a higher chlorine level of 60% of the CYA level (vs. 40% of the CYA level for green algae) to kill effectively and you have to kill it on all surfaces that come in contact with the pool including brushes and poles. It can also be growing behind pool lights, in rail mounts, etc.
What does black algae look like in pool?
It usually appears on the pool surface as isolated black spots, dark circular patterns, or blotchy black patches. A few samples are shown below. However, there are a couple of black algae “false-alarms” if the black spots appear as isolated dots on the pool surface.
What should the pH level be in a pool to prevent black algae?
Failing to monitor the pH levels of your pool could mean your black algae problem only gets worse. This is why it’s important to make sure your pH levels are between 7.4 and 7.6, and your alkalinity is between 120 and 150 parts per million. Doing so will keep the chlorine working at maximum efficiency.
Any time your pool drops below 1 ppm of free chlorine, you are in the danger zone for algae (not to mention bacteria and viruses), especially if your pH and Alkalinity levels are off too! When your chlorine level is not high enough, it fails to kill organic compounds that aid in algae growth.
If so, then it might be black algae instead. Mustard/yellow algae takes a higher chlorine level of 60% of the CYA level (vs. 40% of the CYA level for green algae) to kill effectively and you have to kill it on all surfaces that come in contact with the pool including brushes and poles. It can also be growing behind pool lights, in rail mounts, etc.
