The nicely done outdoor swimming pool at a residence quickly becomes an entertainment hotspot. But these premium features need your love and care to avoid common problems like algae growth. While green algae make your pool slimy, yellow algae or mustard algae appears in the form of pollen or dirt on the pool walls. It tends to be dry than the green algae that usually feels more sticky. Therefore, you cannot threaten it with chlorine sometimes. Besides, the spore can cling to water toys, bathing suits, and pool equipment and migrate to other surfaces. That’s why it is crucial to be alert as soon as you notice the sign of mustard algae in and around the pool.
The best way to deal with it is prevention. You can buy one of the suitable swimming pool covers to block the main culprits like dirt and debris from entering the area and causing mustard algae. But you would have to treat the water first if contamination has already occurred.
Spotting Yellow Algae in the Pool
Also referred to as yellow-green algae, it usually occurs in warmer seasons and thrives in freshwater. It affects the water quality. But if not checked on time, it can disrupt the maintenance and balance of water. When this happens, pool filters and tools become vulnerable. Plus, you may have to spend money on testing and chemicals. The risk of infestation is also there. Bacteria and microorganisms like E Coli can grow. All this can be extremely dangerous for your health. Hence, you have to investigate your pool thoroughly.
The yellow algae need shade and still water. So, you can find it on the pool walls or the bottom surface. Or, if your swimming pool doesn’t have an outdoor pool enclosure and hence receives plenty of sunlight, you can look for it in the dead spots, under ladders and lights, little crevices, etc. It is the first step to getting rid of this issue.
Removing Mustard Algae in the Swimming Pool
You have to clean every small and large thing that comes in contact with yellow algae. Because it hides in difficult areas, and you cannot relax before eliminating it from everywhere. It involves a thorough process. For example, you can use a pool brush to scrub algae from gaskets, seals, and fixtures, and the base of ladders and steps. As you clean, let the algae go down. Then, you can use a vacuum to suck it from the surface. Besides, check the pH and alkaline levels. These have to be in the range of 7.2 – 7.6 and 80 – 120 ppm, respectively. Once again, you can take the brush to attack the remaining algae after the chemical or shock treatment.
You can place swimming pool equipment and hoses in the shallow end to sanitize the pool during the shock process. However, experts suggest that you must increase chemicals. Besides, you can rely on a chlorine accelerator to do your job. Some mustard algae removal products contain sodium bromide. It can be more impactful on mustard algae than pure chlorine. For quantity, you can refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
You need to take good care of pool filters, as these microorganisms can sneak in there. Keep chlorine levels high for 3 to 5 more days and adequately clean with a brush. Add chemicals once more. Let a few days pass, and you can again shock your swimming pool. However, it cannot be high this time. You need to follow this to end algae. Also, you can apply algaecide from time to time as prevention.
Preventing the Growth of Mustard Algae
Nowadays, pool owners use a swimming pool retractable roof to avoid these common problems. If you built it recently, you can follow in their footsteps and stay away from this headache. Still, showing a bit of care to your prestigious pool from time to time can only be advantageous for your property. For this, you have to perform a few tasks. First, pH and alkalinity levels should remain in the best range. So, test the water quality. Your pump and filter can work for about 12 hours per day. Some pools may require 24-hour circulation, though.
Although life becomes easy with automatic pool covers, occasional brushing and vacuum cleaning are a must activity. Other than this, you have to use quality sanitizer. Like most people, you may apply chlorine. But you need to maintain its balance. Shocking the pool with non-chlorine or chlorine products is also a good practice to pursue.
While it can feel like a mammoth task, you cannot overlook the fact that your swimming pool does a lot for your home and its ambiance. Its presence increases your property’s resale value. And when you live in a house with an outdoor pool, you don’t have to go anywhere else to soak in the soothing water. Instead, you can dive into your private outdoor pool for fun and relaxation.