Yellow Algae in Pools
We want to take this time to share with our clients an issue which is most common in pools during spring months.
Yellow algae or Mustard algae is known by its distinctive color and texture. It resists chlorine and can survive outside of the water, so the tiny cells of algae can get carried from place to place. Standing warm water is a perfect environment for algae and bacteria to develop.
Is it dangerous to swim in a pool with yellow algae?
It is not dangerous, but if you swim in it, it can spread and take over the pool, which makes it harder to treat.
What should I do if my pool starts to look yellow?
Contact Crystal Pools right away via email at info@crystalpoolsfl.com so we can visit your property and treat it.
Why don’t normal pool chemicals prevent yellow algae blooms?
Since yellow algae is resistant to chlorine levels that are maintained in residential pools, it is not a reflection of poor chemistry levels.
How are yellow algae blooms treated?
Bromine is the chemical used to treat yellow algae. Since it is not a chemical that is maintained in the pool, mustard algae blooms can occur even when chlorine, PH, stabilizer, alkalinity and calcium hardness are within an ideal range.
How can I prevent yellow algae in my pool?
Phosphate Remover can be added to your pool to help prevent yellow algae blooms. We especially recommend it for pools that get yellow algae blooms every spring. Contact us for a quote.
Also, it is advised to wash bathing suits after each use since algae can live on bathing suits and spread the algae throughout your pool.
Why does yellow algae bloom so often in the spring?
During winter months when water temperatures are colder, algae does not develop as quickly as it does in warmer temperature. Once temperatures warm up, a pool can go from being beautiful to completely yellow in a 12 hour span.
Spring time is also when plants are most active. The amount of pollen produced by nearby vegetation will act like seeds to increase the chances of issues in the pool water.
How does phosphate contribute to yellow algae blooms?
Phosphate concentration in the pool acts as food for algae, so a pool with a high phosphate level will provide the ideal environment for a bloom. Phosphate comes from plant fertilizer (spraying lawn) also from adding water to your pool. I personally tested our tap water in Jupiter on 4/10/20 and it read 1000 ppb phosphate concentration.
During drier months it is not uncommon to add a half to one inch of water to your pool each week which translates to hundreds of gallons of water with a considerable amount of phosphate added to your pool and it also dilutes the chemicals in your pool.
Do you have a question or a concern? The best way to contact us is via EMAIL. We answer promptly and when we receive emails we can save our communications historically on your account.