Do you find yourself constantly struggling against mustard algae in your pool only to see it come back and ruin the beauty of your pool area? Not to mention the discomfort of swimming in water filled with unsightly algae. But you don’t have to endure this any longer.
By following the proper approach, such as maintaining appropriate water chemistry and circulation, regular brushing and vacuuming, and using specialized algaecides, you can keep mustard algae from taking over your pool. This blog will equip you with the necessary knowledge and strategies to prevent, treat and eradicate mustard algae completely, giving you a clean pool that you can enjoy without any worries.
What is Mustard Algae?
Mustard algae, also known as yellow algae or scientifically referred to as Xanthophyceae, is a type of single-celled flagellate that thrives in swimming pools. Unlike common green algae, mustard pool algae have a distinct appearance, resembling dirt or sand on the bottom or sides of the pool. It clings to pool surfaces with a slimy texture and is infamous for its resistance to chlorine, making it difficult to eliminate.
Mustard algae can easily find its way into your pool through several channels, such as rainfall, wind, and sticking to swimmers’ gear or pool equipment. Many pool owners are unaware of this fact, which can lead to unwanted growth and maintenance issues. Once it settles, it can quickly spread across different surfaces, usually starting in hard-to-reach areas. Its presence can cause your pool to look unappealing and lead to staining, cloudiness, and the potential growth of harmful bacteria.
Health Risks of Untreated Mustard Algae in a Pool
Mustard algae in a pool or spa can cause discomfort and irritation but are not generally harmful to human health. If left untreated, algae can result in an increase in harmful bacteria and other microorganisms in the water, which can lead to health issues such as:
- Skin irritation and rashes are common in individuals with sensitive skin when swimming in a pool or hot tub.
- Improperly balanced water can also cause redness, itching, and irritation in the eyes.
- Respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
- If the water is contaminated with harmful bacteria, it can lead to other infections such as swimmers’ ears, urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal infections.
Steps to Get Rid of Mustard Algae
Getting rid of mustard algae can be a challenging task, but it is possible with consistent effort and following the right steps. Here’s a general guide to help you eliminate mustard algae from your swimming pool:
- Identify the algae: First, confirming the presence of mustard algae and distinguishing types of algae is crucial for treating mustard algae. Pay attention to the signs of mustard algae which typically appear as yellowish-brown or mustard-coloured patches on pool surfaces, especially in low-circulation areas or shaded spots.
- Sort your pool equipment: Gather all your pool maintenance equipment, which includes hoses, poles, brushes, skimmers and vacuum heads. Once you have collected all these items, store them in a designated area that is located away from the pool itself. This will allow for proper sanitation of the equipment before it is used again, ensuring that your pool remains a safe and healthy environment for all to enjoy.
- Sanitise your swimwear and spa accessories: Get rid of any black algae on your bathing suits and pool accessories. Soak your bathing suit in a solution of water and bleach for at least 30 minutes. Use regular bleach for white suits and colour-safe bleach for coloured suits. Use a chlorine-based cleaner to wipe down all pool toys and accessories, including floats, pool noodles and diving toys.
- Brush and vacuum your pool: Brush the algae with a stiff bristles brush and vigorously brush all pool surfaces affected by algae. Focus on areas where algae are visibly present, such as pool walls, floors and steps. This process helps break down the algae’s protective layer, making it more susceptible to treatment. After brushing, vacuum the pool to remove mustard algae debris. Make sure to clean the vacuum thoroughly afterwards to prevent the spreading of the algae.
- Test and balance your pool chemistry: To ensure effective algae treatment in your pool, it’s important to use a water testing kit to test the water’s pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels. For optimal pool water quality, aim for an alkalinity level between 100 to 150 parts per million (ppm) and a pH level between 7.4 to 7.6. If adjustments are needed, refer to the testing kit instructions or seek guidance from a pool specialist.
- Shock your pool or add algaecide: Shocking the pool with chlorine is an essential step to kill mustard algae. The recommended dosage for shock treatment typically ranges from 3 to 5 times the normal amount of chlorine. For the green pool, you can also use algaecide such as Cyanuric Acid, a chlorine stabiliser that is dissolved in water, injected, or sprayed, prompting algae to senesce quickly. The recommended dosage for algaecide typically ranges from 8 to 12 ounces per 10,000 gallons of water.*Note: Don’t use pool shock and algaecide at the same time. Shock the pool first, then wait for chlorine levels to return to normal before adding algaecide to avoid making it ineffective. Also, when using chemicals and algaecides, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take appropriate safety precautions.
- Circulate the water: Turn on the pool pump and let it run continuously to circulate the water. Operate the pump and filter non-stop for 24 hours after adding the algaecide or shock to distribute them throughout the pool effectively. This helps remove dead algae cells and aids in distributing the chemicals throughout the pool.
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- Retest water chemistry: Once a few hours have passed or as per the product guidelines, it is recommended to recheck the water chemistry to ensure that chlorine levels have been restored to a safe range. If necessary, adjustments should be made accordingly.
- Continue maintenance and monitoring: Finally, to keep your pool clean and in top shape, it’s important to brush and vacuum it regularly. Additionally, be sure to monitor the water treatment and maintain sanitation and filtration. Keep a lookout for any signs of algae reoccurrence and consider reaching out to a pool professional if you’re having trouble getting rid of mustard algae.
Preventing Mustard Algae
Prevention is the crucial line of defence against mustard algae in your pool. By implementing effective preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of mustard algae outbreaks and ensure proper pool maintenance. Here are some key strategies for preventing mustard algae:
- Maintain Water Chemistry: It’s crucial to keep the water chemistry in balance. You should frequently test your pool and make necessary adjustments to the pH, alkalinity, and sanitiser levels of your pool.
- Adequate Circulation: Run your pool pump and filter for an appropriate duration each day to ensure efficient water circulation. This helps distribute chemicals evenly and prevents stagnant areas where algae can proliferate.
- Regular Brushing and Vacuuming: Brush and vacuum water surfaces regularly, especially hard-to-reach spots like corners, steps, and behind ladders, to prevent the colonisation of mustard algae spores.
- Maintain a Filtration System: Clean or backwash your pool filter regularly to remove any trapped debris or algae spores. A clean and efficient filtration system is vital in preventing algae growth.
- Remove Organic Matter: Leaves, grass and other organic debris provide nutrients for algae growth. Skim the pool surface and clean out skimmer baskets frequently to remove any organic matter.
A Mustard Algae-Free Pool Awaits!
Dealing with mustard algae in your pool can be a frustrating and ongoing challenge. But worry not, we at Jam Pool Removals possess the knowledge and specialised methods to kill the algae and maintain the cleanliness of your pool. Our tailored advice and maintenance solutions are crafted to prevent the recurrence of algae growth, ensuring that your pool remains a secure and welcoming place to swim throughout the entire swim season.
Don’t let mustard algae ruin your pool fun any longer. Get in touch with us today and witness the amazing results of our specialised algae removal solutions. Our qualified team is ready to provide you with quality service, support and equipment to ensure that you can relax and enjoy your pool to the fullest.
