| Causes: Algae occurs due to the same key factors as
cloudy water:
- Improper sanitation - the sanitizer level is too low in the pool.
- Improper circulation - the pump and filter are not running enough
hours per day.
- Improper water balance - pH needs to be between 7.2 and 7.8, and Total
Alkalinity (TA) should be 60-120 ppm.
There are a number of things that contribute to the above causes of algae.
When these occur check to make sure your sanitizer and water balance
are in line.
- Heavy or continuous rain
- Extra swimmers (like a pool party)
- A dirty filter (slows down circulation)
- Feeder or floater is empty
- Over use of chemicals, like a stabilizer
- Heavy organic load (leaves, bugs, etc)
Solution: If algae has formed in the water or on the
pool surfaces, follow the steps below to increase clarity in the
pool:
- Shock the pool with chlorine daily until the chlorine level stays
above 2.0 ppm.
- Brush and vacuum the algae from the surfaces twice a day. Then backwash
or clean the filter to remove dead algae.
- Increase your pump run time to 24 hours per day until clarity returns.
Then consider increasing your pump run time per day if algae
is a persistent issue. Smaller pools (under 15,000 gallons) should
start at 8 hours per day and increase if needed, while larger pools
(15,000 to 25,000 gallons) should start at 12 hours per day.
- Consider an Algae Protection
Guarantee with our FROG Mineral
System.
Checklist for solving Algae problems when using POOl FROG
Types of algae
- Green Algae. Most common algae growth. Forms in green patches on pool
and spa surfaces. Can be removed by brushing, but must be treated with chemicals.
- Yellow or Mustard Algae. It creates a slimy layer that guards it from
sanitizers. When brushed, yellow algae is removed easily but returns quickly.
Yellow Algae can set in on any pool or spa. Chlorine may slow its growth, but
will not completely kill this strain of Algae. An algaecide must be used to
effectively kill and prevent this algae.
- Black Algae. Algae with dark blue, black and green color. Grown in colonies
as small dots. Forms a protective layer over itself visible mostly in white plaster.
- Pink Algae. This pink slime is really a form of water mold and not algae.
The condition looks and sounds worse than it is. The mold has the appearance of
shredded tissue paper in the water. The primary cause is a soil bacteria
that is harmless to humans.
Common causes of algae
- Insufficient sanitizer. Make sure your chlorine level is not too low.
- Possible chemical imbalance. Adjust your pH to the recommended range.
- Circulation pattern of the pool. Adjusting the return jets can help minimize dead spots where circulation is poor.
- Improperly operating pool equipment. Check your pump and filter for any problems.
- Environmental issues related to the weather or the introduction of other chemicals
like phosphates or organic waste such as perspiration or urine.
Steps for elimination of algae
1. Circulate the pool water for 24 hours continuously while fighting the algae problem.
2. Raise the concentration of free available chlorine to 3-5 ppm with a non-stabilized chlorine shock.
3. Check the pool pH and balance to 7.2 – 7.6.
4. Brush and vacuum the algae at least twice daily.
5. After brushing and vacuuming, clean or backwash the filter to remove the dead algae from the filter media.
6. When the pool returns to a clear and algae free condition, return to normal operating mode.
7. Black algae and mustard algae can leave stains behind on the pool surfaces. If the stains are present, maintain the chlorine residual at about 2 ppm and keep brushing the stains. If they do not lighten within two weeks, consult your pool professional.
Preventing algae in the future.
FROG BAM is your Algae Knock-Out Champ. Now you can sit back,
and relax with the piece of mind that FROG BAM is hard at work in your pool.
The unique mineral formula is tailor-made for preventing algae up to 90 days.
For POOL FROG users, FROG BAM has a unique dispensing method for
even distribution throughout the pool. When used with the complete POOL FROG
system, King Technology offers a No Algae Guarantee! Just follow the 90/90 Rule:
- Remove your chlorine Bac Pac.
- Insert FROG BAM inside the Mineral Reservoir. Push down to puncture the seal.
- Replace cap, set dial to maximum and turn on your pump. Allow FROG BAM to circulate into your
pool water for 90 minutes.
- Turn off your pump.
- Remove and discard FROG BAM cartridge.
- Replace chlorine Bac Pac back inside the Mineral Reservoir.
- Repeat every 90 days.
FROG BAM works great for New Water and Perform-Max users,
too. Simply pour into the pool as you walk around the perimeter.
You'll still have algae protection for 90 days but the No
Algae Guarantee is only applicable for POOL FROG users. Click here
for more information about FROG
BAM.
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