How to Kill Pool Algae in AZ: A Complete Guide

The warm climate in Arizona makes it a paradise for pool owners. However, the climate is also well known for causing algae growth. With long, sunny days, soaring temperatures, and a lot of use, even the cleanest swimming pool can be vulnerable to an algae outbreak.

Green, yellow, and black algae are all common in Tucson, and pool owners need to understand how to identify them, treat the algae, and prevent algae growth in the future. E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies can provide dependable pool service Tucson.

What Causes Pool Algae in Arizona?

Algae are microscopic organisms. Algae requires warm, stagnant, un-sanitized water. Not only does algae cause a green pool, it can also create a very slippery pool floor, clog up the filtration system, and negatively affect chemical balance. It can also float on the water's surface. Also, of course, algae growth can pose health risks.

Common causes of algae growth include:

• High temperatures - With Tucson's summer temps often reaching 100 F and above, it causes pool temperatures to rise, creating a nice place for algae growth.

• High UV Rays - When UV rays hit a pool, pH and chlorine levels drop, which allows algae to grow.

• Poor Circulation - If the pool filter isn't working as it should be, and the water isn't circulating, it could create a dead zone where algae spores can settle.

• Low Chlorine Levels - Following storms or pool parties where a lot of debris could be introduced to a pool, chlorine levels could fall, which invites algae to grow.

• Poor Maintenance - If cleanings are skipped, debris builds up, or pool maintenance isn't done correctly, it could lead to an imbalance, which algae love.

The Different Types of Pool Algae

Before treating algae, it's important to know what type of algae is in the pool. Algae found in a pool is one of three types: green algae, yellow algae, and black algae.

1. Green Algae

Green algae is the most common form of algae. It grows very fast, and it turns the water bright green or cloudy. The algae settles on pool walls and ladders, which means it makes everything slippery and dangerous. It's easy to remove algae like this, but if the pool chemistry isn't changed, it will quickly come back.

2. Yellow (Mustard) Algae

Yellow, sometimes called mustard algae, is found in areas of a pool that is shady. It is common in the Southwest, and it is more resistant to chlorine and chemical levels than green algae.

3. Black Algae

Black algae is the third type, and it is very common in plaster pools over other types of pools. This is a persistent algae that roots into the pool's surface. Brushing and chemicals often can't help, and a professional is usually needed to deal with it.

Step-by-Step: How to Kill Pool Algae in AZ

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to kill algae and keep a pool sparkling:

Step 1: Test and Balance the Pool Water

A test kit or test strips can be used to check chemical levels. Before treating algae, check the following with a test kit:

• Chlorine - Should be 2-4 ppm. Powder or liquid chlorine can be added to maintain this.

• pH - The pool's pH levels should be around 7.2 - 7.6. It's better to have a lower pH before shocking.

• Alkalinity - Should be 80 - 120 ppm.

• Stabilizer (CYA) - Range from 30 - 50 ppm.

Step 2: Brush the Pool Thoroughly

Depending on the pool surface material, use a nylon or stainless steel brush to clean all pool surfaces and pool equipment including ladders, steps, lights, walls, floors, etc. Make sure to focus on shady or low-circulation areas. For green algae, it's best to be gentle when brushing, and with yellow algae, usually more force is necessary. With black algae growth that is on a plaster pool, a wire brush should be used to clean it.

Step 3: Shock the Pool

Shocking the pool means adding a big dose of chlorine that will kill bacteria and organic matter. It's best to use Cal-Hypo (calcium hypochlorite) or sodium hypochlorite. For green algae shock treatment, it's recommended to use 2-3 times the recommended dose. For yellow algae, use 4x the dose. For black algae, use 4x the dose and repeat after 24 hours.

When shocking a pool, the pool pump should be continuously run for around 48 hours. E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies can explain the difference in chlorine vs bromine for your pool as well.

Step 4: Add Algaecide (Optional, But Helpful)

After shocking the pool, an algaecide can also be used. It will kill any lingering spores. Don't use algaecide unless the chlorine levels are below 5 ppm.

Step 5: Clean Your Filter

Clean the filter system after the algae die off. They will be trapped in there. If the filter isn't clean, it might not stop algae growth. All parts of the filter should be cleaned, and a commercial filter cleaner might be a good idea.

Step 6: Vacuum the Dead Algae

After running the filter for a day or two, the final step is to vacuum the pool thoroughly and then rebalance the chemicals before putting on the bathing suits and jumping in. E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies can also help with understanding alkalinity in your pool.

How to Prevent Algae in Arizona Pools

Once the algae is killed off, regular pool maintenance can help to keep the pool clean. Here are some pool care tips to always keep a well-maintained pool:

1. Maintain Consistent Chlorine Levels

In Arizona, the hot sun causes chlorine levels to fall fast, so it's a good idea to use a chlorine stabilizer to keep the levels between 2-4 ppm.

2. Brush and Skim Regularly

Keeping the pool free from debris will also help keep algae from settling in.

3. Check Circulation and Filtration

Ideally, to maintain crystal clear water, the filtration system should be run for 8-12 hours a day. All areas of the pool should have good circulation.

4. Shock Weekly During Peak Season

During the hottest month, regular maintenance involves weekly shock treatments. This is also important following dust storms or when other debris gets into the pool.

5. Use a Weekly Algaecide

During the pool season, a small dose of algaecide can help to prevent algae problems year round.

When to Call a Professional

Even if a pool owner does their best, algae spores can come and take over a pool. In this case, a professional company like E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies can help improve water clarity, avoid costly repairs, and ensure that a pool is the perfect environment for swimming. Call today for more information.