pool and spa construction

If you’re like most people you have a basic understanding of algae. It’s green, it’s slimy and it’s definitely not something you want running a muck in your pool.

However—you may not know that there are three types of algae that can turn your beautiful, outdoor relaxation spot into an unpleasant mess.

Black algae

Black algae isn’t so much black as it is a mixture of dark blue-green. If you’ve noticed that dark colored specks (that resemble dirt) have started to appear on the bottom of your pool, this could be a sign that this type of algae is about to take over. If the specks aren’t addressed they will start to grow larger- and once they reach a certain size, the algae will start to reproduce at a very rapid rate.

Black algae will expand quickly over the bottom of your pool and if left unchecked, it will seep into the plaster and concrete base. If the problem becomes significant enough it can actually cause structural damage.

Suffice to say, if you plan on being out of town for an extended period of time, you’ll want to have a pool technician monitor your pool in your absence to make sure this doesn’t happen.

Yellow Algae

Yellow algae grows at a much slower rate than green and black algae, but it tends to be harder to kill off. Yes, you can use a brush to remove the surface layer, but you’ll still need to treat the water with chemicals to make sure what’s left is killed off. Most pool experts agree that super chlorination is the best way to address a yellow algae problem.

Green Algae

Green algae is by far the most common type of algae that pool owners find themselves dealing with. It begins by forming a green slime layer on the surface area of the water. What can’t be skimmed can generally be cleaned with a brush, but that’s no to say you won’t need to treat the water to prevent it from getting worse. Again, if green algae grows unchecked it can take over a pool or spa with rapid speed.

Algae experts

Algae is among the most widespread issues that pool and spa owners deal with and, not surprisingly, it’s a top reason why you may want to consider hiring a professional to help to ensure the problem doesn’t occur.

If you want more information about how Wetworks Pool and Spa can help you clean and monitor your pool next summer, give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss how we can help you keep your pool and spa looking great.

Our company has more than 20 years of experience in the swimming pool industry.

We have an A+ rating with the BBB and we have a long list of clients that would be happy to provide you with information about the type and level of customer care we provide.

by SEOteam

Everyone who has ever owned a swimming pool has likely had to deal with an algae problem. No matter how much you vacuum, scrub and sanitize your pool, there are times when even the most diligent pool owners will walk outside only to find their pool water looks greener than their grass.

Since it’s impossible to keep all algae spoors out of your pool, you’ll want to take some steps that will prevent them from blooming.

Check your filtration

The most important step in preventing an algae bloom involves checking the filtration system. If your water isn’t circulating properly, this could lead to some problems. Remember, if your pump strainer baskets are dirty, and if you fail to skim the surface of your pool on a regular basis, you’ll be far more likely to have an algae problem than if you were to be diligent about taking preventative measures.

When your strainers are full of things like leaves, twigs and dirt, your water (and the sanitizing chemicals you use to keep it clean) won’t be able to flow freely.

Make sure your pool chemicals are maintained in their proper range

Algae spores are generally killed by chlorine and other types of pool water sanitizers. When sanitizer levels get low, the spores tend to jump on the opportunity to run amuck.

People with chlorine pools will want to keep the levels somewhere between 2.0 and 4.0 parts per million. Some of our clients find that a floating chlorinator can help keep the chlorine levels in their pool more constant.

Shock treatment

Some pool owners prefer to shock their pool on a regular basis. When you shock your pool, you’re super chlorinating the water by adding three to five times the typical amount of chlorine to the water. This temporarily raises the chlorine levels in the water by a substantial amount, for a short period of time.

If you have questions about how often you should shock your pool, Call Wetworks Pool and Spa today at 720-401-0004 to speak with a customer service agent in your area.

Have a regular brushing routine

Pool walls, steps and floors are among the most common places that algae will collect. If you don’t scrub your pool on a regular basis, you run the risk of having some of that algae burrow its way into the cracks, which can make it very difficult to remove.

Remember- an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

If you have questions about which type of brush will work best with your pool, call us today to learn more.

Pool and spa experts in Northern Colorado

When you work with Wetworks Pool and Spa you’ll be working with a family owned and operated the company that has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We’re licensed, we’re insured, and we only hire the most experienced, reliable and professional staff.

For more information on our company and the types of services we provide, or if you’d like additional information about the types of equipment that every pool owner should own, call us today at 720-401-0004.

by SEOteam

Rain happens.

Regardless as to whether you already own a pool or you’re thinking about having one put in, you’ve likely realized that heavy rainstorms can increase a pool’s water level by quite a bit.

Questions about how to drain out the excess are common during the spring and summer months—and while draining excess water isn’t a terribly difficult task, there are some safety guidelines you’ll want to keep in mind.

Safety first

This is a task that’s best left to adults—don’t pass it off to your kids.
Don’t wander off while you’re draining your pool. This is not the optimal time to step out to go to the market.
Make sure the discharged water is draining into an appropriate space—aka, you want to make sure you don’t inadvertently flood your neighbor’s yard.
Don’t operate any electrical equipment if you’re standing in water.

Steps to drain your pool

First things first! Be sure to turn the main pool pump off, if you haven’t done that already.
When you’re looking at the pump, look for a handle. It will look similar to the one that’s on the side of your house, when you want to turn hose water on and off. This handle tends to be located near the base of the water pump.
When you open the valve, water will begin to drain. When the water level in your pool reduces to an appropriate height, close the valve.

Have questions? Call Wetworks Pool & Spa today

You may be surprised to learn that our company has received hundreds of calls from local pool owners who are desperately wanting to know the best way to drain excess water from their pool.

Not only can excess water lead to contamination from nearby planters, excess water can also flood your deck.

If you’re concerned about draining water from a saltwater pool, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about that, as well.

We should also mention that if you’re thinking about draining some of the excess liquid in your saltwater pool onto your grass, you may want to think twice. Although it’s unlikely that the salt content will damage kill your grass, the leftover salt could cause some problems.

Why? Because when salt begins to build up in the soil, it will start to absorb nutrients and water, which, over time, means your soil may no longer be able to sustain plant growth.

Pool experts in Northern Colorado

Our company has years of experience in helping local home and business owners maintain, install and repair both saltwater and chlorine pools.

We understand the importance of helping you maintain your investment, so that you and your family are able to enjoy your pool in the weeks and years to come.

For more information about our maintenance packages, or if you have additional questions about how to best drain excess water from your pool, call us today at 720-401-0004 to learn more.

Tag: pool and spa construction

Three Types of Pool Algae You Should Know About