What Is Black Algae?

For pool owners, maintaining crystal-clear water can be challenging. One of the most stubborn and frustrating issues to deal with is the growth of black algae. Though it’s not harmful to humans, black algae in pools is unsightly and difficult to eradicate. Unlike common algae, which can be relatively easy to treat, black algae require more aggressive methods to control and eliminate.

Black algae are actually a type of cyanobacteria, a microscopic organism that thrives in moist, warm environments, such as swimming pools. It forms dark green or black spots on pool surfaces, primarily in areas with poor water circulation, such as corners, steps, and pool walls.

While it appears black, its outer layers are dark green or blue-green, and it’s protected by a waxy, chlorine-resistant coating. This makes it tough to penetrate with regular pool chemicals. Unlike green algae, which can spread rapidly across the water, black algae grow slowly but form deep roots into the porous surfaces of the pool, such as plaster, tile grout, and concrete.

Causes of Black Algae in Pools

  • Lack of Circulation: Poor water circulation allows certain areas of the pool to become stagnant, creating an ideal breeding ground for algae.
  • Low Chlorine Levels: Inadequate sanitization or inconsistent chlorine levels reduce the pool’s ability to combat algae growth.
  • Poor Pool Maintenance: If debris like leaves and dirt are not regularly removed, they can contribute to the growth of black algae by providing a nutrient-rich environment.
  • Contaminated Swimsuits or Equipment: Algae spores can be introduced into the pool from contaminated swim gear or equipment that’s been used in other natural water sources such as lakes or rivers.

Why is Black Algae So Stubborn?

Black algae form strong root structures that penetrate deep into porous surfaces, which makes it difficult to remove with regular scrubbing. Additionally, its waxy coating acts as a shield, making it resistant to most chemical treatments. Even if you manage to clean the surface spots, the roots can remain and allow the algae to regrow.

Dangers of Black Algae

While black algae are not directly harmful to swimmers, they can degrade the quality of your pool water. The bacteria itself can harbor harmful pathogens, and the longer it remains in your pool, the more difficult and expensive it becomes to remove. Furthermore, black algae can damage the pool’s structure over time, especially if it spreads deep into the walls and floor.

How to Remove Black Algae from Pools

Silver Algaedyn is the most effective chemical for eliminating and preventing Black Algae in swimming pools. Silver Algaedyn will save hours of back breaking scrubbing and shocking by easily taking out the black algae.

  1. Brush pool walls and floors
  2. Clean the filter
  3. Adjust pH to 7.2 – 7.4
  4. Raise chlorine residual level to 3ppm
  5. Add Silver Algaedyn to the skimmer
    – If pool does not have a skimmer simply add Algaedyn to the water below the water line in front of the returns
  6. Keep filter in operation until the condition clears

By using Silver Algaedyn you will save yourself many trips to the pool store and visits back to the pool being treated. Silver Algaedyn is a premium chemical that is specially formulated to destroy Black Algae.

If the pool is a known black algae pool simply add small amounts of algaedyn to the pool at the beginning of the season to ensure the black algae does not return. Maintenance and Directions in Spanish

Conclusion

Dealing with black algae in your pool can be frustrating and time-consuming. Switching to treating the black algae with Silver Algaedyn will dramatically improve your pool experience by making this once hard to deal with problem a problem no more.