Part Three in a Series on Pools - Annoying Algae
August 19th, 2008 categories: Home Improvement & Design
BRYAN, TX — Most problems with swimming pools occur because of inadequate water maintenance. Yes Virginia I’m saying it’s your fault…user error. When your schedule gets busy, it is hard to continue the weekly regimen. The algae grows and the water clouds over. The sides become stained and no one wants to go near the stink tank.
But with regular chemical testing and remedies, your pool can be a relaxing experience. You can also save money by preventing problems that require pricey solutions.
Algae receives the greatest attention from pool owners, mostly because it is a visible problem - ugly. More than 20000 species of algae exist on earth but only a few of these can be found in our swimming pools. Algae is just a plant that cannot make you sick. But it provides food for bacteria that can make you sick.
Your chemistry lesson for the day: when algae blooms, the chlorine in the water is used up battling the plant growth. That causes the pH to increase and the remaining chlorine efficiency to decrease. (pH is the amount of acidity in the water. Diseases thrive on high pH.) Aside from the nasty skum, algae can give off skanky odors and flavors. In really bad cases, it can stain the pool surfaces.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure…thanks Benjamin Franklin! Mark your calendar, set a reminder in your computer to remind you to check the chemicals weekly. Some seasons even more frequently, depending on the rainfall and humidity. Algae will not grow if the chlorine and pH are properly balanced. Be diligent to protect your investment.
The scary part of this story is the invisible organisms that may be in your pool, but you can’t see them and their evidence is not immediately apparent. But that’s a story for another day. To read previous entries on this series on pools, see http://thecenturytreereader.com/author/cindy-seaton/ .
Skinny Skoop: If you easily forget your pool treatments, set an electronic reminder to help you maintain your pool.
Now we know where to send Raylene’s extra ducks!
Ok, just checked Calendar…My salt water system has been installed for 8 months and 2 weeks and I have not touched the water with any chemicals…Checked PH this morning and it was perfect (even with all this rain)