There’s nothing better than the first swim of the year—after a long, cold winter—unless, of course, your pool is covered in green, stringy and slimy algae. This article is just for you if you’ve battled with keeping algae away in the past (without much success), or if you’re a new pool owner who wants to succeed with a crystal clear pool the first time around.
Dead Algae Cells and Imbalanced pH Levels
With the end of the summer and the beginning of fall comes the changing colors of leaves, pumpkin-flavored everything (!) and let’s face it—a bit of slack when it comes to pool maintenance. So, while it may be a relief to close up your pool until the springtime and/or summer, don’t take your current pool state—which may be clean and clear—for granted. The fact is, your pool cover (even the highest quality one) cannot prevent algae from growing.
In fact, if you’re not up-to-date and current with your pool chemicals, and your pH levels are unbalanced, your pool may already be vulnerable to growing algae—simply because it is already stained with dead algae cells. Many pool owners make the mistake of thinking that if their pool cover is preventing light from hitting their pool, there are at low risk for algae forming.
However, the truth is, several forms of algae can grow in pools even when there is very little light coming in—with some algae even acclimating to no light at all. In fact, did you know that there is some type of algae that can actually become dormant during the winter months, and then grow again in the spring and summertime? That’s a problem you don’t want to have when it’s swimming weather again—so here’s some steps to take, in order to prevent it entirely:
- Prevent algae and stains from forming by cleaning your pool twice—once now, and once again when you open it back up. Stains can develop when debris, leaves and dirt mix with minerals and salt.
- Talk to a pool professional, or call Royal Swimming Pools for free advice. When you don’t balance your pool with the appropriate chemicals before closing it down for the winter, your pool will turn green. A high pH level can also damage your pool walls. Investing in a winterization chemical kit is the best and most affordable way to keep your pool healthy.
- Invest in a high quality pool cover to reduce algae growth. To minimize the risk of algae growth, invest in a durable, winterization pool cover. This will drastically help your pool to stay clear of dirt, debris, and sunlight (which will increase algae growth).
With the winter coming, algae is a risk—but it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Think one step ahead by ensuring your pool chemical levels are accurate, investing in a pool cover, and have your ‘emergency’ supplies on hand for the freezing months ( extra supply of chemicals, repair kit should you need to patch up your pool cover, etc.)
