Algae Treatment & Prevention
Algae can take over a pool in a matter of days, turning clear water into a green, cloudy mess. Witt Co Pool Pros provides thorough algae removal and long-term prevention plans to keep your Destin or Emerald Coast pool sparkling clean and safe to swim in.
Types of Pool Algae
Not all algae are the same. Each type requires a different treatment approach for effective removal and prevention.
Green Algae
The most common type of pool algae. Green algae floats freely in the water, turning it cloudy and green. It can appear seemingly overnight, especially after a rainstorm or when chlorine levels drop. Green algae clings to walls, floors, and steps, making surfaces slippery. While it is the easiest type to treat, it spreads rapidly if not addressed promptly. Our treatment involves aggressive shocking, thorough brushing, and filter cycling to restore water clarity.
Black Algae
Black algae is the most stubborn and difficult to eliminate. It forms dark blue-green or black spots on pool surfaces, typically on plaster, concrete, and grout lines. Black algae has deep roots that penetrate into porous surfaces and a protective outer layer that resists normal chlorine levels. Complete removal requires aggressive brushing with a stainless steel brush, concentrated algaecide application, and persistent multi-day treatment to reach the roots beneath the surface.
Mustard (Yellow) Algae
Mustard algae appears as yellowish-brown or sand-colored patches, usually on the shady side of the pool. It is often mistaken for dirt or sand because of its color and powdery texture. Mustard algae is chlorine-resistant and can cling to pool equipment, toys, and swimsuits, re-infecting the pool after treatment. Eradication requires specialized algaecide, thorough cleaning of all pool accessories, and sanitizing anything that has come in contact with the pool water.
What Causes Algae Growth
Understanding why algae grows helps you prevent future outbreaks. Here in the Destin and Emerald Coast area, our warm climate creates ideal conditions for algae.
Low Chlorine Levels
When free chlorine drops below 1 ppm, algae spores that are always present in the environment can begin to multiply rapidly. Florida's intense sun breaks down chlorine quickly, making it critical to maintain consistent sanitizer levels. Skipping pool service or running out of chlorine tablets is the number one cause of algae blooms in our area.
Poor Circulation
Dead spots in your pool where water does not circulate properly create the perfect breeding ground for algae. Stagnant water behind ladders, in corners, and around steps allows algae to take hold. A pump that is not running enough hours per day or clogged return jets can reduce circulation and promote algae growth.
Warm Temperatures & Sunlight
Florida's warm temperatures and abundant sunshine accelerate algae growth significantly. Water temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit combined with direct sunlight create an ideal environment for algae to thrive. Pools in full sun exposure are especially vulnerable during the summer months and need extra attention.
Unbalanced pH & Chemistry
When pH levels drift outside the optimal range of 7.2 to 7.6, chlorine becomes significantly less effective at killing algae. High pH dramatically reduces chlorine's sanitizing power, while low cyanuric acid (stabilizer) levels allow the sun to destroy chlorine before it can do its job. Proper water balance is your first line of defense.
Our Algae Treatment Process
We follow a proven, multi-step process to eliminate algae completely and prevent it from coming back.
Assessment
We identify the type of algae, test your water chemistry, inspect your equipment, and evaluate the severity of the bloom to determine the best course of treatment.
Aggressive Brushing
We thoroughly brush all pool surfaces including walls, floors, steps, and behind ladders to break up algae colonies and expose them to the treatment chemicals.
Shock & Treat
We apply a heavy dose of shock treatment along with targeted algaecide based on the specific type of algae. The pump runs continuously to circulate chemicals throughout the pool.
Filter & Follow-Up
We clean or backwash the filter to remove dead algae, vacuum the pool, retest water chemistry, and schedule follow-up visits to ensure the algae is completely gone.
What to Expect: Before & After Treatment
Here is a comparison of what your pool looks like during an algae outbreak versus after our professional treatment.
Before Treatment
- Water Color: Green, cloudy, or murky water with zero visibility to the bottom of the pool
- Surfaces: Slimy, slippery walls and floor covered in algae growth
- Chlorine Levels: Near zero or unreadable free chlorine
- Filter: Clogged and overworked, struggling to circulate water
- Safety: Unsafe for swimming, potential bacteria and health hazards
After Treatment
- Water Color: Crystal-clear, sparkling blue water with full bottom visibility
- Surfaces: Clean, smooth walls and floor free of algae buildup
- Chlorine Levels: Properly balanced at 1-3 ppm with stable chemistry
- Filter: Clean filter operating at optimal pressure and flow rate
- Safety: Safe for swimming with properly sanitized, balanced water
Algae Prevention Tips
The best way to deal with algae is to prevent it from growing in the first place. Here are our top recommendations for keeping your Emerald Coast pool algae-free all year long.
- Maintain proper chlorine levels between 1-3 ppm at all times, testing at least twice per week during the summer months
- Run your pump 8-12 hours daily to ensure complete water circulation and prevent stagnant areas where algae can take hold
- Brush your pool weekly to prevent algae spores from attaching to surfaces, paying special attention to corners, steps, and shaded areas
- Keep pH between 7.2 and 7.6 so that your chlorine works at maximum effectiveness against algae spores
- Clean your filter regularly to maintain good water flow and filtration, which is critical for algae prevention
- Use a preventive algaecide weekly as part of your maintenance routine, especially during the warm Florida summer
- Shock your pool after heavy use or rainstorms to kill any algae spores that may have been introduced
Pro Tip: A weekly pool cleaning plan from Witt Co Pool Pros includes algae prevention as part of every visit. We monitor your water chemistry, brush surfaces, and add preventive treatments so you never have to deal with an algae outbreak.