How to Maintain an Algae-Free Pool Kelowna Homeowners Will Enjoy
If you don’t keep up with regular maintenance, you could end up with a pool Kelowna residents won’t swim in.
Have you ever had that moment when you go to use your swimming pool, only to find there’s an unmistakable tinge caused by algae? If you have, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure an algae-free pool Kelowna homeowners love to use.
One of the frustrating things about an algae bloom is it can happen at any time. One morning, you could go for a dip in crystal-clear water, and by the next day it could be a murky mess.
What Is Algae?
Algae are living aquatic creatures that can multiply rapidly under the right conditions. They use photosynthesis to grow, and on a warm Okanagan day, they can really take off if your water chemistry is out of balance.
Algae can enter a pool in numerous ways, including:
- Wind
- Rain
- Pool equipment
- Swimsuits
There are also many different types of algae, each with its own specific characteristics. For simplicity, most are identified by colour, with green algae being the most common variety in the types of swimming pool Kelowna residents use.
Is Algae Harmful?
While algae aren’t directly harmful to humans, they can create an environment where aerobic bacteria, such as E. coli, can thrive. (Through photosynthesis, an alga converts carbon dioxide into oxygen, which helps create a favourable environment for these bacteria).
Additionally, algae can cause underwater pool surfaces to become slippery, including:
- Floor
- Walls
- Ladders
- Steps
This can lead to falling-related injuries.
What Happens if an Algae Bloom Occurs?
Once algae take hold, they can be hard to get rid of completely. It typically requires a combination of:
- Scrubbing pool surfaces
- Shocking the water
- Changing filters
- Balancing water chemistry
- Vacuuming loosened algae and debris
- Applying an algaecide to the water
While many homeowners are capable of managing an algae bloom themselves, others prefer to hire professional pool companies Kelowna residents recommend. That way, you’re guaranteed to get good results.
For more on this, read: Kelowna Pools: 4 Maintenance and Upgrade Items Best Left to Professionals.
Prevention Is Key
Rather than endure the rigmarole of eradicating an algae bloom, it’s far easier to adopt a proactive approach to pool maintenance so that it doesn’t happen in the first place. By adopting a steadfast maintenance routine, it’ll become second nature. It requires minimal effort and it will allow you to use your pool without interruption.
To maintain clean, clear swimming pool water, it requires a combination of three things:
- Water circulation
- Effective filtration
- Proper sanitation
If you can stay on top of this, you’ll stand a good chance of keeping algae at bay indefinitely.
If you’re after the type of swimming pool Kelowna residents covet, talk to Rafter 4K Contracting. With an extensive background in custom pool installations, we’ll create the ideal pool for your home and lifestyle choices.
