The spots that we find, especially during the hottest months of the year, are known as BLACK ALGAE, these algae are persistent and difficult to remove without special treatment. At BEHQ, we have the definitive solution to this problem, using products such as... an algaecide for swimming pool and treatments of pool maintenance designed to work even on the most affected surfaces.
Black algae?
BEHQ's R&D department has found that black algae scientifically correspond to "filamentous cyanobacteria" that do not form specialized structures.
Cyanobacteria are a type of bacteria closely related to algae, as they can photosynthesize, just like algae and plants. This is why they are also green, although the color of these cyanobacteria is usually a blue-green, which can appear black when present in large quantities.
Filamentous cyanobacteria form clustered masses, forming what is known as bacterial biofilm, which gives them resistance and allows them to adhere strongly to the pool wall.
They are found mainly in pools with a mosaic tile structure, although they can also be seen in pools, for example, with microcement, quartz, painted ones, although it is more difficult, we can also find them in reinforced membrane or polyester pools.
They can appear on the walls and floor of the pool. Visually, they are black and are found in the shadiest and deepest areas, although they can be found throughout the pool. We must pay attention to the condition of the grout, as if it is not in optimal condition, this algae is more likely to appear.
To solve the problem, we must carry out the following steps and checks, relying on treatments such as shock chlorine, pool cleaner, and good maintenance of private pools.
The first thing we need to check is:
- To have a balance in the water, all parameters such as pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, Tds and phosphates must be at optimal levels.
- pH: 7,2
- Free chlorine: 1,5-2 ppm (or any oxidizing agent, whether bromine, oxygen, etc.)
- Calcium hardness: 200-400 ppm
- Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm
- Phosphates: 0 ppm
- Tds < 2000 ppm
- It is important to clarify what phosphates in water are.It is the food of algae and bacteria primarily, and comes mostly from:
- Well water.
- Through the air, rural areas phosphate crops (fertilizers), lawns around the pool.
- Residues of creams, suntan lotions and detergents whose formula includes phosphates or their derivatives.
Therefore, it is very important to eliminate phosphates so that black algae disappear more easily, facilitating proper pool maintenance.
The treatment we recommend is as follows:
- Brush the entire infected area.
- Apply PM 675 PHOS OUT 3XL 0.6L per 100m³ to help clarify the water along with the use of pool flocculant when necessary.
- After 30 minutes we apply PM 624 ALGIBLACK+ 1.5l per 100m3.
- After performing a weekly maintenance of 0.3l of PM 624 ALGIBLACK for every 100m3.
It's important to note that in some cases, colonies can form and grow in the pores of the grout. These colonies form layers, where the outer layers, which can be attacked by chlorine, protect the inner layers. These inner layers can even become resistant to chlorine.Sometimes, they form colonies within the mosaic tiles themselves, making them more difficult to remove.
In these cases, the treatment to follow is as follows:
- Destruction together with PM 132 FORTIUS.
- Disinfection treatment with PM 441 BONCLOR POOL 10%. (apply directly)
- Rejoin.
- Before allowing it to dry, apply PM 634 ALGIKLEAN. (Dilute with water)
- Fill the pool.
- Apply shock treatment with PM 624 ALGIBLACK + 0.3l per 100m3.
