What to Do When Your Swimming Pool Turns into a Pond Instead
Do you take your swimming pool for granted? You may look forward to the opportunity to run out of your bedroom in the morning and jump into the deep end to wake you up for your day ahead. However, with pool season well and truly here, you may have pulled the covers away and stepped back in horror. Surely, this has become home to the Creature from the Black Lagoon due to the awful colour of the water. What on earth is going on?
Visiting Algae
If you have never come across this situation before, your reaction is understandable. You may think that the pool is so contaminated that you will have to drain it completely and start afresh. However, you can certainly take some steps to clear everything up without such a drastic measure, as the discolouration is caused by a visiting population of algae.
These microscopic plants thrive in dark and damp areas, and they're typically suspended on the surface of the water. They come in a variety of different colours, so on closer inspection, you may notice that the pool is actually a dark or mustard green rather than black.
Absence of Chlorine
Algae cannot live in water if it is properly serviced and has the correct amount of chlorine within. This chemical keeps your pool in tiptop condition and allows you to indulge in your daily ritual. When it is absent, however, mayhem can ensue.
What to Do Next
You will be glad to know that other chemicals are available to help get rid of the algae. Much will depend on the extent of the damage and how much of a chlorine shock product you should introduce. It's important to regulate it carefully and only add so much powder to every 10,000 L of water, however.
Don't be tempted to add this product first thing in the morning or when the pool is in direct sunlight. If you do, the chemical may burn off before it can do its work, as it is not very resistant to radiation.
Cleaning up the Mess
Remember, this is an emergency treatment, and even though it will change the colour of the pool to something more appropriate, you may still notice that it has a cloudy appearance. It's best if you call in somebody to give it a full service from top to bottom and to filter the water so that the algae 'die-off' is fully removed.
For more information on pool maintenance, contact a local company like Leisure Coast Pool Centre.
