Black Algae – Sometimes referred to as blue-green algae it usually appears as randomly scattered black splotches and has become the bane of the service industry. This type of algae attaches itself to pool walls (mostly block and render type pools) and can send roots deep under the surface. Couple that with the fact that it’s very slippery and has a protective gelatinous coating making it particularly impervious to chemical treatments, and you have a formidable enemy.

This insidious strain can resist most chlorine shock treatment and even most algaecides, the best way to deal with it involves a combination of chemicals and plenty of elbow grease. You will have to scrape and brush hard to remove the protective sheath and leave it vulnerable to the chlorine.

Green Algae – This is the most common type of algae, also with a gelatinous coating protecting it against chemical warfare. Unlike black algae, green algae, doesn’t attach itself to pool walls, but it does cause the pea soup or green haze look of the neglected pool. Fortunately because this type of algae floats in the water, chlorine shock treatments can effectively eliminate it, make sure you brush and clean the pool in conjunction with plenty of pumping and filtering time.

Yellow Algae – Sometimes also referred to as mustard algae it is a far more advanced form than green or black algae – perhaps the SAS of algae platoons! It has a more advanced cellular structure and can appear on walls and shaded areas of a pool. Caution must be used when it comes to getting rid of yellow algae, if you attempt to brush it, it can flocculate (disperse) and spread throughout the pool making a bad problem even worse. If this does happen use a flocking agent such as Sparkle Plus, it will make the particles clump together and deposit them straight into your filtration system where you can flush it to waste. Aggressive chemical treatment can help, used in conjunction with increased filtering. A number of algaecides that specifically target yellow algae do exist, you may have to try several types before you find one that’s right for you.

Pink Algae – This is not one of the most common types of algae you’ll come across. It usually shows up at the waterline, distinguished as a pink, orange or reddish ring. It’s actually a fungus rather than algae and can also attach itself around lights, ladders and other fixings. It’s resistant to chlorine so a good scrubbing and vacuuming should get it off.

Don’t forget that proper pool maintenance can ensure that you rarely have to battle with algae, if you notice your pool turning after being away for a couple of weeks or lack of filtration due to breakdown etc the sooner you address the problem the easier it will be do get rid of it.

If your pool looks like a pond, there are chemicals which can effectively “Napalm” your pool back to life, they usually cause a reaction resulting in your pool turning “milky” at first, regular filter cleaning (every two hours) and continual pumping may bring it back to life eventually. Bar far the best option is to drain the pool and refill with fresh water. It’s best in the case of liner pools, to do this 25 or 50% at a time until all the water has been changed.

Don’t forget, once you have won the battle the war is not over! Algae is one of the oldest forms of life on earth so if you give it half a chance it will return to thrive, take over your pool, and who knows, even THE EARTH!

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In Europe, many people refrained from building swimming pools due to the fear that infections could be caught from infected swimmers. Europeans formed their first swimming organization in 1837 in London, which by then had six indoor pools. The popularity of swimming pools did not begin to increase until after the first modern Olympic games in 1896. Which leads us to todays saturation of pools across the world, in both homes and parks.

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The coping is the capstone for the beam, and is used to finish the pools edge and bring it up flush with the pool deck. Pre-cast concrete coping with a bullnose front edge has been the standard for many years. Modern designs are making use of bullnose brick coping in many colors and textures. Flagstone is also a popular choice. The pool without coping has been accomplished with the cantilever deck. Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs, the cantilever deck extends over the edge of the pool, and is free-floating. [No coping] Vinyl liner pools have their coping attached to the wall, and is usually C – shaped, such that the pool deck is poured into the coping. A typical vinyl liner pool, or a pool with a cantilever deck do not require caulking of an expansion joint, because, there is none.

Do Not Empty Your Pool
People may ask, “Won’t the pool overflow if we don’t, at least, lower the water?” Yes it may, but no more so than if a patio or a plot of grass were there instead. Adequate drainage has most always been provided for in the design of the pool. Keeping the water in the pool provides the important weight to hold the pool in the ground. An empty pool is subject to “floating” or “popping” out of the ground due to “lift” pressure from excessive ground water caused by the heavy rains that may accompany the storm.

Turn off Electric Power to Swimming Pool Equipment
Circuit breakers at the main electrical panel should be turned off to prevent pump motors, lighting, chlorinators, and heaters from operating.

Protect the Electric Pool Equipment
Wrap the pump motor, time clock, light transformers and electric heaters with a waterproof plastic membrane and tie it securely in place to prevent sand and driving water from entering. If flooding is expected, it may be best to disconnect these devices and store them in a dry place.

Remove all Loose Items From the Pool Area
Loose objects such as chairs, tables, toys and pool tools which can become dangerous projectiles in high winds should be stored inside of buildings. It’s not advisable to throw patio furniture into the pool unless it is a last resort. If it is necessary to do so, gently place these items into the pool to prevent possible damage to the interior finish and remove as soon as possible to avoid staining.

Protect the Screen Enclosure
Some damage to the frame of the screen structure may be prevented if you provide a “vent” for wind to flow through. Consider removing screen panels on opposite sides of the enclosure by pulling out the vinyl spine that retain the panels.

Add Extra Chlorine to the Pool
To prevent contamination from the anticipated debris and excessive storm water, add a “shock” dose of liquid or granular chlorine.

After The Storm

As Before the Storm, Do Not Empty the Pool
An empty pool is subject to “floating” or “popping” out of the ground due to “lift” pressure from excessive ground water caused by heavy rains that may have accompanied the storm. If it appears necessary to drain the pool due to excessive debris and/or damage, you should seek professional advice.

Remove Debris From Pool First
Remove large objects by hand and use a “pool rake” or “skimmer net” to remove smaller debris from the pool. Do not attempt to use the pool’s vacuum system for debris that is likely to plug the plumbing.

Check Electrical Equipment Before Restarting System
Remove waterproof plastic membrane from electrical devices and be sure they are dry before turning circuit breakers on again. If these devices have been exposed to water, they should be checked by a licensed professional. Then turn on electricity, prime the filter system, and check for normal operation.

Clean the Filter Equipment
Clean the filter and run the system 24 hours a day. When the water has attained proper clarity then reset the time clock for a normal daily cycle.

Add Chlorine to Pool
To prevent contamination from the storm debris and excessive storm water add a “shock” dose of liquid or granular chlorine to the pool water.

Balance the Pool Water Chemistry
Readjust the pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and conditioner levels and continue to check them carefully over several days.

Monitor the Pool Operation
It is important to monitor the overall operation of the entire system for several days after the storm to be sure everything is operating properly.

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Top features included:

• Beach entry pools which offer a gradual slope from the deck into the water; this design is ideal for families with young children.
• Fire features, such as flames and tiki torches around the pool.
• Fountains and rock waterfalls set a great mood around the pool.  Options available include foaming fountains, pre-fabricated rock waterfalls and more elaborate versions with built-in fountains.
• Infinity Edge or Vanishing Edge pools add an exciting visual element to level yards by providing a reflection of the surrounding landscape in the surface of the pool and the appearance of the water “vanishing”.
• Glass tile is the hottest finish for the high-end pool market; tiles are available in a rainbow of colors, some with unique swirls, bubbles and shading and are often used to create custom mosaics.
• Saltwater pool systems are for you if you hate the feeling of your eyes burning from chlorine after swimming.  While the upfront cost for such a system may seem more expensive, the maintenance costs in the long run are actually lower than those of a traditional chlorine pool. A saltwater pool does not contain same salinity as ocean water (20,000 parts per million of salt in the water to about 3,000).

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