Different Types of Pool Algae

Green Pool Algae

This is the most common of all the swimming pool algae. It’s the most common because it grows due to lack of proper sanitation and filtration. Sometimes you’ll see this algae free floating in your swimming pool which can cause your entire pool to turn green. You may also see this algae cling to the wall of your pool or at the bottom. It’s really easy to brush off and become free floating. The good thing about this type of algae is that it’s easy to get rid of. It may only show up in  little spots in your pool that have poor circulation in which case a little sanitizer or algaecide will do the trick.

Yellow Pool Algae or Mustard Algae

A stingy type of algae that grows on the walls of your swimming pool in spots that don’t get a lot of sun. It’s the second most common algae you’ll find in swimming pools and sometimes can be mistaken for sand or pollen that can collect in your pool. This algae is difficult to get rid off and won’t be killed off by any normal dose of sanitizer (such as chlorine) or an algaecide. You need to kill it by super shocking your swimming pool or else you’ll be battling with it all season long.

Black Algae

The name alone sounds bad, and it is. If you ever had yellow algae and thought that was tough, think again. Black algae are the stinginess of all the algae, although the good thing is it’s not very common. What makes this algae so hard to get rid of is the defense mechanism it processes and it’s strong roots. This algae looks like little dark black spots on your swimming pool wall. The part that you can see has a protective layer on it to protect itself and the roots are strong and grow deep into the plaster of your pool walls. Just like yellow algae this strain can appear even if you are taking care of your pool normally and all your sanitation levels are correct. To kill it you will need a strong pool brush and lots of shock.