I came home from work today and noticed this black substance growing on the bottom and sides of my pool. I tried brushing it off and it won’t come off. I have a feeling it is probably Black Algae.
I’ve never had Black Algae before, so, I guess my question is, how do you get rid of it? Will it cause any permanent damage or discoloration of my pool?
My wife is bringing some pool water to the pool store tomorrow to get tested, and pick up some chemicals to try to treat it. But, what can I expect about it?
If it is black algae. lots of clorine. Then clean your filter until pool clears.
Hate to break it to you, but you’re hosed. You’re going to have it acid washed, and the black algae is going to keep spreading until you do so. And nothing you do otherwise will get rid of it. Believe me, I’ve tried.
Try dumping a couple of gallons of algacide that Wal-Mart sells for about $7.00 a gallon into the pool. Run the pump for 24 hours and then brush down the sides. Turn the pump off for 24 hours so all the dead algae can settle and then vacuum with the pump set to waste.
Black algae is tough, but can be beat. It takes lots of chlorine, lots of brushing, and several days spending a few minutes every few hours. Follow the instructions here and follow the links to further discussions.