Algae might seem harmless at first, but once it takes hold in your Gilbert pool, it can spread fast and turn your clear water into a cloudy green mess. Whether it’s a thin film along the sides or full-on green water, algae can make swimming unappealing and even unsafe. The constant heat, sunlight, and monsoon season in Arizona create conditions where algae can show up quickly and wreck the look and quality of your pool before you know it.
Keeping your pool clean isn’t just about appearances. Algae makes surfaces slippery, clogs filters, and throws off your water chemistry. If left untreated, it can damage pool surfaces and equipment, leading to bigger problems down the line. Staying ahead of algae growth is key to having a pool that’s safe, clear, and ready to enjoy, especially during the long swimming season here in Gilbert.
Why Algae Grows in Gilbert Pools
Gilbert is known for its dry weather, but the hot sun and summer storms create an ideal setting for algae to thrive if your pool is not balanced or maintained properly. Even the cleanest-looking pools can develop algae under the right conditions. Understanding the main causes helps you figure out how to stop it before it spreads.
Here are some common causes of algae in Gilbert pools:
– Poor circulation: If the water isn’t moving, algae has time to grow. Dead zones, like steps or corners, are perfect spots for it to start.
– Unbalanced pool chemistry: Low chlorine or a high pH level opens the door for algae growth. If those numbers aren’t checked regularly, water becomes harder to control.
– Warm temperatures and sunlight: Algae loves heat and sunlight. It can start forming in sunny spots with very little warning, especially during July through September.
– Organic debris: Leaves, dirt, sweat, skin oils, and sunscreen all introduce nutrients that feed algae. Once this stuff settles in, it’s harder to keep things clean.
Any pool can become a target for algae, especially after a heavy rain or several days of high heat. One example is when a homeowner in Gilbert left their pool unattended for just one weekend after a summer storm. When they returned, the pool had turned green, even though the filter was still running. The chlorine levels had dropped too low from the added water and debris, which allowed algae to take over.
Knowing what drives algae growth helps you catch the early signs faster. If your pool looks a little cloudy or feels slimy underfoot, it usually means something is off, and it’s time to act fast.
How to Stop Algae from Taking Over
Algae prevention can seem like a full-time job, but building a strong routine makes a huge difference. Often, it’s those small oversights—skipping a brush-down or letting pool chemicals fall out of balance—that give algae the chance to take hold. With regular care and just a bit of attention, it becomes easier to keep your pool algae-free, even during extreme summer conditions in Gilbert.
Start with these important habits:
1. Test and balance pool chemistry often
Use a reliable kit to check chlorine, pH, and alkalinity at least once a week. After storms or heavy use, test again to make sure everything is still in line.
2. Keep water circulating
Run your pool pump daily and make sure the entire pool gets proper filtration. Dead zones where water doesn’t reach are where algae usually starts. Clean the filter and check for clogs regularly.
3. Brush and vacuum regularly
Algae loves to stick to pool walls, steps, and corners. Regular brushing, especially in hard-to-reach areas, keeps it from finding a place to grow. Follow up with a vacuum to remove any buildup.
4. Skim out debris
Leaves, bugs, and even sunscreen residues give algae more material to feed on. Skim your pool daily and don’t wait for the weekend to clean out skimmer baskets.
5. Shock the pool after big events
Anytime there’s a storm, pool party, or intense heatwave, shock the pool with chlorine. It helps reset the water chemistry and stops spores from multiplying.
Think of pool care like dental hygiene. If you wait too long with no brushing or flossing, things get out of hand fast. But when you’re checking on it consistently, it stays clean and clear.
Effective Methods for Getting Rid of Pool Algae
When algae has already taken hold, it’s no longer about prevention. You’ll need to jump into clean-up mode with aggressive steps to kill the growth and keep it from coming back. Green algae is the most common, but yellow and black varieties cling more stubbornly to surfaces.
Here’s what usually works to remove algae effectively:
1. Shock the pool
Use a heavy dose of chlorine to raise the levels and kill algae on contact. This is best done in the evening to reduce chlorine burn-off from sunlight. Follow product instructions closely based on your pool’s size and finish.
2. Use algaecide
Once the algae is killed by shocking, an algaecide can take things further by targeting remaining spores. Make sure the algaecide is made for the type of algae you’re fighting.
3. Brush every surface
Algae attaches strongly, especially in corners and along grout lines. Use a pool brush to completely scrub down walls, stairs, ladders, and even pool lights. This breaks the algae loose and makes it easier to filter out.
4. Vacuum the pool
Dead algae and debris will settle at the bottom of the pool. Use a manual vacuum to remove everything thoroughly. It often works better than an automatic cleaner for this purpose.
5. Test and adjust water chemistry
Once the algae is gone, test your pool again to make sure all chemical levels are balanced. If chlorine levels stay too low or pH is off, the algae could come back quickly.
Green water can usually be managed in a couple of treatments, but tougher cases like black algae may need several repeat cleanings. If the water clouds up again within just days of treatment, the main problems may still be happening under the surface.
When It’s Time to Bring in Pros
Algae problems that come back quickly or just won’t respond to your regular cleaning can be signs of deeper trouble. While basic green algae is manageable with patience and effort, black algae or cloudy water that never clears could signal issues that need professional tools and experience.
Here are signs it may be time to hire experts:
– Algae returns within days of cleaning
– Water remains cloudy after repeated shock treatments
– Tough black or yellow spots won’t scrub clean
– Circulation or filtration equipment isn’t working properly
– You’ve tested everything and the water chemistry still won’t stay balanced
Some conditions, like broken pipes or clogged plumbing lines, keep chemicals from circulating correctly, making it nearly impossible to stop algae without help. If debris is stuck inside pipes or equipment is underperforming, a technician can diagnose the problem and fix it before damage spreads.
Waiting too long can lead to even more costly issues. Algae hiding behind tiles or lining pool plumbing can cause surface staining and system damage. It’s always better to be proactive when basic cleaning methods stop working.
Keeping Your Gilbert Pool Clean All Year
Many people think pool care is only a summer task, but water chemistry and cleanliness matter through every season here in Gilbert. As temperatures shift after the summer monsoon season, chlorine strength and pH can both start to fluctuate on their own. If you’re not monitoring those changes, the pool can quickly fall out of balance.
Here’s how to stay ready for algae any time of year:
– Stick to a consistent maintenance schedule
– Test water chemistry every two weeks, even when it’s cooler
– Keep the pool covered when not in use to limit debris
– Clean the cover itself so leaves and dirt don’t drop in later
– After monsoon storms, rebalance chemicals as soon as possible
The off-season is a great time to take care of long-term tasks, like filter replacements or equipment inspections. That way, when swimming season rolls around again, your pool is ready with no surprises.
Keep Your Gilbert Pool Crystal Clear
Algae doesn’t need much to get started, and once it does, taking it out becomes more challenging the longer you wait. The good news is that regular care with basic habits often keeps it away. From brushing your pool walls and running your pump every day, to keeping chlorine levels steady after heavy use, small actions go a long way.
Gilbert’s unique climate, with intense summer heat and sudden weather changes, makes proactive pool care especially important. When your scheduling is steady and your equipment is working right, you’ll spend less time fixing problems and more time enjoying your backyard. Knowing how to identify issues early and taking fast action helps your pool stay sparkling and safe, no matter the season.
For a truly stress-free pool season, consider expert help from Infinity Landscaping. With our commitment to addressing algae issues and maintaining your pool in top condition, you can enjoy a pristine swimming environment. We also offer reliable landscaping in Gilbert to keep your outdoor space looking its best year-round.