Algae are simple plants or primitive plant-like organisms that live in water or on land. Those living in water are called algae and those living on land are called mosses. They are living beings that can live in a wide variety of environments, from moist tree surfaces to rocks, from hot deserts to seas. They grow in velvety soft layers or dense clumps. The biological structures of mosses do not consist of different organ structures such as roots, stems and leaves as in other plants. The biological structures of mosses contain chlorophyll, they are flowerless spore plants. Their shapes can be filamentous, leafy, ribbon-like or tubular.
The main reason for the formation of algae in pools is that nitrate formation is nutritious for algae. For example, nitrogen accumulation occurs in ponds that receive rainfall. When nitrogens mix with pool water, they turn into nitrate, which is an important factor that provides the basis for algae formation. In addition, the formation of bacteria and dirt in the pool also triggers algae formation.
Another factor that triggers the formation of algae in pools is the circulation system. Algae formation is inevitable in a circulation system that does not work properly. No matter how well the chemical balance is adjusted, a problematic circulation system triggers algae formation. Ceramics in the pool interior structure is the best formation place for algae. Cracks in the pool ceramics allow algae to reproduce. In addition, if the required chemical balance is not provided, algae growth increases again.
Failure to maintain the pools regularly and properly triggers the formation of algae. With the proliferation of algae, the pool itself is both damaged and threatens human health. The main causes of algae formation are as follows;
Nitrate Formation: When raindrops falling into the pool in rainy weather mix with pool water, nitrogen accumulation occurs. Nitrogens turn into nitrate after a certain time and feed the algae spores in the pool or provide the formation of algae spores.
Environmental Factors: Due to bacteria and dirt coming into the pool from outside, algae growth can be seen on the pool floor or walls if proper maintenance is not done over time.
Circulation System: Due to an incorrect or incomplete pool circulation system, algae growth cannot be prevented even if the necessary chemicals are added to the pool. If the pool filtration works incorrectly, algae formation is observed in the pool.
Use of Chemical Substances: Algae growth occurs due to chemicals that are not used correctly or due to chemicals that are used incompletely.
Selection of Pool Covering Material: If the pool covering material used in pool construction is not properly constructed or the appropriate material is not selected according to the pool structure, it causes cracks between the materials after a while and causes algae formation.
Moss and Algea Pool
Algae in ponds create an unsightly appearance but are not harmful to health. However, they can cause the growth of bacteria that can also threaten human health.
We can list the damages of algae formation as follows;
Allergic Reactions: Skin disorders such as itching and redness may occur in swimmers who are allergic to algae.
Bacteria Formation: Bacteria formation in the pool increases with the increasing algae formation caused by the algae not being disinfected well. Increasing bacteria in the pool create a living space that threatens human health. With the formation of algae, chlorine in the pool may be insufficient against other bacteria in the pool by fighting against algae. With this situation, the pH level increases and the number of bacteria increases.
Slippery FloorAlgae in the pool or on the side stairs can make the floor slippery and cause accidents.
Algae in the pool affects not only human health but also pool health. It creates an undesirable image in the pool and causes extra costs.
Increase in Chlorine Consumption: Some types of algae formed in the pool can show resistance to chlorine. In such cases, pool users resort to the use of more chlorine to prevent algae, which causes the pH level to rise. In such cases, algaecides should be used.
Bad Taste and Odor in the Pool: An unpleasant appearance, odor and bad taste in the pool prevents users from choosing a pool.
Filtration System Clogging: If algae formation is not prevented, it clogs the filter system after a while and prevents the circulation in the pool from working.
Physical and chemical cleaning is necessary to prevent algae formation in the pool. Pool maintenance and cleaning should be done regularly to prevent algae formation.
Physical Maintenance: The pool surface, floor and walls should be cleaned of algae with cleaning brushes, pool scoop and other cleaning tools.The dirt accumulated in the filter is removed by backwashing method.
Chemical Maintenance: The pool water cleaned with cleaning tools is then checked with a pH test. If the pH level is not at the desired level, chlorination is performed.Shock chlorination is performed 4 hours after the basic chlorination process. Thanks to shock chlorination, algae pieces remaining on the water surface are destroyed. After shock chlorination, the pumping system should run for 24 hours.Algae inhibitors are added after shock chlorination to prevent algae formation later.
There are various chemicals to prevent algae formation in the pool. However, first and foremost, regular pool maintenance and chemical balance is necessary. Among the most preferred materials are chlorine and algae inhibitors.
Algaecides and Algaecides:
An algaecide prevents algae from growing. Algaecides are used to destroy algae after it grows in the pool. However, they are useless on their own without chlorine in the pool.
Mineral systems:
Mineral systems, which are generally more preferred abroad, offer an alternative to using less chlorine. It contains many different types of minerals, including magnesium chloride, sodium chloride and potassium chloride. In this way, it acts against bacteria and algae in the pool. When first applied, it dissolves the existing algae in a short time and prevents it from reproducing again.
Chlorine and Shock Chlorination:
Chlorine, which is routinely thrown into the pool daily, prevents algae growth. Shock chlorination, on the other hand, destroys algae and bacteria in the mossy pool.
The materials used to prevent algae formation in the pool should be applied extremely carefully and meticulously. Otherwise, it may encounter situations that may threaten human health.
Algae Inhibitor and Algae Killer:
These chemicals are added to the pool on a weekly basis. pH measurement and other chemical values are added to the extent determined after measurement. It should be mixed between 1-1.5 lt per 100 cubic meters of water.
Mineral Systems:
Mineral systems used together with chlorine should be added in the specified amount after the chlorine level is adjusted.
Chlorine and Shock Chlorination:
After adding chlorine, the pH value should be between 7.2-7.6. For a 100 cubic meter pool, 6 Kg chlorine granule shock should be applied using 78%. One day after this process is done, periodic maintenance can be started.
If the chemicals used to prevent algae formation are not added to the pool in appropriate quantities, both problems that may threaten human health and problems that will deteriorate the quality of the pool water are encountered.
As a Result of Not Using Algae Inhibitors in Appropriate Amounts:
Foaming and clouding occurs in pool water. The alkalinity and pH value of the pool water increases or decreases. It may cause an increase in the need for chlorine, which increases the pH. It may cause stains on the pool surface.
Excess Chlorine Use:
As a result of the chlorine application of the pool water is not measured, the pH may increase, causing a burning sensation in the eyes and throat, causing various skin diseases. After the shock chlorination process, the pool should not be entered for at least 12 hours.