POOLSIDE BLOG
How to get rid of black spot algae in your pool
Get rid of Blackspot algae! Blackspot is notoriously difficult to remove due to its hard black 'shell' which doesn't scrub off easily which protects the algae underneath. However, removing it isn't as difficult as it sounds.
Get rid of Blackspot algae. Blackspot is notoriously difficult to remove due to its hard black 'shell' which doesn't scrub off easily which protects the algae underneath. However, removing it isn't as difficult as it sounds.
Winter is the perfect time to treat blackspot as the pool isn't in use and you need to increase chlorine levels higher than normal to attack the algae.
Clean your baskets and filter to allow for the most efficient water circulation and filtration.
Remove the automatic cleaner from the pool. This will increase water flow and prolong the life of your cleaner as there will be a high level of chlorine in the water that can have an adverse effect on its lifespan.
Then test the water and balance pH to 7.2- 7.6. When the pH is in this range your chlorine is the most effective. (bring us in a sample to have your water checked 1st)
Brush the algae with a hard brush, being careful not to damage the surface of your pool.
Super chlorinate your water with the recommended dose by one of our team. This can be done with powdered or liquid chlorine. In some instances, powdered chlorine may even be appropriate to pour directly onto the Blackspot.
Add the recommended dose of an algaecide such as BioGuard MSA or Algiguard to assist with the process.
Run your filtration system for a minimum of 24 hours and brush the pool as often as you can, ideally twice a day if possible until the Blackspot is gone.
Depending on the amount of Blackspot, this process can take longer and potentially require multiple treatments. Contact us today to discuss the best option for your pool or spa or book one of our technicians below to come to you!
Green pool water and Phosphates
Green water or algae on the walls is usually a sign of low chlorine, however, it is usually accompanied by a high level of phosphate in the water… So, what is phosphate and how do you get rid of it?
Green water or algae on the walls is generally a sign of low chlorine, however, it is usually accompanied by a high level of phosphate in the water as well… So what is phosphate and how do you get rid of it?
Phosphates can be a problem all year round and slowly build up over time, however, we typically see a spike in the levels of phosphates in pools when wind and storms bring in microscopic dust particles from the farming & rural areas.
What Are Phosphates?
Phosphates are essentially food for algae and other aquatic organisms which they depend on it to grow.
The association between algae and phosphate is recognised as a major factor in the presence of algae in swimming pools despite the use of chlorine and other sanitisers.
The biggest issues for swimming pool owners from increased phosphate levels are excessive or stubborn algae blooms and rapid chlorine consumption.
How Do Phosphates Get in the Pool?
Phosphates can enter your pool a few different ways: leaves, twigs, dirt, dust and bugs blown in from the wind or washed into the pool from heavy rain along with grass clippings, fertilisers and pesticides used around the pool. They also come from swimmers’ body wastes and adding water to the pool from water tanks. All of these can increase the levels of phosphate in the pool water which will give algae plenty of food to grow.
Removing Phosphates
BioGuard Phos Kill will remove phosphates from pool water, preventing algae growth by removing the food source. This also makes pool sanitation more efficient against algae and can reduce chlorine consumption.
Once the phosphates have been removed, it's important to maintain a low phosphate level. This will ensure clean water, better chlorine performance and no algae. All living things, including algae in swimming pools, need phosphate to survive and grow. Maintaining a low phosphate level and increasing the chlorine concentration will result in fewer algae problems in your pool.
Preventing Phosphates in the future
As additional insurance against recurring algae, BioGuard Pool Complete is an easy weekly maintenance routine that keeps water amazingly clear, prevents waterline build and removes phosphates as they enter the water.
Ideally, you will also:
Restrict runoff from lawns, landscaping or washing decks entering the pool
Remove leaves and other debris from the pool regularly
Use a long-life algaecide such as MSA Extreme or AlgiGuard all year round in conjunction with their phosphate removal treatment
Get us to regularly test your pool water for phosphates and treat when necessary
We have special test kits to check the level of phosphate in your water, so, should the result of the test exceed the recommended level then we have BioGuard Phos Kill to remove the excess phosphate is now readily available in store.
Bring a water sample to us today and we can check your Phosphate levels along with all your other pool chemical balances for FREE! Alternatively, you can use the button below to book one of our highly trained pool technicians to come to you.
Swimming Pool Clean Up by Poolside Beaconsfield
When one of our qualified pool technicians Andrew arrived at the appointment in Berwick he found the pool that was not only swamp green and missing half the water, the pool equipment was in dire need of updating with just the pipes hanging out of the ground to work with.
No challenge is too big!
A little while ago, Poolside Beaconsfield was approached to attend a job site in the Berwick area to assess a pool that required major help. When one of our qualified pool technicians Andrew arrived at the appointment in Berwick he found the pool that was not only swamp green and missing half the water, the pool equipment was in dire need of updating with just the pipes hanging out of the ground to work with.
Andy was able to assess what work was involved in bringing this pool back to life again and reassured the owners that everything was going to be ok.
Andy provided the client with a professional quote along with expert advice, detailing what pool cleaning work needed to be completed as well as which pool equipment needed to be fixed to get the pool up and running again. We drained the pool and did a complete pressure wash, then we refilled and balanced the water chemicals with BioGuard chemicals. We also supplied and installed brand new Astral pool equipment.
In the process, the quality pool equipment that was installed will be beneficial in bringing down pool running costs, with a variable speed Astral pump (savings over $1,000.00 a year), and an EQ Chlorinator with the additional add-on acid probes to maintain PH levels. Combined with an active glass filtration system also provided by Astral, not only was this instal the highest of quality but, the real savings will be on the running costs and all best of all, its all Australian made.
Poolside Beaconsfield puts customer satisfaction first, taking the time to listen to our client's problems and deliver a 10 out of 10 experience for all our customer's pool and spa needs. We really believe that no job is too big or too small.
If you have a pool and live around Beaconsfield, Berwick, Narre Warren, Officer, Guys Hill or the surrounding areas, enquire now to find out about our huge range of products and pool cleaning and pool repair services.