SUBURBAN MYTH OR FACT!
Can a solar cover cause algae in my pool? This is a question we get every year about this time of year when the temps creep up into the high 80 low 90's. The answer simply is no, your solar cover and your automatic pool cover cannot cause an algae outbreak in your pool.
COMMON MISTAKE
An algae outbreak in your pool is strictly caused by not having a properly balanced pool. Most notable improperly low chlorine levels. It can get a little more nuanced than that so lets get into it. First off, there are several factors that can lead to an algae outbreak but the number one reason pools experience algae outbreaks this time of year is pool water temperature. No one wants to swim in a cold pool right! So its a nice change of pace when pools start holding their own temps in the mid 80's. Well hold on one second, here is a well forgotten fact about pool water temp and chlorine efficiency. Once a pool hits 84 degrees the efficiency of chlorine is cut in half. The worst part is that most pool owners dont know this or have forgotten this and continue to treat their pool as they have all spring. Then boom one day they wake up and the pool is green.
So mid season we see field calls about algae blooms and chlorine usage. The number one culprit is pool water temperature above 84 degrees. So be sure to not only keep your pool water balanced but don't forget to factor in your pool water temperature when calculating chlorine demand. This will prevent a lot of headaches and a big chemical bill from the local pool store to rid your pool of algae.
Another culprit that affects the chlorine levels in your pool is called Cyanuric Acid, aka Stabilizer or Conditioner. This product helps lock the chlorine in your pool. So as you are testing and balancing your pool water be sure to keep the cya levels in range as well.
Lastly, dirty filters are to blame as well. This time of year its easy to forget to keep a close eye on your pool filters but if your filters are dirty they arent collecting as much dirt and debris as they should. So be sure to keep those filters clean.
PRO TIP:
There are a few things you can do to make your pool life easier and that is the use of an Ultra Violet Sanitizer along with proper chlorine levels. @ Pool Pros we always recommend equipping your pool equipemnt with the Pentair Bioshield UV Sanitizing System. It helps keep the chlorine that is in your pool working at higher efficiencies by breaking up combined chlorine molecules, killing bacteria and slowing the spread of viruses. This wont gaurantee an algae free pool but it will make keeping your pool clena and clear much easier. Its also simple to use. Just plug an play. The UV system will turn off when the pump turns off and back on when the pump turns on.
MORAL OF THE STORY
At the end of the day solar covers or automatic pool covers are not blame for algae outbreaks. It generallys is as simple as low chlorine levels. So keep a clsoe eye on your pool chemistry and keep your filters clean. Just don't blame the solar cover.
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