Lo-Chlor Bulletin No1 – ALL ABOUT ALGAE

WHAT ARE ALGAE? Algae are microscopic plants. Like all plants algae require nutrients to exist. Algae obtain their food from leaves, plants and all organic matter (including bathers!). There are in excess of 30,000 different species, and in an effort to make their identification easier, the swimming pool industry classifies them as

Blue-Green Algae – tends to be of the floating variety.
Mustard Algae – yellow mustard in colour, hence the name, and tends to cling to the
pool interior via cracks and crevices.
Pink Algae – not really an algae but in fact a bacteria which forms a pink layer or clear slime over surfaces.
Black Algae (also known as Black Spot) – black in colour, hence the name, and tends
to cling to the pool interior via cracks and crevices.

The clinging types of algae are the most difficult to control.

THE IMPORTANCE OF pH: All algae cells are surrounded by a waxy coating (the cell wall). Penetration of this is made easier by reducing the pH of the pool water prior to the introduction of chemicals. A pH between 7.0 and 7.2 is desirable.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BRUSHING: Regular brushing, with a suitable stiff brush, is of great benefit in algae removal. Brushing helps break down the waxy coating, mentioned above, and so will make the task of the algaecide much easier.

HOW DO WE TREAT ALGAE CHEMICALLY?
There are many different Algaecides available in the UK today. Whilst all work, to some degree, it is important to provide the consumer with the easier, most effective solutions at a reasonable price. Lo-Chlor Chemicals have five main algaecides available:
Lo-Chlor Pool Algaecide – This is a 30 year old proven formulation, the original and still the best copper based LONGLIFE algaecide!! Kills and protects against all forms of algae for up to 3 months. It can be used on all types of pools, and is compatible with all recognised sanitisers (with the exception of Baquacil/PHMB products).
Lo-Chlor Blackspot Algae Killer – Our new concentrated formulation is specifically designed for treating clinging algae, particularly Black Spot in all types of pools.
Lo-Chlor Tropical – The strongest and most effective of the Lo-Chlor algaecides. A unique blend, of our state-of-the-art copper based algaecide, along with a low foaming, highly effective Quat.
Lo-Chlor Algae Knock Out – Our extremely strong free Quat algaecide is the perfect choice for the pool owner who requires a COPPER FREE solution. Highly effective on the most resistant algae, with a foaming action to aid the removal of algae stains.
Lo-Chlor Winteriser Algaecide – Extra strength LONGLIFE formulation designed specifically for WINTERISING a pool when closing down at the end of a season.

Use algaecides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

CHLORINE AS AN ALGAECIDE?
It is true that chlorine compounds can be used to treat algae infestations. Chlorine resistant algae can consume large quantities of chlorine, reducing the free chlorine available in the water to combat harmful bacteria. It is far better to use an effective algaecide and reduce the amount of chlorine sanitiser, as this will save both time and money!

WHAT ABOUT STARVING ALGAE?
We mentioned earlier that algae are plants. Lo-Chlor manufacture a patented phosphate remover called Starver. This product is not an algaecide however by taking phosphates (a common nutrient for algae) out of the pool water it STARVES the algae of its food chain. Starver is a unique product and remember NO PHOSPHATE = NO ALGAE!!!