Algae are plant-like organisms that don't have the basic plant structure that you are familiar with (roots, stems and leaves). Algae that grow in pools are microscopic plants that eventually become visible as they grow and multiply. Your basic types of algae are green, black and mustard algae.

Algae in itself is not dangerous but creates feeding grounds for bacteria, so make sure to prevent it from infesting your swimming pool. Don't wait until you can see it, because by then it's already too late! Here are a few things you can do to keep your pool clean and safe throughout the year.

Add algaecides regularly

There are all kinds of algaecides available, each with its own instructions and recommended frequency for best results. Though the name may be confusing, algaecides are not meant to be used on algae-infested pools, but are designed for use in algae-free pools to prevent algae spores from developing.

Keep it moving!

Algae love growing on still water, so a great way to make your pool safer is to keep the water moving. This can be done using a filter, continuous water flow, fountains and even variable speed bumps for constant water flow.

Give it a good brush

Brush and scrub the pool every so often as an extra precaution. Just make sure to get a brush that won't ruin your pool. For example, a wire brush is great for concrete pools but can seriously damage painted, acrylic or fibreglass pools.

Clean regularly

Use a net to remove any floating dirt, leaves, or other debris from your pool and vacuum the pool floor to get rid of any algae that's settled there. There are even great automatic pool cleaners that do the trick!

Keep your pool sanitised at all times

Chlorine and other sanitisers kill algae spores before they develop so make sure to always keep your pool sanitised. If you're using chlorine as a sanitiser, keep it between 2.0 and 4.0 parts per million (ppm). You can also find 'feeders' that automatically add chlorine to the water on a regular basis to keep levels from dropping.

Watch your filter

Your filter and circulation systems are one of the most important things you'll need to keep algae from infesting your pool. Check the skimmers, pumps and filters regularly to make sure everything is clean and working properly. Eventually your filters will get clogged up with all of the dirt that enter your system;this is perfect breeding grounds for algae so clean them and replace them regularly.

You can't really keep algae completely out of your swimming pool, but you can prevent them from taking over and developing into blooms. The most important thing to do is keep watch, check and clean your pool regularly, and enjoy a fun and healthy swim!

For more information, contact a company like Magic Pools Pty Ltd.