Yellow Algae: What Every Pool Owner Needs to Know to Keep It Away

Owning a swimming pool is all about enjoying crystal-clear water, relaxing swims, and fun-filled days with family and friends. But nothing can ruin the experience faster than algae, especially yellow algae.

At Infinity Pool Solutions, we understand how frustrating yellow algae can be, but don’t worry—we’re here to help! This blog will explain what yellow algae is, why it’s a problem, and how you can prevent it from invading your pool.

What Is Yellow Algae?

Yellow algae, also called mustard algae, is a type of algae that shows up as yellow or brownish spots on the walls and floors of your pool. It gets its name because it looks a lot like mustard powder.

Unlike green algae, which grows quickly and floats in the water, yellow algae is slower-growing and often clings stubbornly to surfaces. It’s most common in shaded areas of the pool, where sunlight can’t kill it off as easily.

Why Is Yellow Algae a Problem?

At first, yellow algae might not seem like a big deal—it’s just some yellow spots, right? But it can actually cause a lot of headaches for pool owners:

1. Hard to Remove

Yellow algae is tougher than other types of algae. It’s resistant to normal chlorine levels and can survive even after you’ve scrubbed it away.

2. Spreads Quickly

Even though it starts in small patches, yellow algae can spread quickly if it’s not treated properly. It can even survive in pool equipment like filters and hoses, making it tricky to fully eliminate.

3. Affects Water Quality

Yellow algae doesn’t just look bad—it can also make your pool water cloudy and uninviting. It may reduce the effectiveness of your chlorine, leaving your pool less safe for swimming.

4. Health Risks

While yellow algae itself isn’t harmful, it can create an environment where harmful bacteria thrive. That’s why it’s so important to keep your pool clean and algae-free.

How Does Yellow Algae Get Into Your Pool?

Yellow algae spores are tiny and can enter your pool in a variety of ways:

• Wind and Rain: Spores can be blown into your pool by the wind or washed in by rainwater.

• Contaminated Swimsuits or Equipment: If someone swims in a natural body of water or another pool with yellow algae, the spores can hitch a ride on swimsuits, towels, or pool toys.

• Inadequate Circulation or Filtration: Poor water circulation and a dirty filter can make it easier for algae to take hold.

How to Prevent Yellow Algae

The good news is that yellow algae can be prevented with proper care and maintenance. Here are some tips to keep your pool algae-free:

1. Keep Your Pool Clean

• Skim and Vacuum Regularly: Remove leaves, debris, and dirt that can feed algae.

• Brush the Walls and Floor: Use a pool brush to scrub surfaces, especially in shaded or hard-to-reach areas.

2. Maintain Proper Water Chemistry

• Test Your Water Frequently: Check your chlorine levels, pH, and alkalinity at least once a week.

• Shock Your Pool Regularly: Shocking your pool adds an extra dose of chlorine to kill off any algae spores before they grow.

3. Improve Circulation and Filtration

• Run Your Pump Daily: Ensure your pump is running long enough to filter all the water in your pool at least once a day.

• Clean or Replace Filters: A dirty or clogged filter can’t effectively remove algae spores from the water.

4. Use an Algaecide

• Preventative Treatment: Adding an algaecide designed for yellow algae can help keep spores from growing.

Why Work with Infinity Pool Solutions?

Yellow algae can be stubborn, but you don’t have to fight it alone. At Infinity Pool Solutions, we specialize in diagnosing and treating algae problems. Here’s how we can help:

• Expert water testing to identify and fix imbalances

• Professional algae treatments for quick and effective results

• Maintenance plans to keep your pool algae-free year-round

The Bottom Line

Yellow algae might be a tough opponent, but with the right tools and knowledge, it doesn’t stand a chance. By keeping your pool clean, balancing your water chemistry, and addressing algae problems early, you can enjoy clear, sparkling water all season long.

If yellow algae has taken over your pool or you’d like help keeping it out for good, contact us today. Let us handle the algae so you can get back to enjoying your pool!