Tuesday, April 23, 2024

How To Get Rid Of Mold In Pool

What Causes White Water Mold And Pink Slime Mold

How To Get Rid Of PINK SLIME And WHITE WATER MOLD In Your POOL | Swim University

White water mold and pink slime are naturally occurring substances found in nature. When the environment is correct, this fungus and bacteria can easily grow and multiply. If you find it in your pool or hot tub, it’s probably because your pool isnt clean and/or the water isnt properly balanced. It can happen from time to time, but no worries. You can get rid of it.

Clean The Filtration System

If you have a visible white water mold growth on the pool water, there is a high chance that it has already infested the filtration system.

Clean your pool filter by backwashing. Alternatively, you may spray the filter cartridge with a garden hose to remove adhering molds or use chemical solutions or tablets to soak the cartridge.

What Causes White Water Mold In A Pool

A common misconception is that white water mold happens as a result of pool water that isnt properly balanced. The presence of biguanide being a contributing factor is another misconception that holds no merit.

In reality, white water mold is just a natural side effect of water that comes from your garden hose or tap.

As mentioned, this type of mold loves plastic surfaces, so when youre filling a pool with a hose, its a good idea to let it run for a couple of minutes, so that any potential mold inside the hose doesnt get transferred into your pool.

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Mold On Shower Ceiling

Is Black Algae Dangerous For Swimmers

Black algae or blue-green algae in swimming pools is a health risk for swimmers. Coming in contact with it or swallowing it can cause nausea, cramps, muscle weakness and irritations of the skin and eyes.

Cyanobacteria is also widely known for producing cyanotoxins in the pool which is a potent poison that is harmful to swimmers and pets.

What Is White Water Mold

How to Get Rid of Pink Slime and White Water Mold in a Pool

Just like any other type of mold, white water mold is a type of fungus. All molds are fungi, but not all fungi are molds. For example, yeast is also a fungus, but its not mold, which is a good thing because without it, we wouldnt have bread and beer. Then again, without mold, we wouldnt have penicillin. Regardless, white water mold is not something you want in your pool.

Read Also: Getting Mildew Off Leather

Retest And Readjust The Water Chemistry

The repeated scrubbing and adding of chemicals to the pool might have offset the water chemistry. So retest and readjust the alkalinity and pool pH.

After getting rid of the black algae spots, keep tabs on the pool for a few days to see if any black head will pop up again. If it does, shock and scrub the pool yet again.

You can also use algaecides to get rid of mild cases of black algae.

Skim And Scrub The Pool

The first thing you want to do in a mold-infested pool is to skim the pool water until almost all visible molds are removed from the surface of the water. Afterward, carefully brush all surfaces of the pool to make sure no remaining molds adhere to it.

It is important that you thoroughly brush hard-to-reach areas like the inside of the skimmer, the back of the return fan, and other low water circulation areas. You can brush the surface of the pool multiple times to make sure all mold growths are removed.

Don’t Miss: How To Get Mold Off A Bathroom Ceiling

What Is Black Spot

Often appearing dark green or almost blue, the term Black Spot has been given to this particular algae as it features a dark spot on the top of the growth. This is usually the only visible part of the algae which tends to grow in the harder to reach areas of your swimming pool. It also likes very shady parts of your pool and can be hiding in your pipework, pump or filtration system.

If you only remove the head of the black spot, the algae will return within just a few days as it has many layers that protect it from chlorine. Black Spot is regarded as a slow-growing form of algae, but once established it is very challenging to get rid of. The spores can survive on the pools surfaces even when the pool has been emptied and will continue to grow again once the pool has been refilled.

Pool Care : How To Get Rid Of Water Mold In Pool Easily

Black Algae Treatment, Get Rid of Black Algae in Your Pool

Mold tends to occur in places where water and moisture are abundant, which is why it is unsurprising that molds occur in pools as well. Despite it being typical, you shouldnt tolerate water mold.

Read this article further to inform you more about water mold and what you can do about it.

Recommended Reading: How To Get Mold Spots Off Bathroom Ceiling

Expose Pool To Uv Light

The cheapest source of UV light is the sun. UV rays kill microorganisms by destroying their DNA so they cannot multiply.

For outdoor pools, exposing the pool and its accessories to sunlight can kill surface molds. For indoor pools, installing a UV lamp in the filtration system is effective in sanitizing the pool.

UV light is also cost-efficient as it uses the same energy as regular light bulbs with low wattage.

How To Prevent And Remove White Water Mould

BackHow to Prevent and Remove White Water Mould

  • How to Prevent and Remove White Water Mould

How to Prevent and Remove White Water Mould

Owning a swimming pool is a wonderful experience with an array of exciting opportunities. Unfortunately, these opportunities also involve the maintenance of the pools water chemistry.

But theres no need to despair, as it is fairly easy to maintain a clean, healthy swimming pool, which will avoid any uninvited issues that may prove tedious to rectify.

This guide will guide you through the process of preventing and treating white water mould to help you maintain a clean and safe swimming pool.

If you would like to stock up on your swimming pool maintenance kit and accessories, you can find these instore and online at 1st Direct Pools. If youre looking for a new cover, you can use a swimming pool cover calculator.

Read Also: Can You Sue Landlord For Black Mold

Keep A Pool Clean Without A Filter Pump

Without a filter pump, you could still use some of the water treatment techniques for sanitizing the water, but most inflatable pools that come without a filter pump are small enough to clean with the empty and refill steps above.

To keep the pool cleaner for longer, consider some of these tips. Ive been able to go from cleaning the pool every couple days to once a week with these tips.

Skimmer Net

A skimmer net is one of the cheapest ways to keep debris out of the water. With excessive debris in the water like leaves, pine needles, and dirt, the pool walls will get slimy and grow mildew faster. This Hand Skimmer on Amazon for around 10 bucks will reduce your cleaning schedule.

Oil Sponge

This Scumbag Oil Absorbing Sponge will soak up any oil or residue left in the water from the swimmers. I only add this here because of how amazed I was watching this thing work its magic.

If you put sun tan lotion on your kids, or yourself, and then jump in the pool, all that lotion will get into the water and youll need to clean the water more often because of it. This oil sponge will soak up all those body oils and lotions to keep your water cleaner for longer.

Small Pool Chemicals

Cleaning the pool out once a week is easier for smaller pools than dealing with the chemicals and testing pH levels all the time.

Cover

What Causes Black Algae In Pool

How to Get Rid of Pink Slime and White Water Mold in a Pool

Black algae or blue-green algae in pools is usually transferred from natural bodies of water like oceans, ponds, and lakes by clinging onto swimwear. If the swimwear is hasnt been washed before using a swimming pool, the algae can be transferred into the pool.

Black algae doesnt naturally occur in backyard swimming pools. Unwashed swimwear is the primary way it is transferred.

Once inside the pool, it can multiply quickly.

Also Check: Cleaning Mold From Bathroom Ceiling

How To Prevent Black Algae Growing

Keeping your pool properly balanced and sanitised is the key to keeping all forms of algae from growing. Make sure you:

  • Keep your pH, alkalinity and chlorine levels in the correct range at all times
  • Run your pump and filter for 8 to 12 hours a day all season long
  • Keep your pool clean by regularly vacuuming and brushing
  • Always have the required pool chemicals on hand. Algae can bloom overnight and they replicate very fast. At the first sign of algae growth, do the required pool treatments!

Stay On Top Of Your Chemistry

A clean hot tub starts with neutrally balanced water. Adding the appropriate amount of chemicals to the water keeps it safe for bathing.

You should be testing and adjusting the chemical levels a minimum of once a week, and ramping it up when the tub is under heavier use.

This entails balancing the pH level, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness of the water, as well as chlorine or bromine level for your sanitizer.

If these levels fall out of their ideal range, it can cause a chain reaction, upsetting the delicate balance of water chemistry and leading to issues with the tub.

Recommended Reading: Installing Stair Nose For Vinyl Plank Flooring

Clean Out Your Filter

When you have a white water mold issues, chances are high that the mold is already in your pipes and filtration system. Cleaning your filter needs to be the first step because it cant be effective if its already clogged up.

So take a hose to your cartridge filter and give it a thorough rinsing, or backwash your sand or DE filter.

How To Treat Black Algae

Pink Slime & White Water Mold, PoolSpaGuru.com

Black algae is tough â and if you want to remove it, itll take more than a quick scrubdown. Heres what youll need to do to get rid of it for good:

Scrub your pool. Use a high quality nylon brush and give the black algae a good scrubbing. Remember, youll need something tough and sturdy if you want to get past that built-in protective layer. And dont be fooled by appearances. Even if the black spots disappear, there may be roots beneath the surface, which is why scrubbing alone wont take care of the problem.

Use chlorine tablets. Break a tablet in half and rub it directly onto the surfaces affected by black algae. This will help kill the roots and prevent it form growing back.

Safety first!

Remember to wear gloves and protective eye gear before you handle chlorine or other swimming pool chemicals. Although theyre great at removing black algae, some pool cleaners and chemicals can be a little harsh on your skin and eyes.

Clean your filter. Black algae flourishes when swimming pool water is in less-than-pristine condition. Keeping your pool filter clean and in tip-top shape should be part of your regular pool maintenance routine.

Beyond the pool: Scrub down accessories, toys, and more.

Black algae spores can get into your swimming pool by hitchhiking on other items. To prevent re-introducing black algae to your pool, wash pool toys and accessories with bleach, and run your familys swimsuits through the washing machine.

Also Check: How To Remove Mold From Basement

What If Its Not Hot Tub Mold

White water mold is pretty distinctive in its look, but there are a few other water issues you might confuse it with:

  • Scum.Hot tub scum gives the water an oily look and feel, and you may notice deposits of it building up at the waterline. Scum comes in lovely shades such as brown, green and aqua. These colors tint the tub due to water issues ranging from high metal content, to ineffective sanitizers or compromised filters.
  • Calcium scaling.Hot tub scale is a condition that leaves a chalky, white residue on the tubs surfaces. This is due to a high level of calcium in the water, which at some point falls out of solution. At times, the calcium can flake off the surfaces and float in the tub, which can be mistaken for white water mold. Fixing these water issues usually requires draining and full cleaning of the spa.
  • Algae blooms.Algae is brought on by a highly contaminated environment. If the sanitizer is no longer adequate, and enough time passes, algae is sure to form in your hot tub. You can help prevent it by adding an algaecide to your tub every week. If the algae problem is substantial, you should fully drain and scrub the tub to remove it.

Whats It Doing In My Pool

If youre recently taken a dip in the ocean, a lake, or other natural body of water and then jumped into your pool, youre at risk of introducing black algae to it. From chic bathing suits to swim-happy pets, black algae has a whole host of vehicles it can use to hitch a ride to your backyard swimming hole. Its way easier to transfer from a pond or lake than you probably ever realized.

A black algae infestation can happen if someone uses a pool float in a lake or the ocean without spraying it off thoroughly with a garden hose. The aquatic pest can even get into your pool if airborne spores of the species happen to be wafting your way .

Also Check: Removing Mold From Ceiling In Bathroom

For Stains At The Water Line:

Wet & Forget will remove mold, mildew or algae stains without harming your pools vinyl liner. To clean, lower the water level of the pool until the whole stain is exposed to the air.

Allow the affected are to dry completely. Spray the stained area with a solution of 1 part Wet & Forget and 5 parts water. Allow 4 to 5 hours for the surface to dry completely, and then raise the pools water to the desired level.

Because Wet & Forget is a gentle, nearly pH-neutral product, any overspray will not change your pools pH.

How To Prevent Mold Growing In Your Pool

How to Get Rid of Pink Slime and White Water Mold in a Pool

There is a range of ways to prevent getting white water mold in your pool including the following:

  • Brush clean your pool surfaces each week or use a robotic pool cleaner on a regular basis to prevent mold from growing
  • Allow your pool to have exposure to plenty of sunlight to naturally oxidize your pool area
  • Allow the skimmer box some sunlight where possible to allow for circulation in the pool
  • Use the correct amount of chemicals on a regular basis for pool cleaning
  • Clean all your pool toys and any pool blankets on a regular basis
  • Clean your pool filter monthly
  • Run your pool filter daily refrain from turning off your pool filter seasonally
  • Keep your pool equipment clean and rinsed
  • Ensure the water is balanced in your pool at all times and pH levels are checked

To find out more about how to clean white water mold safely from your pool or for more info on the best robotic pool cleaners on the market log visit Robotic Pool Cleaners.

Recommended Reading: Mould In Bathroom Ceiling

Inspect And Clean Your Pools Filter

White mold loves to grow on the plastic parts of your pool, like the PVC piping. Pink slime follows white mold, and these two occurring in the same place leads to further filtration damage.

You have to look into the state of your pools filter and act accordingly. If pink slime and white mold are clogging it, clean them using the backwashing technique.

What Do Water Molds Look Like

As mentioned above, there are different varieties of water mold. The most well-known one is white mold.

White mold grows naturally on water, and they are unaffected by pool treatments. However, compared to green algae, white molds die quickly under the sun.

White molds are film-like and are often compared to ripped tissue papers. On the other hand, pink slime looks like algae.

Pink slime commonly goes together with white mold. Compared to white mold, though, it is easily detected.

Pink slime is mainly located on the pool walls and pool filters. They also feel slimy when touched, and we dont advise anyone to touch it with bare hands.

Don’t Miss: How To Clean Ceiling Mold Bathroom

How To Remove Mold From Pool Floats

gifts for kids

Keeping your pool and its water clean doesnt equate to clean pool floats. Even if your pool water is chlorinated, it wont be able to clean and wash out the molds build up in your float.

The best way to remove mold from pool floats is with a solution of bleach and water. It would better to observe safety measures by wearing gloves and eye-protective gear.

In a bucket, mix around six ounces of your household bleach with about a gallon of warm water. Use a sponge or a brush to scrub off your float using this solution. Use this solution of a cemented surface to above damaging your grass in your backyard.

After youre done thoroughly wiping and scrubbing your float, rinse it off with water using your garden hose. You would need to dry your float completely under the sun.

Also, its recommended to store your float in a cool place when not in use. It should be completely dry to avoid moisture that would pave for molds and bacteria to thrive in it.

Make it a part of your routine to clean your pool floats from time to time using the bleach and water solution and rinsing and drying it 100% before using it again or storing it safely.

It would be for the best to clean your pool float deflated and store it deflated. Store it completely dry in an enclosed and dry space to always be in top condition and have a long life-span.

Use a clean and a pool float free from molds and mildews if you do these essential measures.

Popular Articles
Related news