Pool Algae Problems and How to Get Rid of Them | MSP Supply
Understanding pool algae and how to prevent it from coming back
One of the most frustrating pool issues for homeowners and service professionals is algae growth. Whether your pool turns slightly green or completely opaque, algae can spread quickly when sanitizer levels drop or circulation becomes weak. The good news is that with the right products and consistent maintenance, algae can be effectively removed and prevented.
Below are the most common types of pool algae and what causes them:
Green algae
This is the most common type and often appears on walls or in cloudy water. Green algae thrive in warm water and spread rapidly when chlorine levels are too low. It typically starts as a slimy film and can quickly take over an entire pool if not treated.
Yellow (mustard) algae
Yellow algae are more resistant and usually form in shaded areas of the pool. It looks like fine, dusty yellow or brown spots that return even after brushing. This type requires a stronger chlorine treatment and specialized algaecide to eliminate.
Black algae
Black algae form dark spots with deep roots in plaster or grout. They are challenging to remove because they penetrate the surface. Effective treatment includes heavy brushing, shock treatment, and algaecides designed explicitly for black algae.
Why algae appear even when the pool looks “clean”
Many pool owners assume that as long as the water looks clear, the pool is balanced—but algae can begin forming long before it becomes visible. Low chlorine levels, high phosphates, poor filtration, or dead spots in circulation can all create ideal conditions for growth.
Even a few hours of low sanitizer in hot weather can allow algae to take hold. Once it starts, it consumes chlorine rapidly, creating a cycle that makes balancing the water more difficult.
How MSP Supply can help
At MSP Supply, we carry everything you need to treat and prevent algae—from fast-acting chlorine shock and algaecides to phosphate removers, brushes, and test kits. Our team can help you identify which product fits your specific pool type and problem.
In-store solutions include:
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Liquid and granular chlorine
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Multi-purpose and copper-based algaecides
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Phosphate removers and clarifiers
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Pool brushes, vacuums, and filter media
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Water testing supplies and chemical guides
If your pool has persistent algae that keeps returning, bring in a water sample, and our team will test it for balance, sanitizer levels, and phosphates. We’ll provide personalized recommendations to get your pool back to crystal clear.
