Pool stains are a common problem in summer. They can be caused by algae, oil, or other algae forms.
The most effective way to get rid of these stains is with the help of an eco-friendly product that will remove stains without harming the pool walls.
Yellow algae stains are common around swimming pools and have a strong appearance that can upset the eyes.
They are often referred to as “waterweed” or “green water. Yellow algae stains are tough to remove, and it takes much more effort than simply scrubbing with a brush.
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What Causes Algae in a Pool?
Algae are a common problem in pools that have been neglected. Algae can grow on your pool walls, and they will also appear throughout your swimming area.
Yellow algae, an unsightly stain with a robust appearance and often associated with “waterweed” or green waters (algae), are usually caused by overfeeding and algae.
When the pool is underfed, the plants you feed will not maintain their proper growth rate, so they become weak and begin rotting.
This causes a large amount of food waste and decaying vegetation which provides high levels of nitrates and phosphates.
These nutrients are often washed into your pool, causing algae to multiply.
Yellow algae stains can also be caused by dirty water. This is usually a result of having your filter flow control malfunction and not cleaning it properly.
What do Algae cause in a Pool?
Algae blooms in swimming pools can be a nuisance, but they also serve an essential purpose by converting large amounts of decaying organic matter into the food that your pool plants need.
However, when too many algae grow on walls or other surfaces around your pool, it can cause health problems for swimmers.
The excessive algae can cause swimming pools to become dirty and cloudy with murky water, making it harder for the filter to remove these harmful chemicals.
Overfeeding is a common problem in many pool owners’ lives, especially when more people are outside in the summer months.
When your pool is underfed, the plants will not absorb all of the nutrients that you give them, which causes algae blooms in swimming pools.
The ineffective filter often leads to cloudy water when too many algae are growing around it.
Read: Why Does My Salt Water Pool Keep Turning Green?
How to Clean & Remove Yellow Algae Stains from Pool Walls?
Avoid overfeeding your pool in the summer months. If you are unsure whether or not you are underfeeding, use a test kit to measure your nutrient levels once every two weeks and adjust accordingly from there.
Use more water than usual during this time of year, especially if it is hot outside. This can help to keep your pool clean and clear.
If you see any growth on the walls or deck of your pool, remove it immediately. Use a soft brush designed for this purpose.
Sweep off excess algae with a broom, then rinse the area thoroughly with an alkaline solution such as a pool cleaner.
If you see any discoloration on the walls of your swimming pool, scrub it with an abrasive sponge. This helps remove as much dirt and algae as possible.
Then rinse the area thoroughly with a robust alkaline solution. You can use chlorine bleach or muriatic acid (available at most pool supply stores) to remove the remaining stains.
If you see any discoloration on your swimming pool deck, scrub it with a brush specifically designed for cleaning these surfaces.
Then rinse the area thoroughly with an alkaline solution such as chlorine bleach or muriatic acid to remove the remaining stains.
After rinsing, apply a water-based polish to help prevent algae stains from returning.
A mix of one part chlorine bleach and three parts muriatic acid is the most effective method for cleaning off yellow pool stains and discoloration on swimming pool decks, walls, or other surfaces that have been exposed to sunlight.
How to Clean the Wall Surface after Removing the Algae?
If you have a peeling or damaged wall surface, it is imperative that you remove the algae from the walls and deck before cleaning them.
You can use a hose with a nozzle to blast the surface clean. You can also spray the area with an acid solution such as muriatic acid (available at most pool stores).
If you have peeling paint and cannot remove all of it, there is nothing wrong with simply painting over it. This is preferable to eradicating the paint and starting over.
Make sure you have a good base coat covering the peeling areas so that if there are any future problems with your walls or deck, they will be covered by something solid (like in-ground liner).
How much time do you think it will take to get rid of these stains?
This will depend on how long the algae has been growing and spreading. If you can keep it under control for only a couple of weeks or so, then it is not as big an issue.
If you have had this problem for over 6 months, then it is time to make some changes.
The best way to get rid of algae stains on concrete pool decking, walls, and other surfaces is by preventing them from occurring in the first place.
If you notice algae forming on your pool deck, walls, or other surfaces in the first place, then use a good quality algaecide that contains chlorine.
This will eliminate the growth of algae and prevent it from spreading to areas where it is not wanted.
Final Thoughts
Pool deck stains by algae are a common problem easily avoided.
By knowing what causes these stains and how to prevent them in the first place, you will find that your pool maintenance time goes by much faster than it would have before.
You can do things to control algae growth and prevent it from spreading.
The best way of doing this is by using a good quality algaecide containing chlorine, followed by regular cleaning sessions.
This should involve scrubbing the decking area thoroughly and using an acid solution for adamant stains!
