Mustard Algae

Q: I have been told I have Mustard Algae on my Pool Walls! How do I get Rid of it?

Mustard Algae Appearance: Algae have over 21,000 varieties and a color scheme is adopted to identify the different types. The yellow algae, also known as "mustard algae," attach around the walls and grow underneath the shady parts of the swimming pool. These are small, single-celled plants that form thick clusters if left untreated in the pool. Mustard algae tend to look like dirt or sand in the water due to it distinct color, but may also have a "pollen-like" appearance. Once established, it is chlorine resistant and can exist in the presence of 2.0 to 4.0 PPM FAC. Shocking with chlorine, applying an algaecide, frequently brushing the pool,
and circulation will clear it up.

The solution for this problem is proper pool maintenance by having a good criculation of water to the entire area, pool filtration for 8 to 10 hours daily, vacuuming and brushing all surfaces of the pool, test the water twice a week, and lastly good water chemitry with the pH at 7.4 to 7.6, calcium hardness of 200 to 300 ppm and total alkalinity of 100 to 150 ppm. Algaecides are more often used to kill off algae. The most common ones are quats (or quaternary ammonium salts), polyquats, copper salts and colloidal silver. The amount of time to eliminate the problem depends on how severe the spread of algae is in the pool.

As with all pool-related problems, prevention is the key. Proper water balance, sanitation and maintenance is a must. Mustard Algaecide Plus will eliminate the phosphates, which are a food source for algae. Keeping your phosphates at 0 will give the algae nothing to eat.