You don’t need to have owned a swimming pool for very long to know a little something about algae. This single-celled plant organism can easily thrive in a pool in certain conditions, such as if the water circulation is poor, chlorine levels are low, and there are nutrients like phosphates in the water that can contribute to algae’s growth.
There are certain classic signs of algae having developed in a swimming pool, such as the water taking on a green and murky appearance, or the bottom and walls of the pool feeling slimy and slippery.
3 of the risks that algae can pose in a swimming pool
If you’re wondering whether it’s safe to swim in a pool in which algae are present, the simple answer is… no. Here are a few ways in which algae can cause dangers to swimming pool users.
· It greatly hampers visibility through the water
As we referenced above, the water of your swimming pool suddenly looking less than clear can be a major indicator of algae. This may take the form of cloudiness or murkiness, and certain colours such as green, yellow, or brown might become apparent in the water.
Compromised visibility may seem more like an annoyance or a deterrent than an active safety risk – after all, a murky swimming pool hardly looks safe to take a dip in.
However, in the event of an incident such as a pet, child, or someone else who cannot swim falling into the water or struggling to stay afloat, you really won’t want your pool water to be difficult to see through. So, this on its own is a big reason to take algae growth seriously.
· It heightens the risk of bacterial infections
It is worth noting that algae aren’t directly harmful to the body; the problem is that they serve as a breeding ground for bacteria that do cause harm, such as cyanobacteria algae.
Swimming in water that harbours such bacteria can pose a risk of severe infections and skin irritations. This is why exposure to algae-infested water is associated with such effects as rashes, breaks in the skin, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and breathing difficulties.
· It makes pool surfaces slippery, which can lead to physical injuries
As if the aforementioned issues weren’t enough of a concern, it’s worth considering how extremely slippery the walls and bottom of a pool can become when coated with algae.
You won’t want anyone using your pool to slip and fall as a result of contact with these slimy surfaces, given the risk of such physical harms as bruises, cuts, or even broken bones.
The great news is, there are ways to combat algae risks
It is, of course, infinitely preferrable to avoid algae developing in your swimming pool in the first place. Here at Pool Warehouse, we stock the swimming pool chemicals – including algaecide – that will enable you to put in place a strong preventive regime.
If algae have already become visible in your pool, don’t worry – we’ve previously written about how you can remove it. With same-day despatch available for our swimming pool chemicals, which are frequently available at very attractive discounts in our online store, you don’t need to look elsewhere for the essentials that will help keep you and your family safe when using your pool.
You don’t need to have owned a swimming pool for very long to know a little something about algae. This single-celled plant organism can easily thrive in a pool in certain conditions, such as if the water circulation is poor, chlorine levels are low, and there are nutrients like phosphates in the water that can contribute to algae’s growth.
There are certain classic signs of algae having developed in a swimming pool, such as the water taking on a green and murky appearance, or the bottom and walls of the pool feeling slimy and slippery.
3 of the risks that algae can pose in a swimming pool
If you’re wondering whether it’s safe to swim in a pool in which algae are present, the simple answer is… no. Here are a few ways in which algae can cause dangers to swimming pool users.
· It greatly hampers visibility through the water
As we referenced above, the water of your swimming pool suddenly looking less than clear can be a major indicator of algae. This may take the form of cloudiness or murkiness, and certain colours such as green, yellow, or brown might become apparent in the water.
Compromised visibility may seem more like an annoyance or a deterrent than an active safety risk – after all, a murky swimming pool hardly looks safe to take a dip in.
However, in the event of an incident such as a pet, child, or someone else who cannot swim falling into the water or struggling to stay afloat, you really won’t want your pool water to be difficult to see through. So, this on its own is a big reason to take algae growth seriously.
· It heightens the risk of bacterial infections
It is worth noting that algae aren’t directly harmful to the body; the problem is that they serve as a breeding ground for bacteria that do cause harm, such as cyanobacteria algae.
Swimming in water that harbours such bacteria can pose a risk of severe infections and skin irritations. This is why exposure to algae-infested water is associated with such effects as rashes, breaks in the skin, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and breathing difficulties.
· It makes pool surfaces slippery, which can lead to physical injuries
As if the aforementioned issues weren’t enough of a concern, it’s worth considering how extremely slippery the walls and bottom of a pool can become when coated with algae.
You won’t want anyone using your pool to slip and fall as a result of contact with these slimy surfaces, given the risk of such physical harms as bruises, cuts, or even broken bones.
The great news is, there are ways to combat algae risks
It is, of course, infinitely preferrable to avoid algae developing in your swimming pool in the first place. Here at Pool Warehouse, we stock the swimming pool chemicals – including algaecide – that will enable you to put in place a strong preventive regime.
If algae have already become visible in your pool, don’t worry – we’ve previously written about how you can remove it. With same-day despatch available for our swimming pool chemicals, which are frequently available at very attractive discounts in our online store, you don’t need to look elsewhere for the essentials that will help keep you and your family safe when using your pool.
