The black algae is one of the most challenging algae in the pool. Unlike other types of algae, black algae will develop deep roots in porous pool surfaces, making it significantly more difficult to remove. Although a robotic pool cleaner like the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro can scrub and vacuum away algae, they rarely kill everything, making a good algaecide crucial to solving the problem. This article will discuss the best algaecides for black algae available on the market and how you can pair them with necessary tools such as a pool vacuum, skimmer, and a pool robotic pool cleaner to keep your pool clean and algae-free.
Why Black Algae Deserves Special Treatment
Black algae have some differences compared to the different types of algae. They have a protective, dark outer coat, which renders them resistant to chlorine and nurtures them to be more challenging to kill. These algae also attach themselves to rough, porous surfaces of the pool — the walls, floor, and tile line. It’s one of those unique structures that need special chemical treatment and physical cleaning to remedy it.
A swimming pool robot cleaner such as the Beatbot AquaSense 2 can assist with physical cleaning by scrubbing and vacuuming the black algae from the pool’s surfaces. Chemical treatment to kill the algae and deter its return is common. Floating algae particles can also be eliminated effectively using a high-quality pool vacuum robot, but treating the black algae itself requires the use of appropriate algaecide.
Best Algaecide for Black Algae
There are many options for choosing an algaecide for black algae. Algae that are particularly difficult to eliminate deserve products engineered explicitly for them. These are some of the best options.
Copper-Based Algaecides
The effectiveness of copper-based algaecides against black algae stems from copper ions inhibiting algae cells from growing and reproducing. These algaecides are standard in pool maintainers for stubborn algae situations. You want a copper-based algaecide that’s safe for your type of pool and effective against black algae.
Polyquat 60 Algaecides
Another algaecide effective against black algae is polyquat 60. This particular formulation works by inhibiting algae’s cellular functions. Polyquat 60 is not only safer for pool surfaces and swimmers than more aggressive chemicals but has also become a popular treatment for homeowners seeking a more pool-friendly product.
Sodium Bromide Algaecides
If you have black algae, sodium bromide algaecides specifically target that type of algae and can eliminate it without hurting pool surfaces, especially in pools that have been suffering from black algae long term.
How to Use Algaecide to Combat Black Algae
It’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using algaecide, especially when treating black algae, to ensure it is safe and effective. This process generally includes the following:
Balance Your Pool’s Chemistry
But before you apply any algaecide, make sure your pool’s pH, chlorine levels, and alkalinity are in the proper ranges. A proper chemical balance helps the algaecide function better.
Apply the Algaecide
Algaecide rinse according to the label instructions for the appropriate dosage. Some algaecides must be added directly to the pool water, while others must be mixed with water before application.
Brush the Pool’s Surfaces
Once the algaecide has been applied, scrub the affected areas with a pool brush, focusing on the walls and bottoms where black algae are prone to grow. This will help loosen the algae and allow the algaecide to access the root system.
Vacuum the Pool
After giving the algaecide time to work, vacuum the now-dead algae from the pool floor with an algae vacuum or a robot pool cleaner. A pool vacuum robot or Maytronics pool cleaner can assist in getting rid of dirt in the swimming pool water, as it will keep it as clean as feasible.
What Pool Water Features Do Robots Help With?
Pool Robot Cleaner—Algaecides kill black algae, but a robot pool cleaner cleans the algae and debris from your pool’s surfaces. Robotic pool cleaners, like the Beatbot iSkin Ultra, have a wall-climbing function that is particularly useful for reaching the pool parts where black algae are most likely to stick, i.e., the pool walls and the tile lines.
But a robotic pool cleaner does more than vacuum the pool—it also scrubs and brushes surfaces, which is critical for loosening agitated algae and clearing the way for direct contact with the algaecide. With the swimming pool robot cleaner, you can free yourself from manual cleaning, as it operates on its own, saving you time and energy.
Additional Pool Cleaning Tips for Black Algae
Skimmer: Skim the pool surface with a skimmer to remove any floating debris or algae. This helps prevent algae from spreading and can also make the cleaning process easier.
Pool Vacuum: If you don’t want to invest in a robot, a vacuum cleaner for the pool can manually vacuum any algae from the bottom of the pool. For pool algae, a vacuum can be handy after you’ve treated your water with chemicals or want to maintain your pool.
Pool Booster Pump: A pool booster pump enhances the water circulation for the pool, works with the filtration process, and inhibits algae growth. This is possible due to proper circulation, which is required to keep the pool algae-free.
Does a Pool Robot Pick Up Algae?
Do robot pool cleaners pick up black algae? Although it may not wholly eradicate algae, a robot pool cleaner can assist in scrubbing and loosening algae from surfaces, making it easier to eliminate with a vacuum or chemical treatment.
Finally, the best way to get rid of black algae is to couple the cleaning for which a robot pool cleaner is known with the right chemicals, such as an effective algaecide, to keep your pool clean and algae-free.
Final Thoughts: Algaecide, Plus the Right Tools
To summarise, an effective algaecide combined with the appropriate pool cleaning apparatus is the best way to eradicate black algae. When physically scrubbing and vacuuming the algae from the surfaces of your pool, a robot pool cleaner like the Beatbot AquaSense 2 Pro will be a must. Pair this with the proper algaecide, like copper-based or Polyquat 60, and rest assured your pool will remain algae-free. Ensure your swimming pool’s chemistry is fine-tuned regularly and cleansed with the right tools like a pool vacuum, skimmer, or swimming pool robot cleaner to enjoy your pool to its fullest.
