How To Clean Algae From Pool
Aside from discussing how to clean algae from pool, I will also list the uses of algae in this article.
So firstly, Algae are tiny plants that can be found in different water bodies, ranging from the ocean to lakes, ponds and even in damp places like the bark of a tree. But unlike other plants, algae doesn’t have roots, stems or leaves; instead, it attaches itself to surfaces like rocks or other structures underwater. They come in various shapes and colours, like blue, red, green and brown.
They use sun to make their own food through a process called photosynthesis, in which they take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen. Some can be harmful, and some are harmless.
How To Clean Algae From The Pool
Below are the steps on how to clean algae from the pool:
- Firstly, you have to know the type of algae in your pool, because each algae has its own different treatment. The common types of algae are; green, yellow and black algae.
- Put on your protective gloves and goggles. Then clear the pool surface by removing leaves and other debris, as this will give you better access to clearly removing the algae.
- Also use a brush to scrub the floor or walls where the algae is present; this will help to loosen the algae and make it open to treatment.
- Use a pool vacuum to remove algae and debris from the bottom of the pool and ensure the filter is clean.
- After that, check the pool’s pH, chlorine and alkaline levels and balance them, because duly balanced water will create an environment that is less favourable for algae growth.
- Then apply a suitable algaecide by following the product guidelines. Algaecides helps to prevent the further growth of algae. And ensure the pool pump is running during and after the application to help distribute the algae evenly.
Note that to prevent algae, it’s an ongoing process. So you need to establish a routine for regular pool maintenance, including brushing and skimming.
Uses Of Algae
Algae has a wide range of uses in our lives and industries, and they include ;
- Source Of Food: Some algae are nutritious sources of vitamins, magnesium, potassium, minerals, and protein. Some types of algae, like seaweed, are edible and used in various cuisines worldwide. Seaweed is also often found in salads, sushi and some snacks.
Also, dulse which is a red algae, is cooked, eaten raw or fried like spinach and sold in Canada and Ireland.
- Fertilizer: Algae-based fertilizers are used to fertilize crops, and they provide essential elements like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus that helps to provide plant growths and improve crop yield. Also, algae can be directly deposited on the land where it decomposes.
- Pharmaceuticals Use: Blue algae are known to contain a wide range of bioactive substances, and some of them contribute to the development of anti-cancer, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antioxidants drugs.
- Biofuel: Some algae are used to produce biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol. Many species of algae have high lipid contents that can be extracted and converted to biodiesel. They also have high concentrations of fermented sugars, thereby making them suitable for bioethanol production.
- Commercial and Industrial Use: Different pigments found on algae species offers a source of natural pigment that is used as an alternative to artificial chemical dyes, as well as in the food industry for providing food colouring.Carrageenan which is an algae, is also widely used as a stabilizer in food, and they can also be found as a food thickener in some products like ice cream, cosmetics and toothpaste.
Agar, which is a gelatinous substance, is the medium that is used in the lab to culture bacteria, as well as other lab techniques, and it is derived from red algae.
- Control of pollution: Algae is used in wastewater treatment by absorbing nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, which thus helps to purify water in natural ecosystems and prevent harmful algal bursting. They are also effective in absorbing carbon dioxide from the air, thereby contributing to carbon separation.
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