Microscopic plant-like organisms that contain chlorophyll. Algae are nourished by carbon and use sunlight to carry out photosynthesis. They are introduced by rain or wind and grow in colonies producing nuisance masses. Algae are not disease-causing but they can harbor bacteria and they are slippery. There are 21,000 known species of algae. The most common pool types are black, blue-green, green and yellow or mustard. Pink or red colored algae-like organisms exist but are bacteria and not algae. Maintaining proper sanitizer levels, shocking and super chlorination will prevent their occurrence.
If you haven’t purchased a leaf rake, or a “drag bag”, as I sometimes call them, and are holding on to that flat “dip & flip” net that your builder gave you; you are creating your own hell. I strongly encourage the purchase of a nice leaf rake. There are also chemical products which are used to keep surface tension high, moving small debris to the sides of the pool. Another possible problem could be the condition of the weir in the skimmer; you know, that flapper gate thing. Make sure it is operating properly so that it creates a draw or “waterfall” into the skimmer basket. Also check that the water level is not so high that it is above the opening of the skimmer.
Lastly, you may need to trim some of those trees and bushes near the pool. My pool, for example, was specifically built with no vegetation anywhere within wind shot!
