How can you tell the difference between pollen and mustard algae in a pool?
In a swimming pool environment, pollen is often confused with mustard algae. The main difference is that pollen sits on the surface of the water whereas mustard algae sit below the waterline.
In addition, Mustard Algae will typically make the pool walls and surfaces feel slimy when you run your hand over them, even if algae are not visible, whereas Pollen should not do this.
Fortunately for pool owners dealing with either of these problems, there is a simple solution with the use of Lo-Chlor chemicals.
Why is dealing with pollen and mustard algae so frustrating?
The reason these two problems have historically been so frustrating to deal with is that their particles are so small that they easily pass through all types of filter media. This means that even if the pool is balanced and running properly, the problem will not go away.
Therefore, when dealing with both pollen and mustard algae, we need to use something to bind these small particles together so that the filter can remove them. The easiest way to do this in a pool is to use a clarifier. We recommend the use of Lo-Chlor Miraclear Pool Clarifier.
Please note that in the case of mustard algae, the pool must first be treated with a strong algaecide, we recommend either Lo-Chlor Knock-Out Algaecide or Lo-Chlor Total Algaecide, depending on what is available in your country, before adding the clarifier.
Clarifiers are made up of positively charged molecules, these molecules function as a magnet for all the negatively charged contaminants in the water, holding them together so that they are large enough to be removed by the filter media.
It is also very important that filters are backwashed or cleaned before and after treatment, before helps us to ensure that they are working at their most efficient during treatment and after means that we have removed these contaminants to prevent them from re-entering the pool environment.
What are Lo-Chlor’s professional tips?
In addition to using a clarifier, pollen on the surface of the water can be removed by using a very fine mesh pool net to ensure it doesn’t settle on any surfaces.
Pollen is made up of organic matter, which means that it will cause chlorine to be consumed at a faster rate than normal. This means that if chlorine is not carefully monitored and balanced, the presence of pollen can encourage algae growth.
When dealing with mustard algae, a strong algaecide will work best, we recommend either Lo-Chlor Knock-Out Algaecide or Lo-Chlor Total Algaecide. This should be followed by using Lo-Chlor Starver® X, to remove phosphate which contributes to algal blooms.
