Can you swim in a pool with algae?

If a pool has been improperly maintained, algae can grow both in the water and on the surface of the pool itself. Which begs the question, can you swim in a pool with algae?

Let’s explore how this happens and why it’s really not a good idea.

What causes pool algae growth?

A number of factors can influence pool algae growth. Most commonly, it’s due to out-of-balance chemicals, such as too little chlorine, which is why it’s important to get your pool regularly tested to ensure it’s at the right pH level and has all the correct chemical balances to keep itself clean.

Problems with pool filtration and inadequate cleaning can also speed up the growth of algae. This is why regular pool cleaning and maintenance is important to ensure all your equipment stays in top working order to keep the water clear, and that all pool floors and walls are cleaned thoroughly.

Can you swim in a pool with algae?

In short, the answer is yes, you can swim in a pool with algae – but you really shouldn’t. No matter how mild or severe, it isn’t recommended.

There are several health & safety concerns that come with swimming in a pool with algae, including:

• Slippery: If algae has grown on the bottom of the pool or is present around the edges, it can form a slippery surface which can pose an injury risk to pool users.
• Poor visibility: Algae can cloud up the water, leading to poor visibility. This can be dangerous when it comes to spotting and responding to developing medical incidents in the pool, particularly with children having a swim.
• Illness and infection: Unclean water that contains algae can also promote the quick growth of bacteria. When these impurities are ingested by swimmers, they can lead to illness and digestive issues. Likewise, it can cause ear or eye infections when algae and bacteria come into contact with a person’s body.
• Skin irritation: Following on from the above point, a pool with algae and bacteria can also lead to skin irritation and rashes in some swimmers. 
• Deterioration of the pool: If algae is allowed to get bad enough, the growths can stain the pool walls and bottom, as well as possibly impacting the effectiveness of equipment. This makes for a more unpleasant and less hygienic swimming experience.

So, now we’ve explored why you shouldn’t get into a pool with algae, let’s take a look at how to prevent it from growing in the first place.

How do I stop algae from growing in my pool?

The best way to prevent algae growth in a pool is to arrange regular pool maintenance with a professional company. The services of an expert means that the cleanliness, equipment quality and chemical balance of your pool are always kept in perfect condition and keep algae at bay.

The services of a pool maintenance company, such as Riverbend Sandler Pools, include pool testing, topping up and balancing of chemicals, pool skimming, equipment checks, backwashing of filtration systems, surface and wall cleaning, and much more.

Benefit from more than 40 years of award-winning pool creation and maintenance from Riverbend Sandler Pools. We’ve been at the forefront of innovative pool design and care for decades, serving customers across Plano, Dallas, McKinney, and the surrounding areas. Get in touch to discover more about our swimming pool maintenance services today.