A clean swimming pool can be the best place to relax. Sadly, there are stubborn molds that can make the cleaning process an exhausting process. The dreadful question that most pool owners ask is, what causes white molds in swimming pools? Let’s find out what reason might be for these nasty growths. White water molds have the following characteristics:
They Grow Naturally
Most pool owners think that chemicals like chlorine support the growth of white water molds, but studies show that these plants grow on their own, without the support of foreign chemicals. Additionally, white molds are fungal, biological, and alive, meaning they thrive in water.
They Are Resistant to Pool Treatments
You might be surprised to see white water molds in your pool even after applying treatments. White molds are resistant to most pool cleaning solutions because their structure is hard for chemicals and compounds to penetrate. The reason they grow in pools is that they can easily die easier from the rays of the hot sun than they do from pool water and its additives.
How Do You Clean White Mold in Swimming Pools?
As the saying goes, “prevention is better than treatment.” Preventing the growth of white molds in your pool is much less expensive than treating a pool full of mold. With that being said, there are a few steps to follow to prevent their growth:
Clean the Pool on a Weekly Basis
Some pool owners use strong chemicals and methods like soda or sandblasting once in a blue moon. However, in order to deal with stubborn white water molds in pools, the right process demands cleaning your pool at least once a week. This makes sure you’ve thoroughly cleaned the rails and ladder steps, which can get grimy fast. It also exposes molds to the direct sunlight, where they will perish.
Open the Pool Lid for a Few Hours a Day
The sun’s rays are extremely effective in preventing the growth of white water molds. Opening the swimming pool lid to allow for the sun to penetrate kills molds that hide in the shadows of the pool. The recommendation is to remove the lid for about 2 hours in strong sunlight, and 3 hours if the sky is more overcast.
Apply Oxidizing Agents
Although white water molds are resistant to chemicals, they survive in the presence of oxygen. When oxidizing agents are applied, they react with the oxygen in water to reduce its supply. Once the oxygen in the pool is interfered with, white molds growth reduces and might be completely diminished over time. Oxidizing agents are also great for treating pool infiltrations.
Wash Pool Accessories Regularly
White molds thrive in mildewed areas. To discourage their growth and distribution, wash pool floats, solar blankets and pool toys regularly. Keep in mind to also maintain water levels during rainy seasons.
