If you’ve never seen pollen in your saltwater pool before, it can easily be mistaken for mustard or yellow algae. Before you begin the cleaning process, it’s important that you first make sure that what you’re attempting to clean out of your pool is in fact what you think it is. How to tell the difference between pollen and algae is how and where it collects within your pool. Algae will often stick to the sides and even the bottom of the pool and won’t be easily filtered by your pool’s filtration system. But if it’s floating at the top of the pool, and you notice some of it has been picked up by your pool’s filtration system, chances are, you have a pollen problem.
While having a pollen problem quite literally muddy the waters of your saltwater pool, there is good news. Getting rid of it isn’t difficult, but you’ll need to be diligent to keep up with an influx of pollen as soon as it starts collecting in your pool. The sooner you get pollen out of your pool, the less of a mess you’ll have to deal with in the long term. Keep reading for tips to help with cleaning pollen out of a saltwater pool.
- Start by skimming.
Skimming your pool should already be a part of your regular pool maintenance. Even if you have a top-of-the-line pool filtration system, regularly skimming will help to reduce the workload on your filtration system which keeps it functioning in top shape for as long as possible. Plus, with the right tools skimming is quick and easy. By skimming your pool when pollen is present, you will be able to take off the top layer of pollen that accumulates on the surface of the pool. This speeds up the cleaning process and allows the filtration system to focus on the bigger problem areas below the surface.
- Run the filtration system regularly.
At the start of every swim season, you should be sure your pool’s filtration system is running as it should. Then, when issues like an abundance of pollen arise, you will be well equipped to handle the problem. Your filtration system should be running daily as this is your first line of defense against pollen and other debris. If you’re not currently running it continuously, the peak of pollen season is the time to consider doing so.
- Consider an additive to bind the pollen.
There are many products on the market that are designed to help keep your pool clean. What’s most important is to understand the unique design of your personal pool. If it’s a saltwater pool, you’ll want to consult your pool company to be sure any chemical or additive you place in the water will not hurt any other system already in place. One common additive that helps with pollen cleanup is aluminum sulfate. Adding some aluminum sulfate to the water will cause the pollen to clump together into larger pieces so that a skimmer, filter, or vacuum can more easily pick it up and remove it.
- Address nuisance trees and shrubs long-term.
A longer-term solution to your pollen problem could be eliminating trees and shrubs that produce or attract the influx of pollen. While there will always be a risk for pollen entering your pool simply due to the moving air and wind, eliminating plants that are in close proximity to your pool and are notorious for pollen can save you a lot of headaches in the long term.
- Get a professional pool service involved.
And finally, consider hiring the help of a professional pool company. With regular visits, a professional pool service will address any and all issues with your pool before they become a major concern of your own. They will monitor your water and filtration system and test your chemicals. If they identify a pollen problem, they will have the right tools and know the right techniques to address the issue quickly and correctly. This small investment can save you a lot of time and money down the road!
Do you live in an area where springtime pollen can accumulate in your pool? Particularly if you own a saltwater pool, you’ll want to be sure to take the best precautionary steps to clean out the pollen and keep your pool’s water as crystal clear as possible both for the sake of your pool’s filtration system, but also for the best swimming experience for you and your guests.
We hope you found the tops offered in this post to be helpful. If you have any additional questions about keeping a saltwater pool functioning at its best, leave a comment below or contact Aquavisions today for our expert advice!