The most important thing to preventing algae is keeping your pool in proper
chemical balance. Having a high pH and low chlorine levels make algae happy.
You also need to keep your pool clean. Decomposing leaves and other organic
material in the pool will contribute the the algae's happiness. To prevent
dirt from hiding in the cracks of your plaster, you should regularly brush
your pool with a good pool brush. This will remove most of the dirt and other
material from the sides and bottom of the pool, making it harder for the algae
to get a foothold on your pool in the first place.
Some pools may require additional chemicals to help prevent algae. Types
range from chemicals that keep the algae from "breathing", such as
potassium tetraborate, to chemicals that keep algae from growing such as
chitin. There are also chemicals to are both algaecides (algae killer) and
algaestats (growth preventer), including polymers, quaternary ammonium
compounds, and copper and silver based products. NOTE: If you decide to
use a copper or silver base product, it is advised that you use a sequestering
agent as well.
You can also use a chlorine "enhancer" to help prevent algae.
Enhancers are most effective against yellow, or mustard algae. It works best with regular brushing and vacuuming.
