Black algae is perhaps the most difficult algae to get rid of! It has very deep roots that can grow into the side of plaster or concrete pools. It also has many layers that protect it from regular chlorine levels. You will usually find black algae clinging to your pool walls or steps in very shady spots. In order to get rid of blackspot pool algae, you must be aggressive!

Warning: Be prepared to do a lot of brushing. We suggest buying a good quality brush for this procedure.

Make sure your pH levels always sit between 7.4 and 7.6 and your alkalinity levels are between 120 and 150 ppm (parts per million). If you're getting rid of blackspot algae, keep your pH lower at around 6.8 to 7 for 2 to 3 months. Algae loves high pH, so this will slowly kill it and its roots over time.

We cannot stress brushing the pool surface enough. This will be the key to getting rid of black algae. Brush hard, brush thorough and brush often. Black algae forms a membrane which needs to be broken for treatment to work.

Brush the walls and floors with a steel bristle brush or a stiff plastic bristle brush for plaster pools.

You're going to mainly be focusing on adding hydrochloric acid to your pool to lower your pH, but that, of course, goes hand-in-hand with making sure that your pool is sanitised with chlorine to help kill off the algae.

The use of an algaecide not only helps remove algae infestations but also starves them out to prevent algae colonization and blooming.

Brush your pool at least 3 to 4 times a week, concentrating on where you first spotted the algae. Remember, black algae has deep roots that can be embedded into your pool walls. It may look like it’s gone, but it’s probably still there. Just keep brushing. Continue brushing for several days after you see it starting to dissipate.

This is, however, not a guarantee. Black algae is relentless and could continue to infect your water. If it does, you know how to kill it, just be more aggressive next time. Perhaps consider an additional dose of acid and chlorine and constant brushing.

Don't forget to use some Black Spot Remover to make sure that the not only does the black algae brush off easier, but they stay off as well.

SEE ALSO: Prep Your Pool In 11 Easy Steps

At the completion of your water treatment, thoroughly clean your filter. This includes manually washing your cartridge filter or back washing your sand filter.

Your filter is one of the places where black algae can hide in as it is hidden from direct sunlight. Black algae spores clinging to your filter can circulate around your pool making all your scrubbing useless. Give your filter a good soak in filter cleaner to make sure that all traces of the algae are gone for good.

Keeping your pool properly balanced and sanitised is the key to keeping all forms of algae from growing. Make sure you:

• Keep your pH, alkalinity and chlorine levels in the correct range at all times
• Run your pump and filter for 8 to 12 hours a day all season long
• Keep your pool clean by regularly vacuuming and brushing
• Always have the required pool chemicals on hand. Algae can bloom overnight and they replicate very fast. At the first sign of algae growth, do the required pool treatments!

Do you have any questions about this topic or the featured products? No worries, we're here to help! Drop us a question down below and we'll get back to you ASAP.

Happy swimming :)