How to Treat and Prevent Mustad Algae


WHAT IS IT?

Mustard algae, also known as yellow algae, is a hardy and chlorine-resistant form of green algae that typically appears as a fine, dust-like yellow or brownish-orange powder on the floor or walls of a pool. it is notoriously difficult to eliminate because it can survive outside the water on equipment and swimwear.

POSSIBLE CAUSE

  • Incorrect pH level
  • Insufficient chlorine
  • Filtration/circulation problem


HOW TO TREAT MUSTARD ALGAE

  1. Test and Adjust

Always begin by testing your pool water. Your test results will tell you if your water parameters are unbalanced. Your pH must be between 7.2 and 7.6. for chlorine to work effectively.

Cloudy Pool
  1. Clean Filter, Pool Water and Surfaces

Backwash and rinse the filter, skim water surface to remove visible debris, brush walls, vacuum and empty skimmer baskets. Concentrate on areas with visible dirt and little or no circulation.

  1. Apply a Shock Treatment

Shocking your pool water helps to remove contaminants that may cause algae to grow and helps to improve water filtration. Mustard algae need a much higher concentration of chlorine to die.
Add 200g Month Mate Granular Xtra Blue per 10 000L or 2 Bags Month Mate Shock Xtra Blue per 50 000L.

  1. Apply an Algaecide

Ensure you select an algaecide that kills mustard algae. After treatment, some dead algae may remain in your pool. Continue to thoroughly brush your pool’s surfaces often.
Add 1L Month Mate All-In-One Algaecide per 50 000L to the pool as directed.

  1. Circulate and Filter the Water

Run your pump and filter until the water clears, backwash and rinse the filter as needed. The longer the water is in motion, the quicker the water clears!
To help the filter trap the dead algae use 2 x Brite-Blu Clarifier Tablet or 50ml Water Clarifier per 10 000L after every backwash.

  1. Chemical Cleaning the Filter

The algae spores stick to the sand, which a normal backwash cannot detach and flush out. Use 1L Filter Cleaner per 3 bag sand filter to dissolve the oils, scale, and organic biofilms that stick to the sand.

  1. Clean the Pool Tools and Toys. Untreated pool tools and toys can re-contaminate the pool – the equipment and toys should soak for at least 24 hours in water with high-chlorine levels.

SIX STEPS TO PREVENT ALGAE GROWTH

  1. For best results, test and balance your pool water weekly, maintain pH between 7.2 – 7.6
  2. Maintain a consistent chlorine level of 1–3 ppm, apply the Month Mate Super Plus Floater
  3. Use a preventative algaecide like Tru Blu, monthly, apply 2L per 50 000L.
  4. Shock routinely, apply Month Mate Shock Xtra Blue, 1 bag per 50 000L once a week.
  5. Make sure there is adequate circulation and filtration, run the pump and filter for a minimum of 8-10 hours per day in summer and 6-8 hours per day in winter.
  6. Brushing the surfaces is vital, brush the walls, floor and stairs weekly.