How To Get Rid Of White Water Mold In Your Pool
Published January 30, 2024
Owning a swimming pool is a luxurious delight. It offers an excellent escape on hot days and a stress-relieving sanctuary. However, it also comes with the ongoing challenge of maintenance. Occasional algae and dirt can invade crystal-clear waters.
The elusive white water mold may also be present. This naturally-occurring fungus, resembling tissue paper shreds, is unsettling for pool owners. The genuine concern is the accompanying bacteria, which can lead to respiratory issues. Understanding the origins is crucial for effective elimination.
Dealing with this type of mold doesn’t have to be daunting. In this article, we’ll explore valuable insights to address it effectively. The maintenance aspect also ensures your aquatic retreat is a source of fun and relaxation for years to come.
What Is White Water Mold?
White water mold is a fungus that occurs naturally, resembling shredded tissue paper.
You’ll often find them floating on the surface of swimming pool waters. They’re not particularly harmful to humans. But, their appearance makes any pool owner uncomfortable.
Furthermore, bacteria often follow after the appearance of mold. Bacteria are typically harmful to humans. They may cause respiratory problems. So, it’s best to get rid of white mold in pool as soon as possible. The problem is there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
You must first identify the cause before you can formulate a plan.
What Causes White Water Mold In Pools?
The mold should only appear in your pool when certain conditions have been satisfied. It’s like other types of mold in that regard.
For your reference, the requirements for most molds to grow include:
- Adequate oxygen
- Sufficient water
- Enough food
- Dim conditions
- Lack of sunlight
That applies to most types of mold, and white water mold is no exception.
Perhaps the only distinction is that mold usually feeds on organic compounds. Interestingly, the white algae in pool likes to feed on plastics, or at least its organic elements.
By piecing these all together, it’s safe to assume that it appears because:
- Your pipes and filters have plastic components. It’s likely that the mold appeared when the system was pumping water through the pipes.
- Your pool is a place where sunlight can’t reach, or in other words, indoors.
- You left pool equipment or toys with plastic parts in the pool.
- You filled the entire pool with a plastic hose that probably already has mold.
- Your pool is filthy, providing abundant food for the mold.
Unfortunately, there’s no way of knowing what caused the appearance of the mold.
So, how do you prevent this issue?
Prevention Tips
The best approach to prevent white water mold is to avoid any of the conditions mentioned above from occurring. If that’s still confusing, you have to do the following:
- Clean the pipes and filtration system regularly.
- Avoid enclosing the pool, and ensure it’s exposed to even a little sunlight.
- Get rid of unnecessary objects in the pool, particularly the ones with plastic.
- Let the hose run before using it in the pool. If it contains the mold, you can remove it before it goes to the pool.
- Clean the pool regularly.
A preventive routine should be a priority for pool owners. Apart from letting the hose run, the methods are regular activities. There’s no secret technique or strategy.
So long as you act as a responsible pool owner, there shouldn’t come another day when you’ll find the mold again. Be that as it may, knowing how to eliminate it can still help.
Step-By-Step Guide On How To Get Rid Of White Water Mold In Pool
The mold is quite stubborn, even more than the algae in your pool. As such, the usual methods aren’t enough to get rid of it. At the very least, you need to do the following:
Clean Your Pipes And Filtration Systems
Though it’s one of the prevention methods, cleaning the pool filters is also the first step to getting rid of it. Think of it as taking care of the root of the problem.
It’s to ensure the mold won’t come back after you finish the following steps.
You can clean the filter in any way you want. Ensure the remnants of your cleanup will not return to the pool. Otherwise, your efforts would’ve been for naught. It’s best to use a hose for this. If you want the best results, consider a reputable Boca Raton pool cleaning service.
Clean The Objects That Came In Contact With The Mold
This step is another way the mold won’t return after the treatment.
Since the objects in your pool might’ve been contaminated, it’s best to take them to a different area and clean them there. These usually include things like pool toys, ladders, and floats.
Balance The Water’s pH Level
One of the steps to get rid of pool mold is shocking, and one of the requirements for shocking a pool is a balanced pH level. You’d want a pH of 7.4, but 7.2 to 7.6 is still acceptable.
You can utilize a pool test kit or test trips for this step. To boost the pH level, add soda ash to the pool. If you want to lower the pH level, add muriatic acid.
Shock The Pool
Shocking involves adding unusually high amounts of chlorine to a pool.
It’s an essential step in this treatment process because white water mold, as stated, is stubborn and can usually survive chlorine. You can only eliminate the mold when you use high amounts of it.
Usually, when you shock the pool, you need one gallon of chlorine per 10,000 gallons of water. But if you’re dealing with water contaminated with mold, you must triple that amount.
So, you must use three or even four gallons of chlorine per 10,000 gallons of contaminated water.
Brush The Pool Surfaces
The shock will cover the existing mold in the pool. However, to ensure it won’t regrow, you must brush the pool surfaces since they’ll inevitably be home to mold if they’re dirty.
Clean The Filter Again
Since some of the mold may have gotten to the filter during this process, you need to clean the filter again. You can do any method you prefer, like with the first step.
That should take care of the existing mold. It should also prevent them from appearing again, at least not immediately after this treatment session.
Vacuum The Pool
To effectively eradicate any settled mold, make use of a pool vacuum cleaner. Remember, this crucial step is paramount in ensuring the complete elimination of any lingering mold.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Water Mold
1. Is white water mold harmful to humans?
As a fungus, it naturally develops in pool areas with inadequate circulation. It can adversely affect the pool’s appearance, clog equipment, and compromise swimmer safety. While it poses no direct harm to humans, preventing its occurrence is paramount. Eliminating it may be challenging. Taking proactive measures to inhibit its growth is essential.
2. Is it safe to swim with white mold?
Swimming in water with this type of mold is generally considered safe. However, if there’s a dense algae bloom that obscures the visibility of the main drain, it’s advisable to refrain from swimming.
3. Does it leave a residue?
Mold can leave behind a slimy, white residue on pool surfaces and equipment. This residue should be diligently cleaned to prevent mold from coming back.
4. Can it come back after treatment?
The mold has a tendency to resurface even after treatment if the conditions for its growth, such as poor sanitation, are favorable.
Achieve A Clean And Mold-Free Pool Today
Explore the world of pool ownership, with its refreshing perks and occasional challenges. While enjoying your oasis, be aware of white water mold, which can attract harmful bacteria. If the elusive mold surfaces, follow a strategic plan. Remember, dealing with the mold doesn’t have to be complicated. With this guide, you can restore your pool quickly so your aquatic retreat stays pristine. Ready to reclaim your pool paradise? Dive in and take proactive steps for a crystal-clear haven.
Hire Boca’s Favorite Pool Builders
Excel Pool and Patio Solutions is your trustworthy provider of pool services in Boca Raton. We are experts in pool and patio remodeling and can handle your resurfacing needs as well. Our technicians are vetted and trained for your guaranteed satisfaction. Get to know us by browsing our website or reaching out to us with any questions.
Contact our team today to request a free estimate for pool construction, maintenance, repairs and more.
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About The Author
I am Tracy Gorman, a seasoned writer from the Philippines. I possess the research and writing skills to delve into any niche. Get to know me!
