What’s Growing in Your Pool? Guide to Pool Algae in Arizona

What’s Growing in Your Pool? A Guide to Pool Algae Types in Arizona

Arizona’s sunshine and warmth make for perfect pool weather—but they also create the ideal conditions for algae to thrive. If your pool water suddenly turns cloudy, green, or even black, you could be dealing with one of several types of algae common to pools in Buckeye, Verrado, and Goodyear.

In this guide, we break down the types of pool algae, what causes them, how to prevent them, and how Founder’s Pool Service can help keep your pool crystal clear—no matter the season.

The 3 Most Common Types of Pool Algae in Arizona

1. Green Algae (Chlorophyta)

Appearance: Cloudy green water, slimy walls or steps
Growth Rate: Rapid—can take over a pool overnight
Common Causes: Poor circulation, low chlorine levels, inconsistent brushing

✅ Treatable: Green algae is the most common and easiest to eliminate with proper shocking and brushing.

2. Yellow Algae (Mustard Algae)

Appearance: Dusty yellow or brown patches, often on shady walls
Growth Rate: Moderate, but resistant to normal chlorine levels
Common Causes: Low sanitizer, infrequent brushing, shaded areas

⚠️ Resistant: Mustard algae requires aggressive treatment, including algaecide, triple-shocking, and cleaning pool accessories.

3. Black Algae (Cyanobacteria)

Appearance: Small black spots with protective heads, rooted in plaster
Growth Rate: Slow but deeply invasive
Common Causes: Poor brushing habits, high phosphate levels, unbalanced water

❌ Stubborn: Black algae is the hardest to remove. It can survive normal sanitizing and embed in pool surfaces.

Why Arizona Pools Are Especially Vulnerable

The combination of intense UV radiation, high CYA levels, high water temperatures, and long swim seasons in Buckeye and surrounding areas creates the perfect breeding ground for algae. Add in dust storms and occasional monsoon rain, and your pool’s chemical balance can change quickly—opening the door for unwanted growth.

How to Prevent Algae in Arizona Pools

🧪 Maintain Proper Chlorine Levels
Use digital testing (like we do!) to monitor levels accurately—no guessing with color matching.

💨 Improve Circulation
Ensure your pump runs long enough—especially during summer. Aim for 8–12 hours/day.

🧼 Brush or Vacuum Weekly
Manual brushing dislodges spores that hide in corners, steps, and light niches.

💧 Monitor Phosphates
Phosphates feed algae. Founder’s includes phosphate testing and treatment when needed.

Our Approach to Algae Prevention at Founder’s Pool Service

At Founder’s, we take a proactive approach to algae prevention by offering:

• Weekly brushing
• Digital water analysis with real-time chemical accuracy
• Included phosphate treatments when needed
• Shock treatments as part of regular service (not add-ons)
• Technicians trained to spot early algae warning signs

🎯 Our goal: Stop algae before it starts.

What to Do If You Suspect Algae

If your pool starts to turn cloudy, green, yellow, or blotchy black—don’t wait. The longer algae grows, the harder it is to eliminate.

Or just call us and we’ll take care of it for you.

Serving Buckeye, Verrado & Goodyear with Expert Pool Algae Control

Algae is no match for a pool that’s professionally balanced and brushed. Let Founder's Pool Service handle the science so you can enjoy your pool—algae free.

Call Us Before It Grows!

📞 (623) 252-9229
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