Have you ever experienced white slime or paper bits floating in your pool? If you have, you might have encountered white water mold, a naturally occurring fungus-like substance that can be a nuisance in pools. Although unassuming, this mold will make your swimming pool less welcoming and more challenging. This blog addresses how to eliminate white mold and, most importantly, how to prevent it from returning.
What Is White Water Mold and Where Does It Come From?
White water mold is often mistaken for ordinary mold, but in reality, it is a biofilm made of microorganisms, mainly composed of Saprolegnia spp. and Chytridiomycota. These two fall under the category of Protista; they show fungus-like features but are not in the true fungi group.
This would make white water mold, not an actual mold, while giving it many appearances that seem like the stuff. Black algae is not a type of algae and white algae mold is a misnomer. However, the resemblance stops, as white water mold acts very differently than any accurate mold, thriving in the biofilm environment that can occur when circulation and sanitation are such that it is left for pools.
What Does White Water Mold Look Like in Pools?
White water mold typically appears as white or grayish slimy clumps that look like tissue or paper scraps. It also looks like cloudy threads in the water.
This white algae in the pool can easily make your pool look dirty, even though the water may feel quite clear. Its tenacity simply means that it won’t go away with a standard cleaning program.
What Causes White Water Mold in Your Pool?
There are several causes of the growth of white water mold in pools:
Poor circulation: When water does not flow well, all the stagnant areas provide a perfect source for mold growth.
Low sanitizer levels: Lack of enough chlorine makes life easy for mold.
Dirty filters and plumbing: Waterborne mold develops in these hidden areas and may spread throughout the pool.
Organic build-up: Dust, pollen, sunscreen, and oils on the water become a breeding ground for microbes.
Chlorine-resistant strains: Some biofilms become resistant to chlorine and require stronger treatments.
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Get Rid of White Water Mold
If you are tired of seeing white mold in your pool, follow the steps below to eliminate it.
Step 1: Clean the pool filter
Begin by backwashing or soaking the pool filter to remove spores hiding inside. This will prevent your filter from introducing them back into the pool water. Check your pool’s pressure gauge and clean your pool filter with chemicals regularly. Run your pool filter for 12 hours at least a day to avoid dead spots in the pool.
Step 2: Balance the pool water chemistry
Test and correct your pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels to balance your water. The optimal pH for killing white water mold should be between 7.2 and 7.4.
Step 3: Shock the pool with high chlorine levels
The cell walls of white water mold act as a defense against pool sanitizers. Thus, highly concentrated chlorine is needed to get rid of the mold. Suspend shock treatment during dusk or night unless your pool is indoors and doesn’t get direct sunlight. Run your pump for at least 72 hours after shock treatment. Keep it at a concentration of 30 ppm for 72 hours. Chlorine is used quickly on white mold, so keep testing your chlorine level.
Step 4: Skim and brush all surfaces
When the shock process is going on, remove all the floating mold and scrub all surfaces, including walls, ladders, corners, and all other surfaces where mold likes to stick. Thoroughly brush all the surfaces on your pool with a suitable brush. The brush should have soft bristles for vinyl or tile finishes or steel bristles for the plaster to clean white fluffy mold on concrete. You should manage to get all your dead spots with your brush.
Step 5: Run the pump continuously
Add water and flush it for 24-48 hours to settle the mold debris. This is one of the essential steps to remove all mold.
Step 6: Manually vacuum the pool
Brush all of your pool’s surfaces again really well. Manually vacuum your pool.
If your pool needs to be topped up, use a garden hose. However, run it for some time before adding it to your pool. This helps prevent any mold from the hose from transferring into your pool.
Step 7: Clean the filter again
Clean your filter well to remove the remaining spores. It will avoid the return of the mold.
Step 8: Rebalance the pool chemicals
Test for the chemical levels and make adjustments if needed. Properly balanced water doesn’t allow molds to thrive.
Step 9: Monitor the pool for recurrence
Check on your pool for the mold to see if it returns. If you catch it, repeat the process as often as you want.
Step 10: Maintain routine pool care
Lastly, frequency is what keeps white water mold at bay. Maintain your pool. Keeping your pool clean is essential. Run your pump daily. Check your water chemistry frequently.
Why Is White Water Mold a Problem for Pool Owners?
White water mold is not attractive. If it’s not corrected, it will eventually clog your filters, stop the free flow of water, and even damage your equipment. Furthermore, it gives the water an unsightly look, which may discourage many from using the swimming pool.
Is White Water Mold Harmful to Humans or Animals?
White water mold is not normally toxic but can sometimes cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive people. It may even irritate pets or wildlife that come into contact with water containing it.
Important note: If you see yellow or red mold in your pool instead of white, harmful bacteria could thrive in the biofilm. In such a case, it is almost essential to treat the pool immediately when you notice the issues so as not to cause health issues.
How to Prevent White Water Mold from Returning
White water mold prevention is a long-term activity that involves several maintenance tasks.
Keep running the pump: In hot weather, your pool’s circulation should be maintained by keeping the pump on for 8-12 hours a day.
Use Robotic Pool Cleaners: Daily pool cleaners remove debris and prevent mold formation.
Shock your pool every two weeks: Shocking your pool occasionally maintains sanitizer levels.
Check your water chemistry: Chlorine and pH must be within acceptable limits.
Winterization of Your Pool: Close up your pool for the season and make sure it is so mold spores do not sprout during the mold spores sprouting up during the off-season.
Wrap-Up: Enjoy a Mold-Free Pool Season
White water mold does not have to be a terror for your pool. By staying on top of your maintenance tasks, circulating the water properly, and knowing some do’s and don’ts, you can keep your pool clean, inviting, and mold-free all season long. You’ll swim better, and you’ll also save on costly repairs and labor in the future.
So, roll up those sleeves, get through these steps, and say goodbye to white water mold!
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