How does algae form in my pool?

[Adrock1795]

Just wondering how does algae get into my pool? Is it transported through insects from other bodies of water or something else??

 

[jim mcnamara]

Many species of algae are really just single cells. These cells can survive out of water for long periods of time, often as a resting phase, like a spore. The spores are literally everywhere in the atmosphere of earth. They are kind of like pollen in that regard.

If you sterilized your pool completely and then left it open to air, new spores will blow in and start growing.

More complex species or tender species of algae are tranported between separate bodies of water by animals like aquatic birds - ducks, herons, etc. These guys probably do not frequent your pool.

 

[Lanka]

There are some catalysts in the growth of algae as well. For instance, light and heat increase the rate of growth tremendously.

 

[jim mcnamara]

light and heat are not catalysts.

A substance[/color] that increases the rate of a chemical reaction, without being consumed or produced by the reaction

 

[hypatia]

Algae utilizes the process of photosynthesis to manufacture its own food.