Facts about algae and algaecide

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What exactly is algae? Algae are actually microscopic plants. Like all plants, algae require nutrients. Algae obtain their food from leaves, plants and organic matter (including bathers). There are in excess of thirty thousand different species! In an effort to make identification easier, the swimming pool industry classifies algae as blue-green, mustard, pink and black algae (also known as black-spot algae). Blue-green algae tend to be of the floating variety, whereas mustard algae and black algae cling to the pool interior, particularly cracks and crevices. The clinging species of algae are the most difficult to control. I heard chlorine can clear up my pool which became infested with algae? It is true that chlorine can be used to treat algal outbreaks, however, chlorine resistant algae consume huge quantities of chlorine, reducing the free chlorine available to control bacteria and viruses.