Springtime indeed brings beautiful flowers, but it can also bring some not-so-beautiful problems to your water.
With all the trees and plants surrounding your pool backyard and in bloom season, they’re releasing pollen into the air, which settles on top of your pool surface.
This can cause stains or algae growth, which is definitely not what you want to see on your weekends off. Here are some tips for getting out that pesky pollen in pool before they do any more damage.
What Is Pollen?
Quite simply, pollen is tiny spores that plants produce throughout the reproductive cycle. Those pollen seeds you see are the male microgametes of a plant, which are carried to female ovules, the wind, an insect, or another animal and fertilize their female counterparts.
Catkins are the last surviving element of a blooming tree’s male pollination system. Sometimes this pollen falls from the tree and covers cars, swimming pools, and walkways. People who suffer from allergies find it nearly intolerable when they are around them.
Pollen has two categories. The first type of pollen is known as sticky pollen. This is produced by plants that have beautiful flowers—bees transport pollen to neighboring plants for fertilization. The second kind of pollen is wind-blown pollen, which big trees such as pine, oak, and other conifers produce.
Yes, oak trees are beautiful in view, but they are one of the most dreaded things for allergy sufferers during the pollen season. Before the pollen season is in full swing, now is the ideal time to get your home ready for the new season to prevent the hassle that comes with pollen in pool.
How To Quickly Spot Pollen in Pool?
It’s easy to assume in springtime that the yellow layer on the surface of your pool is pollen. But sometimes, it could be a form of yellow algae.
You can easily spot pollen if they have these characteristics.
- Pollens sticks to the pool tile at the waterline
- Pollens sticks inside the skimmer
- Pollen is often seen in corners because the wind easily blows them
- Pollen dissolves and can sink underwater, often on the dark side of the pool
- Pool water feels sticky as if your hair gel is mixed in
Note: excessive pollen can cause yellow stains on pool tiles and liners that are hard to clean. Pollen can slip underneath the tile or into the cracks around the pool. As pollen hardens, it becomes stuck and difficult to remove. This could cause a permanent stain on your pool and liner.
6 Easy Steps To Keep Pollen Out of Your Swimming Pool
Step 1. Keep your filter clean
Pollen can be very difficult to remove from the surface of the water. It’s essential to have not only a cleaner but also a filter that is properly maintained to take pollen out of your swimming pool. You want it to circulate through the water continuously, so pollen particles don’t have a chance to settle and stick around. Ensure that every opening and every clog is taken care of before they become a problem.
Step 2. Vacuum – Vacuuming your pool is the best thing you can do for your water. Some people think it’s a waste of time or an unnecessary hassle, but it’s essential to do it every week, even if in a short time. It will help remove any pollen that may be clogging openings and prevent future issues.
Step 3. Quickly skim the top – If you choose not to vacuum, then it’s still essential to quickly skim the surface of your pool or spa weekly so any debris can be flushed away. This will help prevent the particles from sticking around and falling through the bottom of your filter, skimmer basket, or pump basket.
Step 4. Inspect your filter – Every three weeks, take the time to inspect your filter thoroughly. This will prevent any potential issues from developing and give you a chance to see any problems before they become an issue.
Step 5. Add chlorine – Pollens settle and stick around, which can cause algae growth. Adding extra chlorine will help dilute the amount of pollen in the water. Also, if you notice signs of pollen in the water, adding chlorine will help prevent unwanted algae growth.
Step 6. Clean your skimmer baskets – If you don’t have a skimmer basket, you still need to maintain your filter regularly. Skimmer baskets are typically made of plastic and can quickly become clogged with debris. Just like the filter, you need to maintain them so they can do their job correctly. This means making sure the openings are clear and utterly free of pollen in pool before they become an issue.
“This is the final resort because it will result in an increase in both your energy and water costs. You’ll require more power to run the vacuum, and you’ll have to refill the pool with water to compensate for the water that was lost throughout the procedure.”
Matt Giovanisci, founder of Swim University®
Bottom Line
Don’t let small bits of pollen in pool ruin your day or your favorite spot. Take responsibility and maintain your pool, so you’re not stuck with a mess forever. I hope this article helped teach you how to keep pollen out of your swimming pool.
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