Pool supply store algae alert

The sun and warmth typical of the summer months are ideal for swimmers, and Poolquest.com pool and spa supply is always at the ready with everything it takes to prepare for summer recreation.

But beware: That sun and heat are also perfect for the birth of bothersome water-loving algae. Without the right chemical balance - or sometimes in spite of it - algae can rapidly take over family swimming pools. Algae is a living creature that thrives on the nitrates and carbon dioxide found in improperly treated water sources. The spores take in the CO2 and expend oxygen during photosynthesis, and with very little encouragement, they can multiply seemingly overnight.

You will find our online pool supply store well stocked with a variety of speciality pool supplies and chemicals to fight algae and prevent their recurrence once they are eradicated. In the meantime, read on for more information about this pesky poolside plant.

Algae itself is rarely harmful; however, it can create inconvenience and costly, even dangerous, conditions. At the very least, algae clouds the water, making it difficult for swimmers to see where they are going. Large quantities can cause "run-ins" with the sides and other swimmers, or worse, prevent adults from locating distressed children in the water.

The blooms clog and wear out filters and they consume the chlorination, causing a shortfall in chlorine that allows other contaminants to grow. This sets up a situation in which dangerous pathogens such as E-coli can appear. Poolquest.com's online pool supply store has all the chemicals and discount pool supplies needed to make sure this dangerous condition never occurs in your family's play area.

Prevention is key, but if, despite your best efforts, algae still develops, we can help. Our pool and spa supply inventory includes powerful algaecides to zap ugly scum, and our in-house experts can offer lots of advice on keeping pool algae a thing of the past.