Managing Pool Algae During Ohio’s Humid Summers

Ohio’s hot, humid summers create the ideal environment for algae to take hold in both residential and commercial pools. Without proactive care, what starts as a small bloom can quickly turn into a frustrating, unsightly, and even unsafe situation. This guide will help you understand why algae forms, how to treat it effectively, and—most importantly—how High Tech Pools can help you prevent it in the first place.
Why algae thrives in Ohio summers
Several climate and pool-specific factors combine to make algae a common issue across the state:
- Climate factors: High humidity and prolonged heat accelerate algae growth in stagnant or poorly circulated water.
- Pool conditions: Infrequent maintenance, improper water chemistry, or poor filtration allow algae to flourish.
- Common algae types:
- Green algae: The most frequent offender—causing cloudy, green water and slippery surfaces.
- Mustard algae: Yellowish in appearance and more resistant to chlorine.
- Black algae: Stubborn, often appearing as dark spots in plaster pools and requiring intensive treatment.
Common algae problems in residential vs. commercial pools
Residential pools
In backyard pools, algae often appears after heavy use or lapses in maintenance.
- Causes: Summer parties that overwhelm sanitizers, inconsistent chemical checks, and irregular cleanings.
- Impact: Cloudy or green water, slippery steps or ladders, and increased health risks for swimmers.
Commercial pools
Larger pools serving multiple users are even more prone to algae issues due to:
- Causes: High bather loads, extended sun exposure, and daily fluctuations in water chemistry.
- Impact: Downtime, failed inspections, and negative guest experiences that hurt your reputation.

Treatment & prevention strategies
Treatment
When algae strikes, swift action is key:
- Shock the pool and apply algaecides designed for your specific algae type.
- Brush and vacuum affected surfaces to physically remove buildup.
- Rebalance water chemistry, especially pH and sanitizer levels, to maintain a healthy environment.
Prevention
The best way to avoid algae is to stay ahead of it:
- Test and adjust water chemistry consistently—especially during hot weather.
- Clean pool walls, steps, and filters regularly to eliminate algae spores.
- Enroll in a professional residential Ohio pool maintenance service to ensure nothing is overlooked.
- For facility managers, commercial pool algae prevention plans offer peace of mind all season long.
Why partner with High Tech Pools
With decades of experience in pool algae treatment in Ohio, our team knows how to combat the challenges that come with humid summer pool care. Whether you manage a hotel pool or maintain a backyard retreat, High Tech Pools offers:
- Customized service plans tailored to your usage and environment.
- Skilled technicians trained to detect and eliminate algae at the source.
- Access to advanced equipment and ongoing support to prevent algae in pool water before it becomes a problem.
Contact High Tech Pools today to schedule your free consultation and enjoy clear, healthy water all summer long.