Algae Eating Your Profits? Fix It Fast

Algae is not just a cosmetic problem for pool pros; it is a profit leak that drains time, trust, and chemical budgets. When a route hits peak season, even two algae-hit pools can add 20 to 30 minutes to a day, pushing back schedules and increasing frustration. That time compounds across a week, turning into real revenue loss, and it often cannot be billed if the cause is unclear to the homeowner. Worse, recurring algae erodes customer confidence. People pay for blue, swim-ready water, and when they see mustard streaks on steps or stubborn patches in corners, they question the service, not the many variables behind the scenes. Keeping that trust demands a plan that reduces blooms before they start.

A key pillar is understanding why algae appears even when free chlorine tests “good.” The relationship between cyanuric acid and free chlorine sets the actual floor for sanitizer strength. Using Bob Lowry’s guideline, maintain free chlorine at a minimum of 7.5% of CYA. At 80 ppm CYA, that means 6 ppm free chlorine daily; at 160 ppm CYA, it doubles to 12 ppm. When this ratio is ignored, algae can creep in despite a “high” reading, especially on pitted plaster or shaded dead zones. Combining this ratio with consistent weekly brushing makes a visible difference. Agitate steps, walls, and corners so biofilms cannot shelter. Pair that with longer pump runtime, especially on variable-speed pumps where cost impact is small. Improve circulation to starve dead spots, and keep filters clean on schedule so flow and turnover actually meet the water’s needs.

Beyond the basics, chlorine enhancers change the game by supporting sanitizer efficiency and directly limiting algae. Three proven approaches stand out. Borates at 50 ppm act as a natural algistat and extend chlorine potency, allowing the target ratio to drop from 7.5% to about 5% of CYA. Mineral technology like PoolRX releases ions that suppress and kill algae through the season; drop it in during spring to carry a route through hot months. A third approach pairs weekly enzymes with phosphate removal. Enzymes break down organics so chlorine can focus on sanitizing, while phosphate control removes a key nutrient from the system. Any of these can be packaged as seasonal upgrades, creating clear value and a line item that customers understand and fund.

Framing the economics helps both you and the client. Fighting blooms can cost roughly 25 to 30 dollars per pool between shock and algaecide, and those costs multiply across a route quickly. Add the non-billable minutes spent brushing and retesting, and the financial hit climbs even higher. By contrast, seasonal enhancers can be priced transparently and left at the equipment pad to build trust; the customer sees their product and understands its role. This approach transforms algae from an unpredictable expense into a managed investment that protects clear water, reduces callbacks, and frees time to add stops or deliver better service on each visit.

The operational wins are immediate. Set the CYA-chlorine target, test and adjust regularly, and document the numbers in your notes. Increase runtime during heat waves and high bather loads, especially if you spot localized blooms. Standardize filter cleaning intervals so circulation holds steady. Make brushing non-negotiable, with extra focus on plaster imperfections, steps, and behind ladders. For routes with frequent pollen, old surfaces, or marginal hydraulics, pick an enhancer strategy and roll it out before peak temperatures. The result is fewer surprise blooms, fewer chemical spikes, and an easier, calmer workday.

Finally, rebuild trust with proactive communication. Explain that algae thrives when sanitizer strength drops below the CYA-based threshold or when debris and organics outpace circulation. Show how enhancers keep water stable, and price them as seasonal protection rather than emergency fixes. When customers understand the science and see consistent clarity week after week, they stop questioning and start recommending. That is the real payoff: predictable days, stronger margins, and accounts that stay loyal because their water stays blue.