5 Key Differences Between Black and Pink Pool Algae
- Black algae is cyanobacteria that digs roots into plaster or concrete, while pink algae is bacteria that grows as surface slime.
- Black algae requires a stainless steel brush to remove the roots — chlorine alone won’t kill them. Pink algae can be scrubbed more easily.
- For black algae, brush hard, then shock the pool heavily and keep chlorine high for several days, repeating daily.
- For pink algae, scrubbing and shocking work, but you must also clean the filter and check for low chlorine or poor circulation.
- Consistent chlorine levels are your best defense against both. If you let them slide, either problem will return.