Can Pool Algae Make You Sick? Health Risks & Safety Guide

Tools & Supplies Needed

Find on Amazon: Taylor K-2006C Pool Test Kit , Liquid Chlorine Pool Sanitizer , Pool Algae Brush

Quick Answer

While pool algae itself is generally not highly toxic, swimming in algae-contaminated water can definitely make you sick. The primary health risks come from skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and infections caused by harmful bacteria that flourish in the same unsanitary conditions that allow algae to grow.

Health Risks Associated with Pool Algae

Direct Algae-Related Symptoms

Swimming in algae-infested pools can cause several immediate health issues:

• Skin irritation and rashes: Green, yellow, and black algae can cause contact dermatitis, leading to red, itchy, and inflamed skin
• Eye infections: Algae particles can irritate eyes, causing redness, burning, and potential conjunctivitis
• Respiratory problems: Inhaling algae spores or contaminated water droplets can trigger asthma attacks and respiratory irritation
• Gastrointestinal issues: Accidentally ingesting algae-contaminated water may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Secondary Bacterial Infections

The more serious health threat comes from pathogenic bacteria that thrive in the same unsanitary conditions as algae:

• E. coli infections: Can cause severe gastrointestinal illness
• Pseudomonas bacteria: Leads to folliculitis (hot tub rash) and ear infections
• Legionella pneumophila: Can cause Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia
• Cryptosporidium: A parasite that causes prolonged diarrheal illness

Who's Most at Risk?

Certain individuals face higher risks when exposed to algae-contaminated pool water:

• Children under 5 years old (more likely to ingest contaminated water)
• Elderly individuals with compromised immune systems
• People with existing respiratory conditions like asthma
• Individuals with open wounds or cuts
• Pregnant women
• Anyone with a weakened immune system

Recognizing Dangerous Algae Contamination

Not all algae presents the same level of risk. Here's how to identify potentially dangerous conditions:

Visual Indicators

• Green water: Indicates suspended algae throughout the water column
• Slimy surfaces: Black or yellow algae creating slippery pool surfaces
• Strong chemical odors: Often indicates chloramines from poor water chemistry
• Cloudy or murky water: Visibility less than 6 feet deep suggests bacterial contamination

Water Chemistry Warning Signs

Test your water immediately if you suspect contamination:

• Free chlorine (FC) reading of 0 ppm or undetectable levels
• High combined chlorine levels (above 0.5 ppm)
• pH levels above 8.0 or below 7.0
• Phosphate levels above 100 ppb

Safe Swimming Guidelines

Never swim in a pool with visible algae growth or compromised water quality. Wait until you've successfully completed the SLAM process and achieved these water chemistry targets:

• Free chlorine: Appropriate shock level based on CYA (typically 10-30 ppm during treatment)
• pH: 7.4-7.6
• Total alkalinity: 80-120 ppm (60-80 for salt water generators)
• Cyanuric acid: 30-50 ppm (70-80 for SWG pools)
• Water clarity: Can clearly see the bottom at the deepest point

Eliminating Algae Safely Using SLAM Method

To restore your pool to safe swimming conditions, follow the proven SLAM (Shock Level And Maintain) process:

1. Test and balance water chemistry using a reliable test kit like the Taylor K-2006C
2. Calculate shock level based on your CYA reading using the FC/CYA chart
3. Add liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) to reach shock level - avoid cal-hypo "pool shock" products
4. Run pump continuously for 24/7 circulation during treatment
5. Brush pool surfaces twice daily to break up algae colonies
6. Test FC levels every few hours and add chlorine to maintain shock level
7. Continue until overnight chlorine loss is 1 ppm or less
8. Perform OCLT (Overnight Chlorine Loss Test) to confirm elimination

Prevention Strategies

Preventing algae growth is far easier and safer than treating contaminated water:

• Maintain consistent FC levels: 1-3 ppm for outdoor pools with 30-50 ppm CYA
• Weekly water testing: Test FC, pH, and CYA every week minimum
• Proper circulation: Run pump 8-12 hours daily during swimming season
• Regular brushing: Brush pool surfaces weekly to prevent algae attachment
• Monitor phosphate levels: Keep below 100 ppb to limit algae nutrients

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact a healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms after swimming in algae-contaminated water:

• Persistent skin rash lasting more than 48 hours
• Eye infections with discharge or severe pain
• Respiratory distress or difficulty breathing
• Severe gastrointestinal symptoms lasting more than 24 hours
• Signs of ear infection (pain, discharge, hearing changes)
• Fever or flu-like symptoms developing within 2-10 days

Remember: While algae contamination is treatable, prevention through proper pool maintenance is always the safest approach for protecting your family's health.