As the days grow longer and the temperature warms, the arrival of spring and summer brings a less welcome guest: pollen. For pool owners and maintenance professionals alike, the presence of pollen in pool waters is a familiar challenge. This fine, powdery substance, while harmless in essence, can compromise the clarity and quality of pool water, trigger allergies, and even facilitate the growth of algae, leading to a host of maintenance issues.

From understanding the visual cues of a pollen problem to effective cleaning techniques and chemical treatments, this blog will help equip you and your service technicians with the knowledge necessary to keep customer pools pristine and enjoyable throughout the high pollen seasons. Whether you’re a seasoned pool maintenance professional or a new pool service business owner navigating your first spring, this guide will help you tackle the challenges posed by pollen.

Is it Safe to Swim in a Pool with Pollen?

In the spring and summer, pollen levels are high due to blooming plants. Pollen in pools can compromise water quality and trigger allergies, causing symptoms like itchy throat, runny nose, and watery eyes. While seasonal allergies are not usually life-threatening, they can significantly impact your quality of life. Pollen is difficult to remove without professional pool services, so get ready for an influx of customers needing pollen removal this spring!

In addition, algae can grow from spores that land in the pool. If left unchecked, these spores can turn clear pool water blue-green, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and harmful microbes. This can lead to unsightly conditions, clogged filters, and potential health risks.

Recognizing a pollen problem on sight is pretty straightforward. Pollen in a pool typically appears as a fine, powdery substance ranging in color from yellow to green. It often accumulates on the water’s surface, forming a thin layer that can cover the entire pool. This layer of pollen can also cling to the sides of the pool, the waterline, and pool equipment. In some cases, especially when viewed from a distance, the pollen might make the pool water appear slightly yellowish or greenish.

Unlike algae, which can also give the water a green color but usually indicates a growth or bloom within the water itself, pollen is an external contaminant brought in by the wind. Pollen grains are tiny and lightweight, allowing them to be easily carried by the air from flowering plants and trees into the pool.

Will Shocking Remove Pollen from the Pool?

Chemicals alone aren’t enough – pollen must be physically removed from the pool using your pool cleaning tools and the pool’s filtration system. However, combining shock treatments with aluminum sulfate helps the pollen to clump, making it easier to remove.

Now is a great time to brush up on pollen cleaning best practices before the spring and summer pollen rush. Here are four steps to keeping your customers’ pools clean and enjoyable when pollen levels are high:

1. Remove Leaves and Debris: Before tackling the pollen, remove any leaves or large debris floating on the water’s surface. This step is crucial for preventing algae formation and ensures nothing obstructs the cleaning process.

2. Use Pool Cleaning Tools: Use a pool brush and vacuum to loosen pollen sticking to the sides or bottom of the pool. Once the filtration system is activated, it will help sweep away the loosened pollen, restoring the pool’s cleanliness.

3. Apply Chemicals: While regular pool shock treatments might not directly remove pollen, they are essential for killing bacteria, algae, or other organisms that thrive in pollen-rich environments.

4. Run the Filter System: Keeping the pool’s filtration system running is vital to prevent pollen buildup. It helps keep the water moving, pushing debris or pollen into the filters rather than allowing it to settle on the pool’s surface. For those who don’t use their pool frequently, investing in a good quality pool cover is advised to keep it clean between uses.

Following these four steps, you can effectively remove pollen from a customer’s pool, ensuring it remains clear and inviting throughout the season.

Pollen in a pool can have an indirect effect on chlorine levels. While pollen does not chemically neutralize chlorine, its presence can influence the overall demand for chlorine in the pool in several ways. Pollen adds to the organic material in the pool, which includes things like leaves, dirt, and body oils from swimmers. Chlorine works to oxidize and sanitize these organic materials. When there’s more organic matter, including pollen, the chlorine in the pool is consumed more quickly as it breaks down these materials. This can decrease the free chlorine level, which is the active, disinfecting form of chlorine in the water.

Although pollen itself is not algae, it can contribute to conditions that promote algae growth, which can consume available chlorine at a rapid rate. If pollen accumulation is not managed, it can indirectly lead to an environment where algae are more likely to thrive, increasing the pool’s chlorine demand. High levels of pollen can also clog filters and reduce the efficiency of the pool’s circulation system. This can lead to areas of stagnant water where chlorine levels might be lower, reducing the pool’s overall sanitation.

Regular cleaning with frequent water tests and chlorine adjustments is critical to managing the impact of pollen on pool cleanliness. Periodically shocking the pool can help break down organic contaminants, including pollen, and restore chlorine levels to a more effective range. When the pool is not in use, covering it can significantly reduce the amount of pollen that gets into the water.

Get Your Share of Pollen Business This Spring and Summer!

RB’s software is designed specifically for pool and spa businesses and is continuously updated using feedback from our clients from across the country. Our software completely manages retail and service in a single system, and our customizable add-ons provide everything you need to market your business and boost your bottom line. Find out how our software can help you get your share of this spring’s pollen business – contact us today for a no-obligation demo. You can also read our latest eBook: The 2024 Pool Trend Report: Cutting Edge Designs Making a Splash.