I’ve been having trouble with algae growth in my pool this summer. My crawling pool cleaner broke and was removed for repairs—it hasn’t returned. The temperatures have regularly been around 110 degrees. Of course, this means my pool is a very comfortable 96 degrees. I like a hot pool, so this aspect is great. I have a weekly pool cleaner, but occasionally, he misses a week, like he did last week.
Just because my pool is bright green with vigorously growing algae doesn’t mean I’m not going to swim! I need my daily swim.
The Surprising Benefits of Algae
This algae immersion made me wonder about the beneficial properties of soaking in algae. Upon returning to my lap, I started googling for information on algal effects on the skin. I was delighted to find that algae has many benefits for the skin. Algae provide antioxidants, contain anti-inflammatory properties, rehydrate, encourage cell renewal, improve the appearance of the skin, and detoxify pores. Wonderful! Swimming in my green soup had been good for me!
The Dark Side of Algae
I should have stopped searching at that point, but I didn’t. I changed my search terms to the algae found in poorly chlorinated pools. Those algae are not beneficial. That algae causes skin infections due to the bacteria feeding on the algae. (The algae are not directly harmful.) Rashes are common. Severe infections can be induced. Bacteria can produce breaks in the skin, allowing hazardous agents to enter your body: cryptosporidium, legionella, and norovirus. Of course, bacteria can also enter your eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
Despite the infection concerns, the algal coating is slippery. I must admit, I couldn’t resist the temptation to slide along the bottom, leaving skid marks. It was a bit of unexpected fun in the midst of my algae adventure.
One intriguing point in the various articles is that the danger of drowning increases in algae-covered pools. You can’t see any hazards in the depths, and if you’re knocked unconscious, your body might not be seen! This could be a plot twist in a future mystery story that I’m already brainstorming.
Thankfully, the pool man came today, and my pool should soon be clear again. The relief is palpable, and I can’t wait to dive back into my sparkling pool.
Check out my blog for more science-based adventures and discoveries!
