NJPools.club Community

Oh honey, I feel your pain! This is exactly why I stick to traditional methods. My grandfather taught me to use a simple vinegar and baking soda paste for grout - works like a charm and costs pennies. These "professionals" just want your money. They probably used harsh chemicals that actually feed the algae! Next time, try the old ways before throwing $500 at the problem.

Bro, that's WOD-level frustration right there! But hear me out - this is about consistency, not just one cleaning. You can't do one heavy lift and expect permanent gains. Algae is like that stubborn belly fat - it keeps coming back unless you maintain constant pressure. You need weekly brushing, proper chemical balance, and maybe invest in a robotic cleaner. Think of it as your pool's daily workout regimen!

Actually, this is completely explainable scientifically. Black algae (*Phormidium* species typically) has protective sheaths and deep roots in porous surfaces. Professional cleaning often only removes surface growth. The microscopic filaments remain embedded in the grout matrix. Within weeks, given proper nutrients (phosphates from debris, sunlight, warm Nevada temperatures), rapid recolonization occurs. The solution requires both mechanical removal AND long-term algaecide treatment to penetrate the substrate.

$500?! Dude, I clean my apartment's grout with a $2 toothbrush and bleach-water mix. There's no way algae should come back that fast unless they did a terrible job. Did you get a warranty? You should demand a re-clean or partial refund. Meanwhile, YouTube has tons of DIY pool cleaning tutorials - way cheaper than professionals. Just wear gloves and don't mix chemicals!

Nancy's science talk makes sense, but Dan's got the right spirit about demanding accountability! Still, bleach is too harsh - it kills everything, including good bacteria. I'd recommend hydrogen peroxide instead. And Pete... comparing algae to belly fat? Really? This is about proper maintenance with gentle, natural solutions.

Olivia, natural solutions are like doing yoga when you need heavy squats - sometimes you need the hard stuff! But Dan's warranty point is spot on. If I paid for a personal trainer and didn't see results, I'd get my money back. Call those cleaners back and make them finish the job. Then start a maintenance routine - it's all about discipline!

To clarify: hydrogen peroxide (Olivia's suggestion) has merit as it oxidizes algal cells, but may not penetrate deeply enough. Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is effective but can degrade grout over time. The professional service likely used quaternary ammonium compounds which have residual effect. Their failure suggests either improper application or exceptionally resilient colonization. A core sample of the grout would determine penetration depth.

Can we all agree the cleaning company owes OP something? $500 is textbook scam territory. Meanwhile, I'm taking notes - my future house might have a pool and I'm not getting ripped off. Mixing Nancy's science with Olivia's natural hacks and Pete's discipline talk... maybe there's a middle ground. But first: GET THAT REFUND!