Mould and algae around a pool fence: cleaning safely

Damp, shady pool areas grow mould and algae. Cleaning it off is easy, but harsh products can harm glass and metal.

Where it grows

Mould and algae grow on damp, shaded surfaces: walls, paving, decks and the base of fences. Brisbane's humidity makes them common around pools. They are slippery underfoot, so cleaning them off is also a safety job.

Clean without harming the fence

1. Start with a gentle option: water, a soft brush and a mild detergent.
2. If you use a stronger product, read the label, test it on a small hidden spot, and keep it off the glass and metal hardware.
3. Cover the panels and hardware, or hose them straight away if any product splashes on them. Some cleaning products can mark glass or corrode metal, so ask the manufacturer if you are unsure.
4. Rinse well with fresh water.
5. Dry the hardware, and open and close the gate to check the latch.

Do not use abrasive tools on glass

Metal scrapers and abrasive pads can scratch glass. Use soft cloths and soft brushes. The QBCC says glass panels should show no signs of fracture, so look over the glass for chips or cracks while you clean, and see the glass pool fence requirements.

If the mould keeps coming back

Recurring mould usually means a moisture or ventilation problem, or a surface that needs repainting. Brushworks Painters, a Summer Hill painting business that also removes mould, lists mould removal among its services in NSW, where conditions and rules differ from Queensland, so check what applies where you live.

Common questions