Black and pink algae are not the same thing.

No, and treating them the same way will waste your time.

Black algae is actually a cyanobacteria that digs roots into plaster or concrete. A scrub with a stainless steel brush is non-negotiable — the chlorine alone won’t kill those roots. Brush hard, then shock the pool heavily and keep chlorine high for several days. Repeat brushing daily.

Pink algae is bacteria (usually Serratia marcescens), not true algae. It grows as a pinkish slime on surfaces, especially in low-flow areas. Scrubbing and shocking work here too, but you also need to clean your filter and check for low chlorine or poor circulation. It comes back fast if you don’t stay on top of it.

Either way, consistent chlorine levels are your best defense. If you let them slide, both problems return.