H.A.B — Harmful Algal Bloom Prevention
HabCheck
Pool Health & Algae Bloom Prevention
Stop Algae Blooms Before They Start
Expert pool health diagnostics and prevention services for Southeast Louisiana. Data-driven testing, professional remediation, and lasting solutions.
What is H.A.B.?
A Harmful Algal Bloom (H.A.B.) is a rapid overgrowth of algae or cyanobacteria (often called "blue-green algae") that occurs when water conditions become highly favorable — usually due to warm temperatures, sunlight, and excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. These blooms can turn water green, cloudy, or scummy, and some HABs produce toxins that can irritate skin, cause breathing issues, and make people or pets sick if swallowed. Even when toxins aren't present, dense blooms can deplete oxygen in the water, create foul odors, and make water unsafe or unusable. HABs are most common in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving waterways, but the same bloom dynamics can also occur in swimming pools when sanitizer levels drop and nutrients build up, creating the conditions for aggressive algae growth.
Does This Sound Familiar?
In Louisiana's heat and humidity, pools become breeding grounds for algae and bacteria
Algae Keeps Coming Back
You shock the pool repeatedly, but the green returns within days
Cloudy, Slimy Water
Water never stays crystal clear, surfaces feel slippery and gross
Wasting Money on Chemicals
Hundreds spent on trial-and-error without solving the root problem
Family Safety Concerns
Worried about skin irritation, odors, and what your kids are swimming in
The Problem Isn't Your Pool — It's What You Can't See
HabCheck provides data-driven inspection + professional remediation + prevention programs to eliminate the conditions that cause outbreaks
Our Services
From diagnostics to ongoing prevention, we provide expert pool health solutions
Pool Health Diagnostic
Complete water chemistry analysis, nutrient testing, and algae risk assessment with actionable plan
- Advanced water chemistry testing
- Phosphates & nutrient analysis
- Filter & circulation evaluation
- Biofilm risk assessment
- Pool Health Score report
- Root cause diagnosis
BloomGuard Membership
Monthly monitoring and prevention program to keep your pool clear year-round
- Monthly or biweekly testing
- Nutrient control program
- Biofilm prevention maintenance
- Bloom early warning system
- Priority response service
- Seasonal prevention protocols
Bloom Remediation
Fast, professional algae removal and treatment to restore your pool
- Root cause algae elimination
- Deep brush & filtration recovery
- Biofilm removal treatment
- Phosphate reduction
- Water chemistry rebalance
- Recurrence prevention plan
Biofilm Purge Service
Eliminate hidden biofilm in plumbing that keeps bringing algae back
- Plumbing system purge treatment
- Return lines & skimmer cleaning
- Behind-light treatment
- Filter deep clean option
- Complete water reset
- Long-term prevention
Storm Recovery Package
Post-hurricane and heavy rain contamination assessment and cleanup
- Storm contamination testing
- Safety assessment
- Debris cleanup & stabilization
- Algae prevention reset
- Filtration recovery
- Emergency response
How It Works
Simple, systematic approach to pool health
Book Your Diagnostic
Schedule a comprehensive Pool Health Check with our expert team
Get Data-Driven Results
Receive detailed testing, root cause analysis, and your Pool Health Score
Choose Your Solution
DIY plan, professional remediation, or ongoing prevention membership
Enjoy Clear Water
Experience lasting results with science-backed prevention strategies
Why Choose HabCheck?
We're not just pool cleaners — we're pool health specialists
Root Cause Solutions
We identify and eliminate the actual cause, not just treat symptoms
Science-Backed Testing
Advanced diagnostics beyond basic pool store test strips
Save Time & Money
Stop wasting money on chemicals and hours of trial-and-error
Family Safety First
Clear, balanced water that's safe for kids, pets, and everyone
Prevention Programs
Monthly monitoring keeps blooms from ever starting
Louisiana Experts
Specialized in Southeast Louisiana's unique climate challenges
Lake Pontchartrain HAB Watch
Stay informed about harmful algal blooms in our local waters
Lake Pontchartrain is one of Louisiana's most closely monitored waterbodies for harmful algal blooms (HABs), especially during warm and humid periods when sunlight, heat, and nutrient runoff create ideal conditions for cyanobacteria ("blue-green algae") growth. NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) operates a near real-time satellite monitoring page specifically for Lake Pontchartrain, updating imagery frequently so the public can see where bloom-like activity may be increasing across the lake.
To check current conditions, visit NOAA's Lake Pontchartrain CyanoHAB satellite page and view the most recent images (typically within the last few days). These maps don't replace water testing, but they're a valuable early-warning tool for spotting unusual algae concentrations and tracking whether conditions are improving or worsening.
Tulane University researchers have also been actively studying harmful algal blooms in Lake Pontchartrain, including the presence and behavior of toxic cyanobacterial blooms (CyanoHABs) and the public health risks they can pose. Their work highlights the importance of monitoring, understanding bloom conditions, and improving awareness so communities can better respond when blooms appear.
Public Safety Warning (Kids & Dogs)
If you see water that looks like green paint, thick scum, streaks, foam, or floating mats, avoid swimming, wading, or letting pets drink from or play in it — even if it doesn't smell bad. The Louisiana Department of Health has advised residents to stay away from areas where blue-green algae is present, and the CDC warns that pets can become seriously ill (and in some cases die) after ingesting toxins from harmful algae.
If your child or dog has contact with suspicious water, rinse immediately with clean water, and contact your healthcare provider or veterinarian if symptoms appear (vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, drooling, or skin irritation).
Lake Pontchartrain affected by harmful algal bloom (HAB)
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about HabCheck services
Get Your Pool Health Check
Ready to solve your pool problems? Contact us today for a comprehensive diagnostic
info@habcheck.com
Service Area
Southeast Louisiana
Emergency Service: Same-day response available for severe algae blooms