Are you looking to change your pool from green to blue? Fighting algae can seem like an uphill battle for pool owners, especially considering the many factors that can influence algae growth. What is the best solution for pool algae? Algaecide. After reading our Complete Guide On Algaecide, you’ll know all about what algaecide is, why you should use algaecide, different types of algaecide, when to add algaecide, and more!
Algaecides are chemical compounds used to control or eliminate algae growth in various water bodies, such as swimming pools and other aquatic systems. Algae can cause several problems, including clogging pool filters, producing unpleasant odors, and making the water appear cloudy or discolored. Algaecides help maintain water clarity and prevent the spread of harmful algae blooms.
While chlorine can treat algae, the most common types of algae are chlorine resistant. Before adding algaecide make sure to have proper pH and alkalinity levels that can be found using pool test strips. Algaecides are also great when used as a preventative measure, and recommended to be used on a weekly basis to keep algae at bay.
It is safe to swim in your pool an hour after adding algaecide, but this may limit its effectiveness. For best practice, let it take effect several hours before swimming.
Algaecide should be applied following every shock treatment because chlorine may decrease its effects. See our Rx Clear® 3-Month Algae Prevention Kit, which combines super shock and algaecide. Although algaecide works best in warmer climates, you might want to use it as your pool is being closed for the season.
Liquid algaecides are designed to control and eliminate algae growth in large bodies of water, such as swimming pools. While liquid algaecides can be effective in controlling algae blooms, it's important to use them cautiously and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Overuse or improper application can potentially contribute to water pollution.
50% Algaecide is a type of liquid algaecide formulated to control and prevent the growth of various types of algae, including green, black, and mustard algae. It contains a high concentration of active ingredients which disrupt algae cell membranes, effectively killing and preventing their reproduction.
60% Algaecide is a highly concentrated pool treatment specifically designed to combat and prevent the growth of algae in swimming pools and spas. This type of algaecide contains 60% active ingredients, making it extremely effective at eliminating various types of algae, including green, yellow (mustard), and black algae. 60% algaecide has no side effects. It doesn't foam at any dosage and there's no copper that can potentially stain. It coats the algae cells and prevents carbon dioxide from getting into them.
Copper algaecides contain copper compounds used to control algae growth. The copper ions released disrupt algae's cellular processes, effectively killing or inhibiting their growth. These algaecides are available in various formulations (liquids, granules, tablets) and can be applied directly to the water or through feeders.
While copper algaecides are effective against many algae species, their use requires careful dosing and monitoring. Excessive copper levels can be toxic, so following manufacturer instructions and local regulations is crucial. Proper application, combined with other methods like filtration and water quality management, provides effective long-term algae control while minimizing environmental impacts.
Due to state regulations, copper algaecides cannot be shipped to California.
Granular algaecides are solid formulations designed to control and eliminate algae growth. Unlike liquid algaecides, granular algaecides are distributed directly into the water, where they dissolve and release their active ingredients over time. They offer a more controlled and gradual release of the algaecidal agents, which can be beneficial for larger water bodies or situations where a longer-lasting treatment is desired.
Yellow & Green Free (pictured above), a type of granular algaecide, works on chlorine resistant stains, specifically mustard algae and blue green algae. You must first oxidize the chemical with chlorine shock (applied at night).
Swamp Treat is sodium bromide, the pre-cursor to bromine (hypobromous acid). Bromine is 10 times stronger than chlorine as an algaecide. To apply properly, take the Swamp Treat and broadcast over the pool’s surface at night. After, immediately add chlorine based shock (mega shock) over the Swamp Treat to activate it. It is 10x stronger than shock alone, and it works in a much wider pH range (6.8 – 8.4).
Want to learn more about swimming pool algaecide? Check out our frequently asked questions for even more info about algaecide & algae prevention.
