Algae is the most inevitable guest for your pool. Surprisingly green algae won’t take more than 24 hours to take possession of your swimming pool. To fight with algae, algaecide is the best weapon, without any doubt. So it is indispensable to learn how to put algaecide in the pool. However, the algaecide won’t work against algae if you put that carelessly without following any instructions.
Here we will exhibit how much algaecide to put in the pool or when to add algaecide to the pool after shock treatment. This is a complete guide for every pool owner regarding the use of pool algaecide, how and when should you use this pool chemical, and will help you to determine, whether it is important to use an algaecide in your pool or not.
What is algaecide?
Algaecide is a special type of anti aquatic substance, which can kill or remove algae instantly. It also can work against algae growth for a long period of time. Basically, this compound directly hits the algae’s photosynthesis system and stops the algae’s cell growth process. Consequently, the algae died after the reaction.
There are 4 types of pool algaecide. According to your pool water condition, you need to select from one of them. Though each algaecide is effective for preventing algae growth in your pool.
Metallic Pool Algaecides
Metallic algaecides are copper-based. Due to toxic properties, it prevents algae’s photosynthesis process. If you are already dealing with metal stains or heavy metals in your pool water, you should avoid copper-based algaecide to prevent damages to your pool surfaces, plasters, and plastic pools.
Quat Pool Algaecides
Quat algaecide is also known as a Quaternary Ammonium compound. These types of algaecides are often used for microbial disinfectants. Quat’s positively charged ion attached themself with the negatively charged ions of algae. The neutralization bonding prevents any algae growth in your pool.
Polymer Pool Algaecides
This is is technically Poly-Quat compounds with long carbon chains. It has non-foaming and non-staining properties. This algaecide works by creating neutralization bonding between positively charged and negatively charged between the compound and algae.
Sodium Bromide Algaecides
This is not actually an algaecide, these are used with granular chlorine as a catalyst, which converts bromides into deadly algae killers, hypobromous acid. Sodium bromide is often called the chlorine enhancer.
How often should I use an algaecide in my pool?
Apparently, Algaecide is a chemical, so you have to use it period after period. A one-week gap is good, but that is also okay if you want to take a two-week gap. However, If you want to see the best result from algaecide, you to use it after every shock.
Pool shock is basically applying a chlorine-based chemical with the aim of raising the level of free chlorine, in case you don’t know about this.
When applying the algaecide, don’t put this in just one corner of the pool. Try to put it in a different area, and if you do this while pumping the pool water, you will get the best result. Another important thing is the algaecide amount of apply. Read the instructions from the algaecide product box. The quantity depends on the different algaecide types and brands.
When should I add algaecide to my pool
Algae can grow in bad weather just after raining or heavy wind. To avoid the bad weather because algaecide won’t work when the water chemical level is in a different stage.
If you use the algaecide at night, that would be good. Because at night algae production decreases compared to daylight and algaecide works perfectly at that time. Don’t forget to pool shock before applying algaecide whenever you are thinking of using that.
Process of using Algaecide in your pool
Let’s know the proper method of applying algaecide in your pool.
- At first, you need to check your pool if all the ins and outs are in good hands. Don’t forget to acclimate the pH level, temperature, and other machinery before going to the next step.
- Once you’re done with the monitoring process, start pouring chlorine into the water. You need to wait for one to two days. Meanwhile, the water level will be set to the natural state (1 to 3 ppm). It is important to match the chlorine level of the pool water.
- Now you are ready to mix algaecide. If you are new to this, then follow the instructions on the package. An algaecide calculator can be a problem solver.
- Next, wait one more night. Let the algaecide to the magic. Later use a vacuum to clean the leftovers. You may be asking how long does it take for algaecide to work? It depends on the quality or types of algae you are using. Generally, it keeps its magic going for one week. Meantime, you should continue checking if the molds are coming back or not. After five to seven days, you can again add algaecide in a similar way.
- After that, check the pH and chlorine level; you may need to add some solution, i.e., Polyquate algae or copper chelate, in the pool.
It is important to note that algaecide is used to prevent algae growth in the pool, but if you are dealing with algae bloom, shock treatment is the best solution.
What happens when I put too much algaecide in the swimming pool?
It happens; sometimes you make mistakes with calculation, sometimes you overdo. When it happens, it has plenty of side effects. For instance, it creates foam. Followed by skin rash, eye irritation. Besides, algaecide becomes worthless as it decreases performance.
Now you might be asking what should I do if I add too much algaecide to my pool? You wait. Wait until it melts spontaneously over time. Naturally, it will evaporate. Otherwise, you have the option to drain all the water and refill it with the freshwater; then, you put in the right amount of algaecide.
Do I use algaecide or shock first?
You should always shock the pool first and then use an algaecide. Why? Because when you add algaecide, it starts working to remove algae from the pool. But after adding algaecide, if you start giving a shock treatment, it’ll reduce the efficiency of algaecide.
Therefore first comes the shock, which means chlorine. Remember, chlorine levels should come under 5ppm.
How long after pool shock can I add algaecide? You can’t expect chlorine levels to come into their natural state from scratch. At least you should wait one day (24 hours) before you add algaecide. And now you know the reason, right?
How much algaecide do I need to winterize my pool?
In the winter season, you expect to see a fresh pool. But it ends up turning green with tons of algae. Why did my pool turn green over winter? It’s because of the chemical reaction. We know you didn’t add any chemicals, so where did it come from? Actually, sun and rain adele treated chemicals like salt and chlorine. Thus you see the full family of algae. Another reason not to freeze the pool. If your pool doesn’t freeze during winter, you’ll see algae coming.
Then, how much algaecide to put in the pool for winter? Adding algaecide during winter is a good shot. It’ll prevent all types of algae for about 5 months. If your pool consists of over 20000 gallons of water, then 2 quarts will work perfectly. Sometimes one quart also does the work.
Wrap Up
To sum up, first, pour 16 to 18 ounces per 10,000 gallons into the pool water. Then emplace in random places in the pool. To make the process faster, turn on the pump and let the water run. It’ll help to spread the pool algaecide ingredients. Lastly, wait for 30 mins (at least 15 mins) before you jump swimming. Good Luck!