Most people don’t know the right time to add algaecide to their pools after shocking them. Those without patience add them almost immediately while some others wait a while before adding them.
The main reason for adding this algaecide is to stop the growth of algae which you would have experienced at one point or the other. So to stop future occurrences you have to use this chemical but you have to know when to add them so they would be effective and that’s what we’re going to be discussing here. But before we continue let’s find out what algaecides are.
What is algaecide for pools?
Algaecide for pools are simply chemicals that are used to kill algae or stop the growth of algae in your pools. These chemical functions by stopping the life process of the algae hence cutting off its photosynthesis process which dries the cell walls in the algae. Algaecides works best after spraying chlorine mixture around the pool as the sanitizer makes them more effective.
Using the right type of algaecide is essential to killing off the algae. The most effective algaecide may not be the same for everyone so there’s no specific one to choose from. The best type of algaecide to use depends heavily on your pool size, current needs, and budget, but there are two types of recommended algaecide to choose from namely:
- Copper-based algaecides
- Quat algaecides
Copper-based algaecides are very common algaecides used by pool owners. This algaecide works best in all pools except pools that have experienced metal stains. They also find it hard to be soluble in water with a pH level over 7.
Quat algaecide is another good chemical that stops algae growth. They are preferable to copper-based chemicals because they’re safer to use. They don’t cause stain but they can disrupt your filter by causing foaming and they don’t prevent algae growth.
When to add algaecide to pool
Now here is the important part of using an algaecide. While algaecide doesn’t change the pH level of your pool, they stop the growth of algae and partner with chlorine to balance the chemical levels of your pool. The appropriate time to add algaecide to your pool is after a shock treatment but you have to wait until the chlorine levels of the pool drop to their normal level before adding your algaecide while your pump is on. This action will enhance the spread of the algaecide around your pool.
It’s vital to know how/when to add chlorine and algaecide to your pool because if they’re used wrongly they can create a wrong reaction in your pool. Note that when adding chlorine to your pool, their levels don’t immediately return to normal so you have to wait for close to 24 hours before adding the algaecide.
When adding algaecides to your pool, ensure to add the correct quantity. The right amount to add depends on the number of gallons your pool holds. Make sure to calculate the level of your pool to determine the amount.
How much algaecide for green pool
The best algaecide to use for a green algae pool is the copper-based algaecide because of its long-lasting control over such organisms. To effectively rid the pool of such organisms add 4 fl. Oz. per 10000 gallons when initially adding it to your pool. You should also add 2 fl. Oz. per 10000 gallons every week during your pool maintenance.
How long does algaecide take to work?
After shocking your pool and brushing off the algae, you have to monitor the pool for a few days while running your pump regularly to see if the algae grows again. Add your algaecide to the pool and monitor it for five to seven days for the cleaning process to be completed.
Conclusion
No matter the number of times algae grows in your pool, be rest assured that whatever choice of algaecide you choose will work and whatever confusion you have about the use of algaecide in your pool, we hope this article educates you firmly.