Do I need algae guard in my pool?

Author: Oleta Torp  |  Last update: Saturday, June 25, 2022

Algaecide should be added to your pool water on a weekly basis. Preventing algae is the key to fun in your pool. Algaecides act as a backup to your normal sanitization program and prevent algae from starting and growing in the pool. Algaecide should be added after every shock treatment.

When should I add algaecide to my pool?

Algaecide should be used after each shock treatment, so it has a better chance to support your chlorine as it works its magic. Be sure to shock your pool first, then when the chlorine levels of your pool return to normal, add the correct amount of algaecide to several places around your pool while your pump is running.

Does algae guard clear the pool?

Algaecides can kill algae spores in your pool, but they are even more effective at prevention. Use an algaecide once a week 12 to 16 hours after each shock treatment to protect your pool and keep your water crystal clear.

What does algaecide do for a swimming pool?

Liquid Algaecide is a strong algae depressant used for the prevention of algae growth and the maintenance of sparkling water in pools. Algae growth is the main cause of “off” colours in your swimming pool water. Prevention is important, regulated use of liquid algaecide will keep your water clear and shiny.

Should I use shock or algaecide first?

While shocking and adding algaecide is effective in getting rid of algae, it should not be done together. This is because when you mix chlorine and algaecide together, it renders both of them useless. Hence, you should first shock the pool and wait for the chlorine levels to fall below 5 PPM.

The TRUTH About Using ALGAECIDE In Your POOL | Swim University

What happens if you put too much algaecide in pool?

The presence of too much algaecide can lead to a foamy pool water. Small bubbles will begin to be produced as the water is pushed through the return jet and back into the pool. Do not confuse these bubbles and foam with another common problem, which is air in your pool lines.

How often should you shock your pool?

How Often Should I Shock My Pool? Shocking your pool regularly will help to keep the water clean and free of contaminants. You should aim to shock your pool about once a week, with the additional shock after heavy use. Some tell-tale signs that your pool needs to be shocked are cloudy, foamy, green, or odourous water.

Does algaecide make pool cloudy?

If you add algaecide, keep in mind that some algaecide contains copper, which can actually make a pool cloudy. If the cloudiness persists 24 hours after shocking, then it's possible that you used a poor-quality chlorine shock.

Can you swim in algae guard?

Regular algaecides do not contain copper, but rather quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as "quats" or "polyquats." These compounds are safe for immediate swimming. Use of too much algaecide may cause slight eye or skin irritation, so always be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

How do you put algae guard in pool?

Pour the algaecide dose into the water, depositing it in several areas around the pool. Your swimming pool pump should be running at this time to help circulate the algaecide. Wait about 30 minutes before allowing anyone to swim after the algaecide application.

Why is my pool foamy after adding algaecide?

The algaecide in the kit can cause some foam if there is no algae in the pool to destroy – it lingers around with nothing to kill. Spring time algaecides use surfactants to work and these molecules can react with agitation to cause froth.

What can I use instead of algaecide?

Grab a brush and some baking soda. Bicarbonate, the active ingredient in baking soda, is an effective spot treatment to help kill the algae and loosen it from the wall. Make sure you really get every last particle free; black algae has particularly long and stubborn roots which makes it a persistent strand.

Is algaecide the same as chlorine?

All algaecides work by releasing positive-charged ions into the water, which combine with the negatively charged algae particles. Algaecides don't break down in sunlight the way chlorine does, so they remain available much longer.

Should I run the filter after adding algaecide?

Add a dose of algaecide, bring your chlorine level high by shocking, and run the filter continuously until the problem clears. The next day you should vacuum up the dead algae and backwash your filter. Algae thrives in hot weather and in pools with low or no chlorine.

Do I run the filter when I shock my pool?

Running your filter after shocking your pool is a must and is just as important to your pool as shocking it is. Be sure to run your filter for at least 6 hours, but shoot for 24 hours to several days, if your pool is particularly dirty or has algae, to properly circulate the chlorine and clean the water.

Is Shocking a pool necessary?

It's recommended that you should do a pool shock once a week. The more you use the pool, the more often you need to shock it. Occasionally, you may need to perform an extra pool shock after: Heavy pool use, like a pool party.

Can you swim in pool after you shock it?

After Shocking Your Pool

It is safe to swim once your chlorine levels are around 5 ppm or after 24 hours. It is always best to test first!

Why does my pool have white foam?

The most common cause for swimming pool foam is a high organic load that causes the water to thicken. With “thick” water, this means that the surface tension is stronger and bubbles caused by your return jets tend to hang around longer, causing foam.

Why is my pool still green after shock and algaecide?

Pools can immediately turn green after shocking when they have metals like copper in the water. These metals oxidise when exposed to high levels of chlorine which makes the pool water turn green. Adding a metal control product such as Zodiac Metal Remover will help to restore the pool water.

Why is my pool foamy and cloudy?

Foaming in a pool means there are high levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water. TDS are the measure of solid matter that has liquefied. Foreign solids like oil, soil, and dirt dissolve in pools. High levels of TDS makes pool water look cloudy and can even make it taste salty.

Is algaecide harmful to humans?

Harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Avoid breathing vapor or spray mist. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Prolonged or frequently repeated skin contact can cause allergic reaction in some individuals.

How much algaecide does it take to close a pool?

When closing and winterizing your pool, it is important to remember to balance your pool water's chemistry prior to closing and don't forget the algaecide. Algaecide is simple and effective with one quart of winter algaecide typically enough to treat 20,000 gallons of water all winter long.

How do I get rid of algae in my pool fast?

You can get rid of algae quickly by vacuuming and brushing your pool, balancing your pool's water chemistry, and then shocking and filtering your pool water. Just be thorough as you clean your pool surfaces. If you leave behind even a small number of algae spores, it won't be long before they regrow and bloom again.

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