How long to wait between chlorine and algaecide?

Author: Jaron Stanton  |  Last update: Tuesday, February 10, 2026

If you start in the evening, add a chlorine shock treatment that evening, and let the filter circulate overnight, and follow with the appropriate algaecide for your algae type the following day.

How long after chlorine can I add algaecide?

It is critical to understand that using pool shock and algaecide together can cause bad chemical reactions if the necessary precautions are not taken. Since your chlorine levels will not return to normal right after you shock your pool, we recommend waiting at least 24 hours to add algaecide.

What order should I correct my pool chemicals in?

Learn More About Balancing Your Pool

For safe and accurate results, you should always test in the following order: Start by testing alkalinity and making adjustments as needed. Next, test and adjust pH levels as needed. Third, test and adjust calcium hardness as needed.

Should I vacuum the pool before or after algaecide?

To successfully treat algae in your pool, you will need to shock, use algaecide, and then manually vacuum your pool. To vacuum your pool, you will need: A vacuum head. The type of vacuum head you need will depend on what type of pool you have.

How long to wait between pool chemicals?

The wait time between adding chemicals needs to be at least 10 minutes, as mentioned above. Under normal conditions, you will also be able to swim in the water roughly 10 minutes after all chemicals have been applied.

What's the RIGHT Order to Add POOL CHEMICALS?

Can I put shock and algaecide in at the same time?

Can I add algaecide and shock at the same time? No. Let the shock try to fight the algae first. Add algaecide about 24 hours after shock to finish the job and prevent future algae blooms.

What pool chemicals cannot be added at the same time?

Can I Add All Pool Chemicals At The Same Time? No. With the exception of salt, you should never mix any types of chemicals and put them together, not even close to each other. Never want to mix acid with chemicals like stabilisers, chlorine and buffers.

Do you put algaecide or chlorine first in pool?

If you start in the evening, add a chlorine shock treatment that evening, and let the filter circulate overnight, and follow with the appropriate algaecide for your algae type the following day.

Do you run pool filter when adding algaecide?

– Run the filter for 24 hours after adding the algaecide. This will help circulate it throughout the pool and remove any dead algae. By following these tips, you can ensure that you're adding enough algaecide to get rid of the algae without causing harm to your swimming pool or swimmers.

What happens when you put too much algaecide in a pool?

When algaecide treatments are applied incorrectly, one potential result is foaminess in the pool. Even high quality copper-based and silver-based algaecides will cause foamy pool water, if too much is applied.

What is the golden rule when using pool water chemicals?

The simplest strategy is to follow them, remembering the two golden rules of adding chemicals: only add chemicals to a pool that is running, and only add chemicals to water, not water to chemicals.

Do you adjust pH or chlorine first?

Start with pH. Inexperienced pool owners often think that all you have to do is shock your swimming pool with chlorine, but the truth is that pH is the key. If your pH is not balanced, any other chemicals that you add will be ineffective. The ideal pH is between 7.4 and 7.6.

How to tell if a pool is properly chlorinated?

  1. How Can I Know My Swimming Pool's Water Is Clean? ...
  2. Your Pool Water Looks Blue & Clear. ...
  3. Your Pool's Water Doesn't Feel Slimy. ...
  4. Water Is Flowing around Your Pool's Filter. ...
  5. There's Not a Strong Chlorine Odor. ...
  6. Keeping Your Pool Clean.

Do I add chlorine or shock first?

Ideally, you should shock your pool at night, so the sun cannot interfere and destroy the active chemicals before they can do their job. Then, you can add your chlorine post-shock after the chlorine levels have fallen below 5 ppm.

Can algae grow in a pool with high chlorine?

Algae are microscopic plants that can multiply rapidly when conditions are favorable, even in the presence of high chlorine levels. While chlorine effectively kills algae, high levels can sometimes become ineffective due to factors like poor circulation, pH imbalance, and organic debris.

Should I brush the pool before adding algaecide?

It is recommended to use a three-part algae treatment. 1) Brush and then perform a heavy shock on your pool. 2) Add an appropriate algaecide to the water while letting the pool equipment run continuously. And 3) vacuum your pool within 36-48 hours.

Should I vacuum my pool before adding algaecide?

Wait 2 hours before adding algaecide. Mix the algaecide in a bucket of water and pour around the pool. Do not swim for 24 hours. Vacuum the pool 24-48 hours after application to remove dead algae.

Can too much chlorine make your pool cloudy?

Having too much chlorine in your swimming pool water can cause it to become cloudy. Too many chemicals in your water can reduce the delicate pH balance. Using too much of any pool chemical can cause cloudy water. High pH, high chlorine, and high alkalinity are all possible culprits.

In what order should I clean my pool?

  1. Test the Chemical Levels. ...
  2. Empty the Skimmer and Pump Baskets. ...
  3. Isolate Suction to One Skimmer, or as Few Points as Possible. ...
  4. Prime and Connect Your Vacuum Hose. ...
  5. Vacuum the Pool. ...
  6. Brush the Pool. ...
  7. Backwash the Filter and Empty the Skimmer and Pump Baskets. ...
  8. Balance Chemicals.

Will algaecide clear a green pool?

Steps to clean a green pool: Start with physical cleaning, including brushing and vacuuming the pool. Test water chemistry to balance pH and chlorine, clean the filter, shock the pool, and apply algaecide. Run the filter continuously and repeat steps until the water clears.

What time of day to add algaecide?

If your pool water is no longer green, this next step is for you. If your pool water is still green, wait 24 hours and then redo the steps from Day 1. In the morning, add Oxidizer to your pool water. In the evening, add your liquid algaecide; we recommend concentrated 40% Algaecide.

Can you add chlorine and algaecide together?

Yes, the interaction between algaecide and chlorine in a swimming pool is possible, and it can affect the levels of free chlorine. Algaecides are chemicals designed to control and prevent the growth of algae in pools. Some algaecides may contain compounds that can react with or consume chlorine.

When should a pool filter be backwashed?

As a general rule, you should be backwashing your pool about once a week or in conjugation with your scheduled maintenance. Another industry standard is to backwash when your filter's pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI (pounds per square inch) over the starting level or “clean” pressure.

Does algaecide lower chlorine levels?

“The algaecide will [deplete the existing] chlorine level dramatically, so you're going to have to add chlorine on top of it in order to activate the algaecide and to best utilize it in the pool,” Wilbur says. Preventing algae growth is more cost effective than having to treat an algae problem.

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