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.
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.
After five to seven days, you can add algaecide to complete the cleaning process. Algaecide will work with the chlorine or oxidizer to kill and prevent white water mold from returning.
Shock and Chlorinate Your Pool
Shocking kills any bacteria that might linger in your pool during the winter. We recommend shocking a few days before you close the pool. If that is not possible, make sure to shock the pool the night before you close it for winter.
Even though your pool will be covered and quiet for the next few months, it's important to maintain the water and chemical balance before you close it. Closing your pool properly can save you a lot of work and expense when it comes time to open it back up for the summer.
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.
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.
Best swimming pool algaecide for all pools
For an all-purpose swimming pool algaecide, we recommend Kem-Tek 60% Algaecide Concentrate. This pool and spa algaecide contains 60% of its active ingredient, polyquaternium WSCP. It's effective at removing most types of algae and preventing them from returning.
But if you add algaecide to your pool when there's no algae for it to kill, it doesn't have anything to do or anywhere to go. It will thicken the water, and the slightest agitation of the water will create pool foam. This is true of using algaecide anytime there's no algae present in the water.
pH Balance and Chlorine
Algaecide also works together with chlorine, helping the chlorine to be more effective against algae and bacteria.
Length x width x average depth x 7.5 = volume (in gallons)
Length times width gives the surface area of the pool. Multiplying that by the average depth gives the volume in cubic meters. If you'd like to find the pool volume in gallons, multiply your results by 7.5, as there are 7.5 gallons for each cubic foot.
For use, consult the directions listed on the packaging of the shock you buy. Typically, a 1-pound bag is enough for 10,000 gallons of water. Mix the product with some pool water in a large bucket. Then, as the filter is running, pour the mixture into the pool.
GETTING RID OF ALGAE
Please note that our liquid algaecides are compatible with alkalizing and flocculating agents used in other pool maintenance products. Our Liquid Algaecides are patented formulas that not only work as preventatives but as a pool clarifiers that inhibit algae growth of all types.
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.
There are a few different types of algaecides that contain various chemicals to suppress and fight off algae. Many of them include copper or copper sulfate. It's this copper that oxidizes in the water. And when copper oxidizes it turns a green color causing your pool to look green.
1. Shock the pool with chlorine every day until all the green is gone (possibly 3 to 4 days). 2. Run the filter 24 hours a day and backwash every day until the green and then cloudiness is gone (usually up to 7 days, sometimes as long as 2 weeks depending on the filter).
Always keep in mind, the best idea is to close late and open early. You also need to consider The Importance of Balancing Your Water for Your Pool Closing. ... If the PH is too high, the basic water will have tendency to grow more algae. The alkalinity should also be around 120-150ppm.