Is winter algaecide different from regular algaecide?

Author: Karolann Schneider  |  Last update: Monday, June 27, 2022

Winter Pool Algaecide is highly effective at preventing all forms of algae. Polymer pool algaecide stays strong all winter providing dependable control of algae growth throughout the winter season. Unique winterizing algaecide is specifically formulated to fight cold weather algae for up to 5 months in a covered pool.

What's the difference between algaecide and winter algaecide?

Copper pool algaecide lasts longer to work throughout the entire winter. Winter algaecide is designed specifically for cold weather algae prevention. Adding algaecide to your water does not interfere with other chemicals.

Do you need to put algaecide in the pool in the winter?

Algaecide is the best way to prevent algae from growing in your unused pool. Generally, the colder the winter, the longer-lasting algaecide you'll want. Some winter algaecides last up to three months. You should pour in the algaecide on the last day you use the pool for the season and let the pump run for 24 hours.

Are all pool algaecide the same?

Algaecide works best in tandem with chlorine sanitizer to keep your pool water clean. Choosing the right type of algaecide is key. The best pool algaecide may be different for everyone. It will depend on your pool type, budget, and current needs.

Are there different types of algaecide?

In the pool chemicals (or spa) world, algaecide comes in three different varieties – quaternary, polyquats and copper-based. These chemicals act by disrupting energy transport, cell division, or the cell membranes which allow the algae to become more vulnerable to sanitizers such as chlorine.

The TRUTH About Using ALGAECIDE In Your POOL | Swim University

Which algaecide is best?

5 Best Pool Algaecides for Backyard Swim Pools
  • BioGuard Algae All 60. ⭐ Best overall pick for copper-free algaecide. ...
  • Clorox Pool & Spa Algae Eliminator. ...
  • HTH Super Algae Guard 60. ...
  • In the Swim Super Algaecide. ...
  • Clorox Pool & Spa XtraBlue Algaecide.

What pool algaecide contains?

Many algaecides are copper-based—either made of copper sulfate or copper chelates, which are chemical compounds with a metal as the central atom. A few registered algaecides instead use the herbicide endothall or sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate.

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.

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.

What happens if you put too much algaecide in a 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 do you use winter algaecide?

Once attached, winter algaecide destroys the algae cell by rupturing the cell membrane. Long lasting, and treats up to 20,000 gallons. For best results, especially for mesh covered pools, add one bottle at closing, and another bottle when the outside air temperatures once again reach 60 degrees in the spring.

Why did my pool turn green over winter?

Green discoloration in a swimming pool is caused by the growth of algae, a type of green aquatic plant that floats on the surface of water. Algae usually flourishes in warm water but can still take over your pool in winter if given half a chance.

Does algaecide help a cloudy pool?

5. Can I Use Algaecide to Clear Cloudy Pool Water? You can use an algaecide to kill early stages of green algae that might make your water appear cloudy, but the best method of getting rid of algae is to scrub and clean your pool using a large leaf net, vacuum, and kill algae with liquid chlorine shock.

How often should I add algaecide to my saltwater pool?

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.

Does algaecide work in cold water?

One final note on algaecide: Contact algaecide is different from liquid algaecide. Many liquid algaecides don't work in cold water, and we don't recommend using them even in the warm months.

Should I put chlorine in my pool in winter?

In the fall, make sure to add chlorine and algaecide to your pool for over the winter. Don't add too much chlorine though. If the chlorine level is too high over the winter, you can bleach the liner. As soon as the water thaws in the spring, pop open a corner of the cover and add liquid chlorine to the pool (1–2 gal.

What is a natural algaecide?

Basically, an algaecide is simply a substance that can kill or mitigate algae, often utilizing copper sulfate or chelated copper. Copper is effective because it basically attaches itself to the algae in your pond and prevents photosynthesis, which causes the algae to die.

Is pool clarifier and algaecide the same?

Our Liquid Algaecides are patented formulas that not only work as preventatives but as a pool clarifiers that inhibit algae growth of all types. When included as part of your regular pool maintenance program, Liquid Algaecide acts as a form of insurance against the presence of algae and it's cost associated remedies.

What does green algae look like in a pool?

Green Algae

It can grow both on the pool surface, resembling a green, slimy stain, and also suspended in the pool water, causing the water to appear to have a green tint. In severe cases, the algae is concentrated enough so that it is impossible to see the pool bottom, or even the steps.

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.

Why did my pool turn green after I shocked it?

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.

How long after adding algaecide Can you swim?

It is best to wait 30 minutes after adding it to your pool. We recommend waiting at least 15 minutes to swim after adding algaecide to your swimming pool. Most algaecides are perfectly safe to swim with. It is not recommended to swim with flocculent in your pool as it will reduce its effectiveness.

Can algaecide turn pool green?

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.

What does Clorox algaecide do?

Clorox® Pool&Spa™ XtraBlue® Algaecide is the ultimate algaecide solution to kill and prevent all types of pool algae - including swampy green algae, slippery mustard algae, and tough, stubborn black algae. This non-foaming, non-staining treatment clears algae in 24 hours and works great in all pool types.

Does a saltwater pool need algaecide?

The algaecide isn't a requirement for saltwater pools, but there's no reason not to use it. However, the best way to control algae is to keep the pool water balanced because algae love it when pH or total alkalinity gets too high.

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