Should I use algaecide before shock?

Author: Sherwood Satterfield  |  Last update: Monday, July 28, 2025

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.

Should I put algaecide in my pool before I shock it?

The correct process is shock the pool wait 24 hours or for your chlorine levels to drop below 5 PPM then add the algaecide.

What time of day to add algaecide to pool?

In the morning, add Oxidizer to your pool water. In the evening, add your liquid algaecide; we recommend concentrated 40% Algaecide.

Does algaecide affect chlorine levels?

Both types should be used in carefully monitored quantities to avoid adverse effects. Risks and Side Effects: While metallic algaecides are effective, they can burn up chlorine residuals, leading to a 0-chlorine reading and potential algae regrowth.

Should you run a pool pump after adding algaecide?

You should also run your filter for at least 8 hours after adding an algaecide to help remove any dead algae from your water. It's important to remember that algae can come back quickly, so once you get rid of it, be sure to take steps to prevent it from coming back.

The TRUTH About Using ALGAECIDE In Your POOL

What happens if I put too much algaecide in my 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 order pool chemicals?

To chemically balance your swimming pool water, follow these eight steps:
  • Adjust Alkalinity. A pool with low alkalinity has high acidity. ...
  • Adjust pH Levels. ...
  • Balance Calcium Hardness. ...
  • Sanitize. ...
  • Measure Cyanuric Acid (CYA) Levels. ...
  • Measure Dissolved Solids. ...
  • Shock the Pool. ...
  • Test the Water.

Do you brush the pool before or after 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.

Why is my chlorine high but still have algae?

Algae can persist in a pool even after shocking. A green pool – especially one that turned green overnight or after rain, can also be from a pool pump that isn't properly circulating water or an issue with your filtering system.

Why is my shocked pool still no chlorine reading?

If you test your pool water and can't get a chlorine reading at all it may be due to very high chlorine demand. High chlorine demand is the inability to keep an adequate level of chlorine in the pool water even though the water appears to be balanced and properly maintained.

What to do after putting algaecide in the pool?

The next step can be done in either sequence, depending on the time of day. If it's daytime, add the proper amount of the appropriate algaecide for your algae type. Circulate the pool water. Follow with a chlorine shock treatment that evening and continue to run the filter overnight.

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 goes in pool first clarifier or algaecide?

When: Use a water clarifier after you've killed an algae bloom as it'll help to coagulate dead algae particles in your pool water. If you've got green in your pool, you'll need to attend to that issue with chlorine and an algaecide before anything else, and fast.

Can you put too much shock in a pool?

Is it possible to shock your pool too much? Yes—excessive shocking of your pool will keep it at an elevated chlorine level. This will cause irritation of the skin and eyes as well as excessive wear and tear on your pool filter system, including excessive corrosion of all metal parts.

What is the best pool algaecide?

Suncoast All In One Algaecide is the best way to get rid of algae in your pool. It kills and prevents every type of algae, including black, green and yellow mustard algae, as well as pink bacteria.

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.

Why is my pool shock not killing algae?

It's all to do with your pool's pH. Pool expert Rafi Friedman told me that 'Pool shock works best with a balanced pH. If your pool's pH is too high or too low, the shock won't be effective. Ideally, your pool's pH should be close to neutral, around 7.2-7.4, before shocking.

Will baking soda clear a green pool?

As pool experts, we hear this question a lot. The short answer is no; baking soda will not clear a green pool, as it cannot kill algae. Adding baking soda to your pool will, however, raise your alkalinity and pH levels and can be helpful when dealing with small growths of black algae.

Is shock the same as chlorine?

1) What is the difference between chlorine and shock? Do I need to use both? Chlorine is a sanitizer, and (unless you use Baquacil products) is necessary for maintaining a clear and healthy pool. Shock is chlorine, in a high dose, meant to shock your pool and raise the chlorine level quickly.

Do I add algaecide or shock first?

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 backwashing remove algae?

Use a vacuum or backwash the pool to remove the dead algae. Apply a mustard algaecide following the label directions. Allow the water to circulate for 24 hours. Use a pool vacuum or backwash the pool again to remove the remaining dead algae.

What naturally kills algae in a pool?

Sunlight: Algae aren't fans of bright sunlight. Sunlight can help reduce the growth of algae in pools by breaking down the algae's food source – chlorophyll. Baking Soda: Baking soda can help maintain the correct pH levels in your pool water, discouraging algae growth.

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.

What should I treat first in my pool?

The first thing you need to do while adding pool chemicals in order is to balance the water's alkalinity. This is achievable by balancing the alkalinity to 80-120 ppm (parts per million). Use the right products to balance the pool water's alkalinity, depending on its level.

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.

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