Should I use shock or algaecide first?

Author: Aurelie O'Reilly  |  Last update: Monday, January 8, 2024

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.

How long after shock do you 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.

Should I put algaecide or shock first?

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.

Do I shock my pool before adding chemicals?

Step 2 - Add Stain & Scale and Clarifier: Before you shock the pool, which can disrupt other pool start up chemicals, add a Stain & Scale chemical to prevent staining by keeping minerals and metals locked tightly in solution.

What chemicals go in pool first?

Adding Chemicals for a Newly Filled Pool

Alkalinity Adjustments: It's recommended to start with any adjustments to Total Alkalinity (TA) first, because of its effect on pH levels. If your TA is below 80 ppm, add Alkalinity Increaser.

The TRUTH About Using ALGAECIDE In Your POOL | Swim University

Why do I still have algae in my pool after shocking it?

Algae will remain in your pool after shock if you've had insufficient chlorine and an overabundance of metal elements in the pool water.

What to do if you shock your pool and it still has 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.

What time of day do you 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.

Do you brush pool before or after algaecide?

Use a pool brush to vigorously scrub any pool surfaces covered in algae, including the walls, floors and steps. Apply a green algaecide according to the directions on the label. Let the water circulate for 24 hours, then brush the pool surfaces again. Vacuum or backwash to remove any remaining dead algae.

What to do after adding algaecide?

24 hours after the first application of algaecide, the next thing you should do is vacuum your pool to remove the dead algae. However, if the algae are still visible in the water, you can re-apply an algaecide in the pool, following the manufacturer's instructions for our product.

How long after shock and 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.

Is shock or algaecide better for green pools?

Shock Your Pool

We recommend using a calcium hypochlorite shock to treat your algae problems. However, green, yellow, and black algae will each require their own level of shock in order to be completely killed and removed from your water.

Should you brush pool after adding algaecide?

Once you're done vacuuming, brushing, and shocking your pool, wait for your chlorine levels to fall below 5 ppm. Then add a dose of algaecide. Brush your pool to loosen any last bits of algae you can't see.

How often should you shock your pool with algae?

Should I shock my pool every week? Yes, you should shock your pool weekly as part of regular maintenance. This helps keep contaminants out of the water and prevents algae growth from taking over. You should also shock your pool after any heavy rain, or after a pool party where you've had a lot of people in the water.

Why is shock not killing algae?

You didn't use Flocculants or Clarifiers. If you still can't see the bottom after shocking your pool, you may need to add a clarifier or flocculant the next day to remove the dead algae. Flocculant binds to small particle impurities in the water, causing them to clump together and fall to the bottom of the pool.

Will algaecide clear a green pool?

Algaecides treat and prevent pool algae, but not all algaecides are created equal. To treat green pool water, ensure you select an algaecide that kills green pool algae. After treatment, some dead algae may remain in your pool. Continue to thoroughly brush your pool's surfaces often.

Do you backwash after shocking pool?

Once you have cleaned the pool, you should move on to the sand and DE filter. The expert says you should backwash them. However, for a cartridge filter, it is best to remove the cartridges and hose them off.

Will baking soda clear a green pool?

Does baking soda kill algae in pools? Only algaecides can "kill" algae in pool water. However, baking soda can help clear up algae. Use both so you can restore sparkly, clean water!

What chemicals to add after shocking pool?

Algae thrives in hot weather and in pools with low or no chlorine. Be dutiful in shocking every week to two weeks and add a maintenance dose of algaecide every other week to prevent further 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.

Does algaecide lower chlorine levels?

“The algaecide will reduce your 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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