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Algaecides
These are excellent treatments to prevent or kill algae
growth when used with chlorine. A lot of people also use
algaecides as a preventative, especially in pools where
algae growth is problematic or persistent. Algaecides kill
algae spores as they enter the water. Algae spores are
constantly entering your swimming pool from rain, wind and
dust and they multiply most efficiently in sunlight and warm
water. Routine chlorination cannot cope with the rapid
growth at peak times or during an algae "bloom" causing
visible outburst of algae. These algae can appear to be
green, brown, black, mustard or even pink in color. By the
time algae has bloomed there are already millions of algae
cells in every gallon of water!
It may be a good idea to add pool
algaecides to your swimming pool on a weekly basis if you
regularly experience problems with algae growth but there is
no need for regular algaecides in areas where algae is not
recurring. Usually, once you can see heavy algae growth it
is already too late for algaecides which work best at
keeping them away in the first place. A chlorine based shock
treatment will suffieciently kill the algae and then use the
algaecide treatments to keep the algae at bay.
Common Types of Algaecides
Copper based algaecides can be used to treat against all
types of algae. These will not cause foam to appear in a
swimming pool as in other types of algaecides. There is
however a problem with stains on the surface of the swimming
pool if the product is not used properly. Note: Do not
use copper based algaecides in a swimming pool that uses a
Biguanide based sanitizing system such as Baquacil or
SoftSwim.
The other most common types are
quaternary ammonium compounds instead of a copper formula.
These algaecides will not stain a swimming pool but may
cause foaming to occur. Polyquat pool algaecides cannot
cause staining or foaming and is often a very good choice
for the pool owner even though they may be a more expensive
choice.
If you are still experiencing problems
with algae please check out our
Troubleshooting guide.
WARNING: Pool chemicals are dangerous and should be kept
out of reach of children. Please be sure to read and refer
to the product labels and use appropriately as per
instructions to avoid adverse reactions.
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