How To Use Algaecide In Your Swimming Pool

How to use an algaecide in your swimming pool?

1. Select the correct algaecide
2. Balance the pool pH
3. Scrub the bottom and sides of the pool tile
4. Determine the dosage
5. Add the algaecide into the water
6. Vacuum your pool
7. Apply maintenance doses 

Having a crystal-clear swimming pool to jump into is the ultimate treat. However, there is plenty that goes into pool maintenance, and most of the work involves preventing algae buildup. Algae typically grows on the surface of pools, but can also grow inside the pipes and decks. 

It’s worth mentioning that brushing the pool and maintaining pool chemical balance is an effective way for preventing algae. But, you may also want to know how to use algaecide in your swimming pool. 

But what are algaecides? Continue reading on to know how these keep your pool clean and how to use them safely.  

What Is Algaecide? 

Algaecide is a popular swimming pool chemical formulated to kill algae or stunt the growth of algae. Generally, algaecides work by disrupting the cellular processes of algae – perhaps by preventing cell division, energy transport, or photosynthesis. 

It’s important to note that algaecide should often be used in conjunction with chlorine-based sanitizer.   

There are different types of algaecides and they work depending on their ingredients. At Oktakem, we offer two kinds of algaecides – poly-quats and copper-based. These help to thoroughly destroy live algae in the pool. These also act as a natural pesticide that kills and prevents algae from staying in your pool.

How To Use Algaecide In Your Swimming Pool

There’s nothing more frustrating than getting excited to swim only to find your crystal clear pool water has developed pesky algae. Using an algaecide helps to clean it, but what if you don’t know how to use it? Don’t worry because we provide a step-by-step guide on how to algaecide in your swimming pool. 

Select The Correct Algaecide

Choosing the correct algaecide is hard for some, especially if you have to pick one based on the type of algae present in your pool. There are 3 types of algaecides, and these are quats, poly-quats, and copper-based algaecides. 

Quaternary ammonium compounds, also referred to as “quats” need to be poured around the perimeter of the pool. Rather than eliminating algae, quats are primarily used to prevent it. Quats are cheaper than poly quats and other metal-based algaecides. 

On the other hand, polymeric quaternary ammonium compounds, also referred to as “poly quats”, work by getting rid of algae instead of prevention. Poly quats last longer and are more effective than quats. However, these can also be more expensive. 

Copper-based algaecide contains copper ions. The advantage of copper-based algaecide is it is used for both killing and preventing algaecide. Copper-based algaecide also works best for yellow and black algae. You can buy copper-based pool algaecide from Oktakem’s shop today. This is to be mixed with water until all the blue crystals dissolve. Afterward, pour it around the perimeter of the pool. 

Balance The Pool pH

Algaecide is most effective after the pool has been cleaned and balanced. You can try balancing the pool pH levels first to determine if they have proper pool chemistry. Do this by adjusting the free chlorine level to 3 ppm. This helps to control algae growth. 

Scrub The Bottom And Sides Of The Pool Tile

Check the bottom and sides of your pool tile and if you see heavy algae in your pool water, you should scrub the bottom and sides before the first application of algaecide. Check also if there are algae that can be picked up by a leaf rake or vacuum head before starting the algaecide application.

Determine The Dosage

Determine the correct algaecide dosage to add to your swimming pool. This will be based on the gallons of water your pool holds. If you are using Oktakem’s GLB Algimycin 600, the initial application for visible algae growth is 16 ounces per 10,000 gallons of pool water. But for initial clean water treatment, it will just be 9 ounces per 10,000 gallons of pool water.  If you are using Oktakem’s HCT Pool Algaecide, the initial application is 0.3-0.4 ppm or 3-4 grams (1 teaspoon) per 10,000 liters (10 cubic meters). Mix with water until all the blue crystals have dissolved completely then pour around the entire perimeter of the pool.

Also, remember to always put on rubber gloves and eye protection before handling algaecide to prevent skin irritation and eye damage. 

Add The Algaecide Into The Water

After checking and measuring the algaecide needed to clean your pool water, you may start running your swimming pool pump while pouring the algaecide dose into the water. Deposit it in different areas around the pool to get rid of algae on your pool walls, floors, etc.

If you’re using algaecide as preventive maintenance, then you can wait for 30 minutes before swimming in the pool. However, if there is visible algae that you want to get rid of, hold off swimming activities until you have removed the dead algae.

Vacuum Your Pool

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. 

Apply Maintenance Doses

Once you’ve successfully put a stop to the growth of algae in your pool water, you may apply the algaecide for pool maintenance on a weekly basis. 

If you’re using GLB Algimycin 600, you can add 3 ounces of this product per 10,000 gallons of pool water weekly. 

If you use HCT Pool Algaecide, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and add maintenance doses weekly or after heavy rainfall. Add 2-3 grams per 10,000 liters of fresh make-up water added.

Tip: Algaecide may be required in your pool during the rainy season as part of pool routine care. So, periodically check your swimming pool, especially if it is covered, and if you start seeing algae popping in your pool water, kill them with algaecide. 

Key Takeaway

Everyone can agree that algae growth is more or less inevitable in pool water. Knowing how to use an algaecide in your swimming pool helps you stop the growth of algae. 

If you’re looking for swimming pool chemicals that you can stock up on and use for cleaning or maintenance, You can check out Oktakem’s shop today! You may also visit our Shopee page or Lazada page. Contact Oktakem today if you have other inquiries.