Volume 3 of our DIY Swimming Pool Newsletters

Algaecides

Before you run out and buy algaecides, it’s best to know which kind of algae is present in your water. There are thousands of species of algae, many which are present in the source water or carried by winds. The most common are grouped into colors; green, black, or yellow (referred to as ‘mustard’ algae). Most times algae can be prevented, however there are certain conditions (high winds, landscape runoff, bather load, bird droppings, etc.) in which we have no control. When one or more of these occur and catches us off guard, suddenly our beautiful pool has become a feeding ground for these one-celled plant life.

It is easier to prevent algae than to remove it.

You probably have figured that out by now. After making sure that your algae problem is not a result of a dirty filter or damaged internal filter parts; poor circulation (not running the pump for the hours needed) or running a [easyazon_link asin=”B007E4VWNO” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”default” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]variable speed pump[/easyazon_link] on too low RPM’s (1800rpms or less); a consistent lack of sanitizer ([easyazon_link asin=”B0050K33W2″ locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”default” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]chlorine[/easyazon_link] levels should remain at 1.5 ppm minimum); your [easyazon_link asin=”B002WKFABK” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”default” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]pH[/easyazon_link] is kept between 7.2 to 7.4, and that you brush the walls once a week…it’s probably time to add an algaecide.

Green and Yellow Algae:

The most common types of algaecides are called [easyazon_link asin=”B00AM3SHJ6″ locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”default” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]quaternary ammonium algaecides[/easyazon_link] or quats. Look for the chemical names such as alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC) or dimethyldidecyl ammonium chloride (DDAC). If you buy this type, be sure to buy [easyazon_link asin=”B000KIOBE8″ locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]foam down[/easyazon_link] product.

These algaecides are very effective but have a tendency to create foam in the water, especially if you have a spa spilling into the pool, a water feature, or a lot of swimmers agitating the water.

Another type of algaecide for [easyazon_link asin=”B0052FXK8W” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]green[/easyazon_link] or [easyazon_link asin=”B00S72ERO8″ locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]yellow[/easyazon_link] algae is poly(oxyethylene(dimethyliminio)-ethylene-(dimethyliminio)-ethylene-dichloride), or ‘polys quats’.

The advantage of this type is that is does not foam up…the disadvantage is that it bonds to dirt and other debris, reducing its effectiveness in targeting only algae. Both of these algaecides do not contain metals, thus you don’t have to worry about possibly staining the surface of your pool.

Black Algae:

This is the most resistant and difficult algae to treat.

[easyazon_link asin=”B002NJR0YK” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]Copper[/easyazon_link] or [easyazon_link asin=”B00C7UCTBO” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]silver[/easyazon_link] algaecides are most effective, however if the chlorine level is too high 5.0ppm or higher there is a high probability that staining can occur on the surface of the plaster. Read the label carefully and follow the manufacturer’s directions. It is very important that you brush the black algae with a [easyazon_link asin=”B00H7WRA9S” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]metal brush[/easyazon_link] in order for the algaecide to penetrate the stubborn little monsters. Run your filter and brush frequently until all the algae has been removed. Then CLEAN YOUR FILTER to avoid another infestation. After cleaning, I give them a chlorine bath, then rinse again to be sure the spores aren’t hiding in the crevices of the cartridges or grids.

Removing [easyazon_link asin=”B0017SSGJG” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]metals[/easyazon_link] and *[easyazon_link asin=”B000NSGNOG” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]phosphates[/easyazon_link] as a part of your normal routine of pool maintenance will provide a good environment for sanitizers to kill and prevent algae. Keeping your filter clean, which allows for good circulation, is also a vital part of the equation. Do not allow your chlorine level to ever drop lower than 1.5 ppm. And keep your pH at 7.2-7.4. I know I am repeating myself, but this is worth repeating.

Challenge yourself to have an algae free summer!

*Thirty years ago, when I began my pool business, phosphates in water was not a serious issue. When the pool industry began introducing phosphate removers, I thought it was a scam to sell product to the unsuspecting pool owner. After doing my research and learning that algae can digest and store phosphates (and bacteria) within their cell structure, I have conceded that the level of phosphates in all of our water source is a very real problem. (Some lakes are completely consumed by algae, depleting oxygen levels which are killing off other life forms). Maintaining your sanitizing residuals at all times will help to prevent the growth of algae. (1.5 to 3.0ppm). Adding a phosphate remover (as well as keeping your pH within range) will assist in allowing a sanitizer to do its job.

Alternative Algaecides

[easyazon_link asin=”B0017SW606″ locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]Bio-Dex Aqua Pure Algaecide[/easyazon_link]

[easyazon_link asin=”B0017SR6C4″ locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]Bio-Dex Skill-It Algaecide[/easyazon_link]

[easyazon_link asin=”B0030BEI0Y” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]Kem-Tek KTK-50-0006 Pool and Spa 60-Percent Concentrated Algaecide[/easyazon_link]

Phosphate Removers

[easyazon_link asin=”B010BZB912″ locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]Bio-Dex Swimming Pool Phosphate Remover[/easyazon_link]

Metal Removers/ Stain Treatments

[easyazon_link asin=”B00480FOVS” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]SeaKlear Metal Klear Stain Treatment Solution[/easyazon_link]

[easyazon_link asin=”B002FB73GQ” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]Natural Chemistry 07400 Stain Free Pool Stain Remover[/easyazon_link]

[easyazon_link asin=”B003C5PNUW” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]CuLator Metal Eliminator & Stain Preventer for Pools & Spas[/easyazon_link]

Complete Pool Maintenance Package

[easyazon_link asin=”B00BBH25X6″ locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”yes” tag=”lucpoo-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”yes” localization=”yes” popups=”yes”]Chemical Kit For Pools Up To 30,000 Gallons[/easyazon_link]