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If you own a pool, then algal bloom is not uncommon. If you are new to this, finding the right algaecides can be difficult. There are several things you need to consider to get the right algaecide. This includes the price, your pool water type, and even the type of algae that has been infested in your pool.
Chlorine does help in sanitizing your pool but is not completely effective. It might require something extra to make it do the trick. This is why you need a chemical like an algaecide.
Out of so many algae out there, we have to deal with only a handful. These have specific formulations that will help you to get rid of them.
In this article, we’ve listed out a few algaecides for different pool types that are easy to use to make your pool remain clean and clear.
Top 7 Algaecides
There are so many algaecides out there. We’ve listed out the top ones based on affordability, effectiveness, and also consumer reviews.
If you want the perfect algae eliminator, then you might want to try this out. Even if you haven’t seen any growth, it would be better if you are one step ahead by just using this once a week. If you live in an area where the temperature goes up, then your pool is prone to algae.
Clorox pool works well for the most common algae, the green algae. It acts extremely fast, and if your pool is stained, this will work and get your pool back to normal.
Pros.
- This is much faster than many of the algae eliminators out there and can show you fast results
- It also has a non-foaming formula. This makes this compatible with almost all types of pools, even with ones that are of saltwate
- You can maintain your pool crystal clear by just using it once a week
- It not only kills algae but also eliminates future growth
Cons.
- This is a non-foaming formula and foams much lesser than any of the other algaecides out there
It is extremely difficult to find an algaecide for saltwater. It prevents three types of algae, including green algae, mustard algae, and black algae. If your pool is already using a chlorinating agent, this works to enhance its effect.
Pros.
- It is enough to be used only once a week
- For about 10,000 gallons of water, you just need only about 4 ounces. So, you can use it for longer periods
- It is also very easy to use, and all you have to do is just pour it in
Cons.
- It is a little expensive than other algaecides
This is yet another amazing algaecide for all-around treatment. It works the best for blue-green algae, slime, and green-brown algae. This formula is concentrated in such a way that it does not leave any stain after it is done.
Pink algae are the hardest to clean, however. Pool mate helps to reduce that with very little effort. If you want algae that is non-metallic, then this might be the best option.
Pros.
- It works effectively and cleans your pool up within 15 minutes
- Additionally, it works on all pool types, including Vinyl, Fiberglass, concrete, and Gunite
- It does not leave any stain
Cons.
- Unfortunately, it does not clear black algae
This is yet another non-foaming algae and has about 60% poly (oxyethylene (dimethylamino) ethylene dichloride. This polymer is suitable for the salt system and is safe for almost all pool types. It works like a pro on almost all algae types.
You do not have to wait for hours after applying this and can see its effectiveness immediately. Apart from your pool, you can also use this in your fountain’s sanitization routine. If your pool surface and walls have a lot of algal bloom, you must brush it before applying this.
Pros.
- The quality is amazing
- It is affordable
- They act faster than many others
- The formula is non-foaming and can easily clear your pool up
- It is also multi-purposeful as it can be used in fountains and other such places
- Unlike many, it is compatible with almost all salt systems
- You can use this to both treat and prevent algal bloom
Cons.
- It does not work well on mustard algae
- It is not effective if there is a large infestation, and you might have to do additional treatments
It is extremely hard to get rid of black algae and mustard algae from your pool. If the infestation is because of any of these, then the best algaecide to use is the Silvertine. It is non-foaming and helps to make your pool clean and neat.
You can use it on a variety of water bodies such as spas, ponds, pools, and lakes. If you want an algaecide that does not emit any odor, then you might want to consider buying this. You can use it with your regular chlorine sanitization systems.
Pros.
- This is of high quality
- It works effectively for black and mustard algae, which are extremely difficult to get rid of
- This formulation is odorless
- If you do not like foaming formulations, you should try this one out
- It does leave stains when it is used as per the given instructions
- This is affordable and can be bought easily
- It can remove the growth of even deep-rooted algae as it contains silver
Cons.
- If the black algae infestation is more, then you might have to add a few other products to get the maximum results
This is a concentrated, foamless formulation that can get rid of algal blooms after adding just smaller amounts. This contains about 23.5% of copper Trietanolamine as its active compound. It is highly powerful and can be used for both indoor and above ground pool.
It acts quickly, killing any algal growth and also preventing any future growth.
Pros.
- It is affordable
- It can eliminate algal bloom effectively in a shorter time
- The concentration is foamless
- It is also extremely powerful
- It works well in destroying almost all kinds of algae
Cons.
- It is extremely concentrated and so make sure you don’t use it for well water as it makes it unsafe to consume
Unlike most formulations, this one is a dry powder. It can effectively prevent algal growth. You can use this easily, unlike many others. You only need about 4 ounces per 10,000-gallon water to make it work effectively.
This also contains about 99% sodium bromide. The best way to make it work for larger infestations is to brush it and then add this algaecide. If you want an algaecide that does not contain metal, then this is a great product.
Pros.
- Green and yellow algae are the best removed using this product
- It also has a strong bromide formula
- It is also simple and easy to use
- This does not discolor the water and also does not leave any stains
- It can be used in almost all types of pools
- SeaKlear does not contain any metal
- It is also a fast-dissolving
- It does not have much effect on the pH.
Cons.
- If your pool has an excessive algal growth on its floor and surfaces, then you might have to brush the algae once-off and add chlorine for SeaKlear to work effectively
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How to Choose the Right Algaecide?
There are so many algaecides, and it is essential to choose the right one for your situation. There are different types of algae, including red, green, and yellow. Many algaecides can easily kill green algae. But for black algae, you need a specific mix to get rid of it.
If you use the wrong one, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to get rid of all the types of algae. Four primary algaecides are commonly used, out of which quats are the most common algaecide.
Quats contains quaternary ammonium salts that cause your pool to foam. This is very effective for the pool. They are also available in three concentrations, including 5%, 10%, and 30%. This is also an excellent algal inhibitor.
If you do not want the algaecide to foam your pool, then you might want to go with one that has a polymer additive, making them poly quats. It is the best suited as it does not foam and can fit in your weekly pool cleaning routine.
Apart from this, if you want to kill specific forms of algae, such as pink, mustard, and black, then you can choose specific forms that include silver, copper, and magnesium to see the effectiveness. There are algaecides as algae stats. While algaecides kill algae, algae stats prevent its growth.
What Causes Pool Algae?
If you own a pool, then you have to understand how algae are caused. This will not only help you treat algal growth but also prevent any future growth. It can be caused due to various factors, including poor water sanitation, poor water circulation, and water balance.
Water Temperature
Algae prefer warm water. Higher temperatures are the main cause of algal growth. It also contributes to nitrogen, which causes algae to thrive. This can cause algal bloom.
Sunlight
Sunlight helps in preparing chlorophyll in plants. This pigment causes it to grow. Algae, just like plants, contain this pigment. When you have an outdoor pool, sunlight can aggravate algal growth.
Filtration System
If your waterbody is not connected to a proper filtration system that aids in aerating the water, it will cause algae to bloom. This is why pools need to have a good filtration system. For a pool to be healthy, it should have a filtration system that will at least filter water for six to eight hours.
Fertilizers
Along with your pool, if you own a garden and would use plant fertilizers to keep them green and clean, you need to take proper measures to keep them away. Just like how these fertilizers will give plants nutrition to grow, they will help algal growth.
How to Prevent Algae Growth in Pools?
Algal growth is common but can be prevented with the right steps. Here are a few steps that can save you a lot of money, effort, and time.
Good Circulation System
A circulation system will keep water and other chemicals flowing throughout the pool. If your pool system has a good and well-maintained circulation system, then algal growth will hardly occur.
Proper Sanitization
Your pool can have spores brought in, causing algal bloom. This is uncontrollable as the wind brings this in. Chlorine usually kills this, but just in case, if it doesn’t, then algae might end up growing.
In order to prevent the chlorine level from changing, it is better to use a chlorinator. This is why it is important to sanitize your pool regularly.
Maintain a Routine
Many algaecides work better if you brush the walls, floors, and the steps of your pool. Algae grow easily in these areas, and brushing them can prevent them from developing roots. If you maintain a routine and brush these places weekly, you can prevent algae.
You can find the right brush to scrub your pool effectively. You can either buy brushes made of vinyl-lined, fiberglass, acrylic, or even nylon. It is better to use brushes that are softer to prevent the surface from cracking open.
Endnotes
To sum it up, there are so many different algaecides. If you have a pool, you need to ask all the right questions before you finalize one. Algaecides do the work, but before that, you should develop a proper routine to keep your pool away from any sort of algae to save you any trouble.
