Does chlorine reduce the effectiveness of metallic algaecides?

[09659]

Does chlorine reduce the effectiveness of metallic algaecides?

In other words, does the chlorine break down the copper and silver to make it less potent?

Thanks

 

[woodyp]

Now you just KNOW we don't recommend metallic algaecides! But good question..........

 

[09659]

Now you just KNOW we don't recommend metallic algaecides! But good question..........

Yes. But the customer gets what the customer wants. Their plaster already looks terrible anyways.

 

[JasonLion]

Copper and silver should be just as effective regardless of the chlorine level. Metals can't be broken down by chlorine.

 

[woodyp]

Yes. But the customer gets what the customer wants. Their plaster already looks terrible anyways.

Just make sure the customer doesn't get something they might not be aware of either.

 

[09659]

Copper and silver should be just as effective regardless of the chlorine level. Metals can't be broken down by chlorine.

The reason I ask is an acquaintance of mine in the industry adds a combination of things for algae treatment. In some cases, he shocks and adds Silver Algaedyn. I wondered if the higher chlorine levels weakened the Silver Algaedyn.

 

[chem geek]

Copper is more effective than silver against algae, but both can stain pool surfaces. Usually silver is used in conjunction with copper to be able to handle a broader range of bacteria, specifically fecal bacteria that copper does not handle. If one is using metal ions only for algae control, then copper alone is usually sufficient for that (again with the risk of staining plaster surfaces).

He probably shocks because the silver isn't effective enough against algae. If he were using copper instead he might not need to shock -- at least not for algae.