PolyQuat vs Benzyl Chloride

[aho.lwi]

Whats the difference between Benzyl ammonium chloride 1227 and a polyquat 60? Mode of kill? Are both chemicals suitable for pool use? and if so which of the mentioned should i really be using?

Is this a Polyquat? Poly[oxyethylene(dimethyliminio)ethylene(dimethylimino)ethylene dichloride]

 

[The Mermaid Queen]

We recommend polyquat algaecides for several reasons. You can search the boards, or, more likely, someone will come along and explain things for you.

Yes, that is polyquat. There should be a number after the long word.... it usually comes in 30% and 60%. 60% is twice as strong.

 

[chem geek]

The benzyl ammonium chloride is also known as Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and is a "linear quat". It is less expensive than PolyQuat and will generally inhibit algae growth, but it can foam and doesn't usually last as long so isn't quite as effective. Even with PolyQuat you would need to add it weekly if you were using it for maintenance. PolyQuat doesn't foam, lasts longer, and is reasonably effective for maintenance which is why we recommend it for special circumstances such as the ascorbic acid treatment when your Free Chlorine (FC) level will intentionally get to zero for a time. PolyQuat can be used as extra insurance at other times, but is not necessary because chlorine alone (actually, the appropriate FC/CYA ratio) will prevent algae growth by itself without the need for any extra algaecide.

 

[waste]

If you have a SWCG, use the poly NOT the linear The linear quat will form a sheet of white foamy chunks on the surface with salt levels > ~ 2000 ppm.