What are Algaecides
Algaecides are chemical that may reduce the tendency for algae to take hold in pool water. Once you have algae in pool water an algaecide will not fix an algae problem.
Algaecides do not sanitize the pool water.
In general TFP does not recommend the use of algaecides for regular pool care. If you maintain the proper FC/CYA ratio in your pool water algae will not take hold.
Using algaecide regularly masks the fact that the pool water is not safe to swim. Chlorine serves both as an algaecide and a sanitizer. If you get algae, your chlorine level is too low for swimming because there isn’t enough to prevent the transfer of pathogens. No amount of algaecide will make the water safe even if it keeps the water crystal clear. This is the fundamental reason we don’t recommend regular algaecide use during swimming season.[1]
Algaecides are used as a preventive treatment either at winter closing or specific processes like Ascorbic Acid treatments when the FC level must be low.
For closing a pool when water temperatures is above 60F an algaecide with Polyquat 60 may prevent algae and having a green pool when opening.
What is Polyquat 60?
Polyquat 60 is short for Poly{oxyethylene(dimethyliminio)Ethylene (dimethyliminio)ethylene dichloride} 60%. It is a chemical algaecide. Many manufacturers bottle it. Look for pure Polyquat 60 like from Pro Team.
Beware of Algaecides that Contain Unwanted Chemicals or Metals
Many algaecides sold at pool stores contain copper. You do not want copper accumulating in your pool water. The only wat to remove copper from pool water is by draining the pool. Copper in pool water can cause staining or turn blonde hair green.
If you choose to use an algaecide know what all the chemicals in it are and their effect on your pool water. If you are not sure, ask on the TroubleFreePool Forum.
