Algaecide

[casey28]

If you use the 3 in 1 chlorinating tablets, do you still have to add algaecide?

[chem geek]

That depends what is in the "3 in 1". If it's got copper in it, then that's an algaecide, but can also stain pool surfaces and make blond hair turn green. Also, if these are Trichlor tabs, then continued use of Trichlor will increase the Cyanuric Acid (aka stabilizer or conditioner) level which makes chlorine less effective. If you don't proportionately raise your Free Chlorine (FC) level relative to Cyanuric Acid (CYA), then algae can grow faster than it can be killed by chlorine. So you can spend more and use an algaecide to prevent this.

If the "3 in 1" are Cal-Hypo, then that will increase Calcium Hardness (CH) over time.

Or you can use chlorinating liquid or bleach and not continue to build up the CYA nor CH level and prevent algae using chlorine alone though it requires much more frequent addition (it is not as convenient as using slow-dissolving tabs). See the Pool School for more details.

[accupool727/www.accu-pools.com]

Hi, i am a swimming pool service here in Florida. Your typical ch tabs are usually just for chlorene which is the main disinfectent for pools which if maintained at a balanced level should prevent algea itself. Algea usually forms when there is no or very little CH or disinfectant level in water, so proper water balance is vital. It is always benificial to add "algeacide 60" which is great for prevention of algea maybe once a week in summer an once a month in winter depending on bather loads. Just read directions on back and it will tell u how much to add for how many gallons your pool is. An average size pool needs 4 oz a week maybe every other week if hardly anybody uses pool but is a perfect product to prevent algea. Might want to test your phosphate levels as well which is what causes algea. There is a testing kit an product for that which most pool owners dont know about and is important if your pool always seems to get algea and u teat it and goes away then comes back, then i almost guarantee your phosphate levels are out of wack. Get your phospahte level correct and keep your water balanced and youll be algea free for ever!! www.accu-pools.com

[chem geek]

If you maintain the appropriate Free Chlorine (FC) level relative to the Cyanuric Acid (CYA) level, then there is no need for algaecide as chlorine alone will prevent algae growth. There is also no need for weekly shocking nor for use of clarifiers, flocculants, etc. The Pool School link above describes what to do.