How to Find the Best Swimming Pool Algaecide and Clarifier

Swimming pool algaecides and clarifiers prevent chlorine-resistant algae from growing, are particularly useful during low-chlorination periods and can save you money because you can use less chlorine if you use algaecide and clarifier regularly. Though shocking your pool is really the only way to get rid of an algae overgrowth, using algaecide and clarifier is a wise preventative measure for any pool owner.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check your pool chemistry and filter before you use algaecide and clarifier. Sometimes, you may just need to adjust the pH or perform some basic filter maintenance to clear up any cloudiness or murkiness in the water.

2. Determine if there is an algae growth problem in your pool, and if possible, what kind of algae problem you might have. You might have green or yellow algae, which responds well to shocking your pool. Chlorine resistant algae, like mustard algae and "black" algae, responds very well to algaecide and clarifier treatments.

3. Shock your pool, adjust the pH, and wait a day before you go get an algaecide and clarifier. If the problem hasn't cleared up and your water is still looking all wrong, then it's time to find an algaecide and clarifier. Don't buy a big jug of algaecide and clarifier from your local superstore. It won't work. Instead, go to a pool supply store to buy your pool chemicals, especially for anything above and beyond basic daily maintenance.

4. Know the difference between these two chemicals, as you may only need one of them. Algaecide is a chemical that prevents algae from growing in your pool, aids in the maintenance of proper pool pH and also boosts the performance of your pool filter because if you use an algaecide there will be less waste for your pool filter to process. Clarifiers, on the other hand, coagulate fine particles that are floating in the pool and thus allow the filter to more effectively remove these particles and remove cloudiness from your water.

5. Buy algaecide and clarifier as needed from a reputable pool chemical supplier. Combinations of these chemicals do work well together, but are not always necessary. If you are worried about algae growth, want to use less chlorine, or are winterizing your pool and protecting it for next season, these are the best reasons to invest in a good algaecide and clarifier.

6. Choose the best algaecide that you can afford. There are many types out there, but an algaecide containing chelated copper works just fine unless you have well water. There are also non-metallic forms of algaecide, which are nice because they are a bit more user-friendly. Another great option is a phosphate eliminating algaecide, which kills algae's major food source. This works by eliminating phosphates from the pool and killing the algae by severing it from its food source. Also, when algae dies, it actually releases phosphates into the water, which could provide the nutrients for more algae to grow right after you've killed the first batch. If you're having a chronic algae problem, this is the best product to use. Follow up with any basic clarifier to help your filter remove any lingering particles.

Tips & Warnings

• Even the best algaecides and clarifiers can't completely rid you of an algae problem, no matter what the bottle or salesperson says. They simply treat the symptoms and at best prevent the problem from happening in the future. If you have algae, shock your pool and then use these products.