Different Algaecides for Different Jobs

In a perfect world, we would only need one bottle of algaecide to take care of our problems. Well, actually, in a perfect world, we wouldn’t be needing algaecide! But since we’re not in a perfect world, we must know the different types of algaecides, or to bluntly put it, the right tool for the job!

It’s always good to start with the strongest of the bunch right? The Lo-Chlor Tropical pool algaecide (for QLD and N.T. only) is pretty much the last line defense against algae. It is the strongest algaecide in Lo-Chlor’s arsenal, making it the perfect algaecide for all types of algae. We’re talked about Organo copper complex algaecides before and the Tropiclear algaecide is a good example of one that contains it.

The combination of Organo Copper Complex and Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride (I know, it’s a mouthful, that’s why it’s called Tropiclear in the first place!) has been scientifically proven to be effective against all types of algae strains, even the most stubborn and chemical resistant algae strains are no match for the Tropiclear.

It is worth noting though that this algaecide combination contains ammonia so it’s not the best smelling of pool chemicals. The ammonia in the Tropiclear will react with the gasses produced by salt water chlorinator so if you see fine bubbles forming on the surface of the pool, don’t worry, that’s normal and should dissipate within a week.

When using the Tropiclear, the chemical formulation may bind with the free chlorine in your pool and your combined chlorine levels may become elevated. Don’t worry, simply leave it be and re-check in a couple of days and it should resolve itself.

• This is compatible with all mainstream pool chemicals.
• Even though this contains Ogano Copper Complex, meaning that the copper has been complexed to prevent it from coming out of solution and staining the pool, avoid adding this after shocking and avoid shocking your pool for at least 48 hours since the copper will react with the high chlorine levels and will give your pool water a green tint!
• After using any algaecide, always test for the presence of phosphates. As algae are destroyed, the phosphates get released back into your pool water and it may needed to be treated to prevent the reoccurrence of algae. 
• Not for use in pools using Ionisers or “Natural” sanitisers like the Nature 2.

The name says it all! The Miraclear algaecide is like a miracle in a bottle! The Lo-Chlor Miraclear Algaecide is metal-free (no copper) and is one of the few algaecides out there that has a built-in clarifier so once algae are destroyed, the particles are easily captured by your pool filters, which in turn leads to a crystal-clear pool!

Since it is metal-free, the Miraclear Algaecide is both non-staining and non-foaming, making it ideal not only for your swimming pool but for fountains and ornamental ponds as well. Unlike the Tropiclear algaecide, the Miraclear is compatible with ionisers and natural sanitisers like the Nature 2.

• This is compatible with all pool surfaces
• Perfect for year-round algae protection as it does not react with other pool chemicals
• Good for pool owners on a budget who don’t want to worry about staining and other problems associated with copper-based algaecides

As we’ve discussed in our Ultimate Guide to Pool Algae, Black Spot algae is probably the toughest type of algae to remove from our pools. Although black spot algae can easily be prevented using the other types of algaecide from Lo-Chlor, once it has taken root then it’s time to bring in the big guns in the form of the Lo-Chlor Black Spot Algaecide!

The Lo-Chlor Black Spot Algaecide has specifically been formulated to eat through the protective cell layers of stubborn black algae. For the best results, the following steps are recommended.

• First, brush the pool and vacuum to waste. This step will “strip” away the top layer of dirt and algae from your pool.
• Lower the pH down to 6.8 to 7.0 to make your chlorine more effective.
• Shock your pool and run the pump for at least 24 hours.
• After waiting for 24 hours, apply the required dose of Black Spot Algaecide DIRECTLY on the areas with black spot algae. Do not add to skimmer or broadcast around the swimming pool if your black spot algae problem is localized.
• Run the pump for a further 24 hours and give the pool a thorough brushing to remove any stubborn black algae.
• Test and re-balance your pool chemicals and then add some long-life algaecide to prevent any type of algae from forming.

The Lo-Chlor Winteriser Algaecide is specially formulated for winter use by boosting chlorine efficiency in your pool. Aside from that, Lo-Chlor has guaranteed that the winteriser pool algaecide will not stain your pool, providing that the pool is being maintained within Australian Standard levels and that the algaecide is being used as per the instructions provided by Lo-Chlor.

Aside from being long-life, here are some of the things that will be affected when you use the Lo-Chlor winteriser algaecide when closing your pool for the winter.

• Instead of checking and chlorinating your pool on a weekly basis during winter, you’ll only need to do it every 10-14 days!
• You’ll only need to run your pool pump for a minimum of only 2 hours a day instead of your regular schedule.
• If you have a salt water chlorinator, it will run more efficiently (as per Lo-Chlor’s website)
• Less winter maintenance means more time indoors and out of the cold!

• Kills all types of algae (blue-green, mustard, black, pink)
• Only use with traditional pool chemicals and should not be used with ionisers and natural pool sanitisers like the Nature 2
• If you plan on shocking your pool before closing it for winter, wait at least 48 hours after shocking before adding the Lo-Chlor Winteriser Algaecide
• 500ML of Lo-Chlor Winteriser Algaecide can treat 60,000L of water for up to 90 days!

See also our Product Spotlight: Water TechniX Green to Clean Pool Chemical Bundle here

When algaecides do their job and they destroy algae, the phosphates inside the algae drop back into your pool, making them available as food for future algae! This is why every time you apply algaecide, you should always test your pool water for the presence of phosphates and apply the required amount of Starver X (Phosphate Remover) to get rid of the phosphates in your pool.

If you think that testing for phosphates (don’t worry, you’re not alone!) is just an added expense, then you can simply add some phosphate remover in the blind! Since it doesn’t affect your other pool chemical levels then you can safely add some Starver X every few weeks at a rate of 100ML for every 10,000L pool water volume.

Think about it, algae blooms have to eat something right? After dealing with an algae bloom, treat your pool with some phosphate remover to ensure that algae doesn’t come back!