subject: Swimming Pool Chemicals [print this page] The day after a big, all day party the pool has gone cloudy with that nasty hint of green. Every pool owner knows when algae gets going in the pool. Every pool owner also knows that only an algaecide will kill the pest and let the pool return to pristine condition. So after a quick trip to the pool store or garage you add algaecide and hope for the best. But wait, what IS an algaecide? What are you putting in the water with such high hopes?
Algaecides are chemicals that kill algae as opposed to sanitizers like chlorine that prevent algae and bacteria from getting a foothold in the first place. Algaecides are the last line of defense to prevent draining a pool and starting over. Although the brand names and claims are numerous there are really only two kinds of algaecide available today; metallic and quaternary ammonias. Though both types can be very effective they have different characteristics. Choosing the right algaecide is key to getting the problem solved and swimming again.
The very earliest types of pool algaecide were copper based. Copper is a proven killer and is extremely effective. Copper, either as copper sulfate or elemental copper is suspended in a carrier liquid (water) by a chemical called triethanolamine and added to pool water. Copper concentrations vary from 1 to 7 percent depending on type. Though as effective as any of the newer types of algaecide copper has drawbacks: it can stain pool hardware and turn hair green if chlorine concentrations are too high. It also builds up over time and continued use can stain even a properly balanced pool.
