All About Swimming Pool algaecides and Ways to Prevent algae with Chemistry Expert Bob Lowry

Algae in your pool are one of the biggest issues you will face as a pool service pro and as a homeowner. The most common answer to pool algae is to reach for an algaecide and treat the pool with either copper, sodium bromide, or a polyquat. But there are other proven methods to treat algae and preventing algae in the first place is the key.

Other Podcasts in this series:
Are Adding Borates an End All Cure-All? With Chemistry Expert Bob Lowry=
https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/8417625
Signs a Swimming Pool Has a Leak with Chemistry Expert Bob Lowry:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/8417637
What is TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) with Chemistry Expert Bob Lowry
https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/8417666
Color Bodies: Why Your Water Has That Odd Color to It with Chemistry Expert Bob Lowry
https://www.buzzsprout.com/110832/8417687

Bob Lowry is the author of over 23 books but this has to be one of his most relevant and shortest books coming in at just 19 pages thick. But it is packed with so many essentials on residential pool chemistry that you will want a copy to carry in your service truck. Bob Lowry has been in the industry for over 47 years and is the Lead Consultant at Lowry Consulting Group, leads the Pool Chemistry Training Institute, and has created the Certified Residential Pool & Spa Certification Program. Learn more at https://pcti.online/

I think the number one cause of persistent algae issues is an improper level of free chlorine in the pool. To make things simple you need 7.5% free chlorine per the Cyanuric Acid level. So if your CYA is testing at 100 ppm you need to maintain your pool at 7.5 ppm to prevent algae. In the case with a CYA level over 50 ppm – 3.0 ppm of free chlorine will not be enough to prevent algae growth. Using this simple equation will help you prevent algae in the first place. Below are two proven ways to prevent and cure algae issues in your pool.

BORATES:
Adding Borates to your pool to achieve a level of 30-50 ppm has many benefits. I have a series of videos on Borates and highly recommend adding Borates to your pool. I have added Borates to my pool and couldn't be happier. The results are well worth it.

Lower Chlorine usage: The Borate helps reduce chlorine usage by eliminating Carbon Dioxide and also by keeping the pH stable. Chlorine lasts longer when the pH is right at 7.6-7.8. When the chlorine is in the ideal range the killing element in chlorine the HOCI is at the most balanced percentage so the chlorine in a pool with a pH of 7.4 is 30% more effective than in a pool with a pH of 8.0. This is a big factor in creating the safest swim environment and the borates will keep the pH much more stable and in turn make the chlorine much more effective.

pH is stable: The pH won't change much in a pool with Borate in it. So, if you have a Salt Water Pool this is a must since the pH tends to rise dramatically. In fact, in a Salt Water Pool the pH can rise to over 8.4 very rapidly. You will find yourself putting tons of acid in each week just to keep the pH below 7.8.

Less Algae growth: Boric Acid is a known Biostat. This prevents the algae cell from forming and multiplying. Thus, a pool with a Borate level between 30-50 ppm will prevent algae growth. Since borate prevents the algae cell from growing, algae blooms will be a thing of the past. No more algaecides or shocking the pool, algae just won’t grow in your pool any longer.

Note that with a Borate level of 50 ppm you only need 5% free chlorine per the CYA level. So a pool with a CYA level of 100 pm will require 5 ppm of free chlorine.

POOL RX:
PoolRx is a simple way to keep your pool algae-free all season long. It is also effective in cleaning a green pool and a side benefit of the product is that you will use less chlorine in the pool all season long. In this Podcast, I talk to Fred Schweer VP of Sales at PoolRx Worldwide about using PoolRx in the beginning of the season and to clean up a green pool. He also offers tips to pool service professionals on how to market and sell PoolRx to the customers on your route.
PoolRx is a Mineral Technology does two very simple things when used in your pool or spa; it eliminates all algae and will allow you to use less chlorine during the pool season. The active ingredient is Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate (chelated).

PoolRx eliminates all algae fast. Even microalgae that you can't see but uses up the chlorine in your pool.

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