The best beginner argument against algaecide

[AlexPowell]

I am in a few facebook groups for pools and a few other pool based communities. One big difference I see between them and TFP is the use of algaecide, specifically copper based ones.

Algaecide - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Non-Recommended Pool Chemicals

These pool chemicals should not be added to your pool. Save your money and frustration and avoid these chemicals!

www.troublefreepool.com

The arguments presented are that they are simply not needed, and can stain or damage your pool. This is easily refuted, as just because something isn't needed doesn't mean you can't derive benefit from it. You can also easily limit the use and keep levels within range to avoid staining, as only chronic use will cause these things to happen.

The best argument against the use of algaecide is actually very simple. If free chlorine levels are not high enough to prevent algae then it won't be high enough to kill pathogens. You can kill the algae but it will not kill the pathogens. Whilst there is no algae you will likely have no visual incentive to increase free chlorine to adequate levels.

This is something seen on this forums fairly often (IE a clear pool is not a sanitary pool) however it should be the primary reason for not using algaecide - its inability to sanitise a pool - with the other reasons being secondary to this

 

[mknauss]

TFP is based on testing. You test and add the appropriate chemical to achieve the water chemistry level desired.

Algaecide -- how do you test what level you have? How do you know you need it, that it is working, or that you need to add more?

 

[AUSpool]

If you maintain FC and CYA as per the FC/CYA Levels then you won’t have algae or any of the other pathogens. When there is no algae it just doesn’t make sense to me to go out and buy a product to solve a problem that doesn’t exist and in doing so add copper ions that are known to cause staining. To prevent said staining stringent pH control is now desirable which increases acid usage. Copper based algacides are also known to increase chlorine demand.

The Australian standard for domestic swimming pools limits copper to 1mg/L or 1ppm but I would prefer 0ppm. The poor souls using the ioniser systems are already at 0.4ppm, the Australian standard does not recommend the use of ioniser systems.

 

[Newdude]

Plus they often misuse algecide not as a preventer, but as a cure. It cannot overcome the exponential growth of an active algae bloom.

So they often either use it when there's no need, or when it's ineffective.

 

[Texas Splash]

Unfortunately, many pool owners are unaware of these issues and simply follow advice from the installer, local store or neighbor. Only after they come to a place like TFP do they actually hear sound evidence o correct their poor pool chemistry behavior.