Algae Prevention

Algae are microscopic plant life that, in the right conditions, multiply rapidly usually turning pool water green and opaque.  Because algae are so small they do not become visible to the human eye until there are millions of them, so the early stages of an algae attack can easily go undetected and therefore untreated.  Recovering an algae infested pool can be time consuming and expensive, which is why algae prevention is always preferable to cure.

The secret to keeping your pool algae free is to maintain the correct water balance, oxidise regularly to destroy sources of algae food and organic wastes, apply algaecide to support the sanitiser (chlorine or bromine), continuously keep a consistent level sanitiser in the water and test regularly to ensure that the correct levels are being maintained, hence our innovative B.O.A.S.T. pool care system.

The Blue Horizons algaecides have been specially formulated to support your efforts of keeping algae out of the pool.  There is a choice of regularly dosed and longlife algaecide, in our opinion the use of both is the most effective way to prevent algae growth.

Blue Horizons Ultimate Algicide Concentrate

A dual use algaecide that can be used to both prevent and cure algae problems.  Its concentrated formula means that a little goes a long way, making it economical to use.

Blue Horizons Ultimate Algicide Concentrate Dose Rates Table

Recovering an Algae Infested Pool

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from an algae attack then this recovery routine should help.

1. Check the pH, it is not unusual for algae infested pools to have a high pH level – if this is the case lower the pH as chlorine does not work effectively at high pH levels.

2. Vacuum pool floor with the multiport valve in the waste position, this may be difficult as you might not be able to see the vacuum head but try and do it systematically remembering to keep an eye on the water level, as by vacuuming to waste the water level in the pool is going to drop – so you will need to work quite quickly.

3. After vacuuming put the multiport valve in the usual filtration position and keep the pump running 24 hours per day until the pool has cleared.

4. Check the sanitiser level, if it is zero it is quite likely that the water will have a chlorine demand, which may take a few days to satisfy – see Chlorine Demand on Oxidising page, it is unlikely that you will get rid of the algae infestation until the chlorine demand is satisfied.

5. Apply Blue Horizons AlgiMAX Eliminator or Ultimate Algaecide Concentrate as indicated on the product label.  This will support the sanitiser and act as another algae killing product to help speed up the pool recovery time.

6. Thoroughly brush the pool floor and walls, again this might be difficult as you may not be able to see the end of the brush but it is important to disturb the algae and get it into suspension rather than sat on the floor or clinging to the walls.

7. Apply one of the Blue Horizons clarifiers to assist the filter in the removal of small particles.

Blue Horizons Winter Time

A longlife copper-free algaecide formulated to prevent algae growth during the late autumn, winter and early spring in outdoor swimming pools.  One dose will help prevent algae growth for up to six months.  Winter Time contains sequestrants to minimise the likelihood of stains and scale deposits during the closed season. 

Blue Horizons Winter Time Dose Rates Table