How Long After Adding Algaecide Can You Swim? What You Need To Do!

Everyone dreams of having a private pool that they can use whenever they want to. While having a pool is quite amazing, the work that goes into keeping the pool and the water in a good condition is more than anyone can imagine. Chlorine shocks, algaecides, and balanced pH levels are only some of the things that you will be dealing with.

So, What is an algaecide, and does every pool need it? How long to wait! Even the best-kept pool will eventually develop algae. Algaecide is the name of the chemical that can efficiently kill algae and prevent it from growing in a pool, so pool owners use it regularly (weekly). It is possible to use the pool within 30 to 60 minutes after applying algaecide.

How Long Does It Take For Algaecide To Dissipate?

Algaecide is a type of pool chemical that you can use to kill all algae in your pool. It is so strong that after adding it, the water will be fully protected from algae for at least a week. Giving your pool regular algaecide treatments is recommended, but how long does it take for the chemical to dissipate?

You must know that you need to put the algaecide in the water only after a pool shock. It will take approximately two or three days for the shock and the algaecide to kill all algae in the water. After those two or three days, most of the algaecide will be dissipated, whereas the remaining particles will dissipate over a week.

For more on pool shocking, check out our post ” What Happens If You Swim In A Shocked Pool? Precautions & How Long To Wait !“

Also, note that it is safe for people to use the pool after 30 to 60 minutes of applying Algaecide.

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Depending on how much you use the pool and how dirty your water gets, you should consider doing an algaecide treatment every one to two weeks. If you do not use the pool that much, you can do the treatment every few weeks. Still, it is good to have a regular cleaning schedule to keep the pool in top shape.

How Long After Adding Algaecide Can You Shock?

As mentioned before, when you want to make your pool spotless, you need to do the shock first and then the algaecide treatment. But why is this so?

Pool shock is a name for the process of adding chlorine or non-chlorine chemicals to the pool’s water in hopes of destroying algae. This is an important step as chlorine is very effective at killing algae. What it does is remove all the oxygen from the algae, causing them to slowly die.

Once you are sure the pool shock has worked to the best of its abilities, you can add the algaecide. You should wait at least 24 hours before adding algaecide to your pool, while you must remember never to do pool shock and algaecide treatments simultaneously. That can be quite dangerous and can lead to a harmful chemical reaction, so it should be avoided.

Nevertheless, it is safe to do the shock treatments first and the algaecide treatment a day later. Since the algaecide is effective for approximately a week, you should plan the next shock for at least a week after the last treatment. (Source)

Should I Run My Pool Pump After Adding Algaecide?

If there is a pool pump you can use to circulate the added algaecide, you can certainly use it. Some smaller pools without pumps need to be cleaned through vacuuming, but the pump is a more convenient way to clean the pool.

From the beginning, consider scattering the algaecide around the entire pool. Leave the chemical for a few hours to disperse on its own and then run your pool pump. Using the pump, the chemicals will start moving all around the pool and they will remove all algae from it.

Check out the video below on using Algecide along with a pump to clear algae from a small pool

Can You Put Algaecide In The Pool During The Day?

Some algaecide treatments have specific periods when one should use them. But most of them do not have such specifications, so you can use them both during the day or during the night.No harm can be done even if you choose to use the algaecide treatment during the day. The only inconvenience is that you will not be able to use the pool right away.

It is more convenient, however, to use algaecide overnight because that will give you enough time to let the chemicals sit in the water. By the following day, there will be a visible improvement in the condition of the pool and the clarity of the water, so you will be able to return to swimming.

Is It Safe To Swim In A Pool With Too Much Algaecide?

If you think you put too much algaecide in your pool, you should try to dilute it by removing some of the water and adding fresh water to the pool. This is because the algaecide is a chemical after all, so it can cause you some problems if you swim in it. (Source)

For example, people with sensitive skin are known to develop rashes due to high amounts of algaecide. Some have even reported skin irritation and irritation of the airways, especially with products that have strong odors you cannot easily neutralize.

So, always be mindful of the amount of algaecide you add to the water. There are clear instructions on most algaecides that state how much of the chemical you need to use for every gallon of water. If you are not certain how much water is in the pool, use a rough estimate to calculate the amount of algaecide you should use.

How Much Algaecides Should You Use ?

As a role of thump, one can apply around I: 12 oz. of Algaecide per 10,000 gallons of water initially and then uses a weekly Maintenance Dosage of 3 oz of Algaecide per 10,000 gallons of water.

Does Algaecide Make Pool Cloudy?

After adding algaecide to your pool, you might notice that the water turns cloudy. This does not happen always but when it does, it is due to the metals contained in the algaecide. There is a reaction between the water and chemicals and that reaction causes cloudiness.

If all is well, you should see the cloudiness disappear shortly. If it is still there after a while, you should consider adding a bit more chlorine to the water or checking to see that you have used the proper chemicals to clean your pool.  

Will Algaecide Clear A Green Pool?

There are three types of algae that can appear in a pool – green, black, and yellow. The green one develops due to poor water filtration and with time, it can turn the entire water green, while growing into a mucky goop itself.

However, there is good news – the green algae are the easiest to clean, so you will not need anything aside from the algaecide and the pool shock to eliminate the algae. (Source)

How Long Does It Take The Algaecide To Work In A Pond?

If you have a larger pond that you need to clean, you will need a larger amount of algaecide as well as a longer period to clean it. A general assumption is that a pond can be rid of its algae anywhere within 6 weeks. 

This depends on the size of the pond as well as the state that it is in. So, be patient and take your time because the finished product – the crystal clear pond – will surely be worth it.