Approximate Chemical Dosages
Algaecides
- Quat - dimethly benzyl ammonium chloride ... initial treatment - 6 oz. per 10,000 gallons, maintenance at 1 oz. per 10,000 gallons weekly. Not for use in spas (foams easily), very effective wetting agent.
- Polys - Poly [oxyethelene (dimethylimino)-ethylene (dimethylimino) ethylene-dichloride] (30% strength) ... visible algae initial dose - 32 oz. per 10,000 gallons, maintenance at 4 oz. per 10,000 gallons weekly. Non-foaming, can be used in spas.
- Poly / Quat Blends - Sometimes called (i.e.) Alg 60 , usually a blend of 60 % poly with 40% quat. Very effective for Chemical Reduction Systems as both maintenence and treatment of problematic infestations. Approximately 2 oz. per 10,000 gallons for weekly dosage, 16 oz per 10,000 gallons for visible algae present.
- Copper - visible algae initial dose - 16 oz. per 10,000 gallons, maintenance (only if SERIOUS staining is acceptable) at 1 oz. per 10,000 gallons. Metallic, will cause blue stains on plaster, purple stains on vinyl and fiberglass. Effective against algae slime (mustard algae, black algae, green slime, pink algae, etc.), non-foaming, but turns blonde hair green when chlorine is present. Blue pigment of copper ions with yellow pigment of blonde equals green.
- Silver - Visible algae use only - 20 oz. per 10,000 gallons. Not recommended for maintenance use. 'Activates walls and floor for residual algacidal action'. In other words, it will cause slight staining, grayish marble-like, usually only noticed if pool is drained. Only true algaecide, as it will actually kill all organisms in the water. Very effective against any algae infestation, developed originally as a byproduct from NASA research purifying water for the space shuttle.
- Bromine Salts - Visible algae use only - Marketed as Yellow Clear, effective against algae slime or floaters, does not stain. Temporarily turns pool into bromine based pool, chlorine converts to bromine, in the presence of bromine. Potentiates chlorine, without leaving pool vulnerable, like ammonium sulfate.
Alkalinity / pH Balancers
- Alkalinity - add 1.25 pounds of sodium bicarbonate (common baking soda) per 10,000 gallons of water to raise (Total Alkalinity) 10 P.P.M. Test again after four hours of circulation.
Calcium (Hardness)
- Calcium ... add 1 pound of calcium hardness per 10,000 gallons to raise the level 10 p.p.m. Add to a bucket of water, not water to calcium. Will cloud the water temporarily, usually clears within 24 hrs.
Clarifiers (Enzymes)
- Polymer types - usually 2 oz. per 10,000 gallons. Used weekly as a water polisher, can be used for specific treatment cloudy water problem effectively with same dosage. Spectacular results are often reported. A must with a sand or cartridge filter.
- Sun Natural Enzymes - initial dosage of 20 oz. per 10,000 gallons, maintenance at 10 oz. per 10,000 gallons. Breaks down body oils,, suntan lotions, & other organic contaminants, boosts sanitizer performance. Works well with Ozone generators & Nature2 systems.
Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer, Conditioner)
- Cyanuric Acid ... add 1 pound per 10,000 gallons per 10 p.p.m. Does not dissolve well.
Defoamer
- Sun Defoamer - (polydimethylsiloxane) - 1/2 oz. per 500 gallons as needed.
Flocculant
- Sun Floc & Vac - 8 oz. per 10,000 gallons with equipment running directly onto the surface of the pool. Drops suspended particles to the bottom for vacuuming to waste. Recommended for mudslides, floods.
Phosphate Removers
Salt
Sanitizers
Stain Control