It is very important for you to choose the best algaecide for salt water pools if you have any. Because if you do not use algaecides, then it would cost you a huge price. Without the regular use of algaecide, salt water pools are going to be filled with algaes and the growth of the algaes will keep increasing. And eventually the whole situation will go out of control.
It is also quite easy to maintain a salt water pool compared with other chlorine pools. In the saltwater pools natural salts turn into chlorine to attack algae and other bacterias.
There are different kinds of algaecides available in the market. Some of them are copper based, some of them are quaternary ammonium compounds etc. You have to choose them according to your preferences and some factors on which your pool condition depends.
So without further ado, let’s jump right into it.
Top algaecide for salt water pools
There are a lot of algaecides available on the market. All of them are claimed to be quite effective. But to find the appropriate one for your pool, you have to gather knowledge about most of the popular products. Only then it will be easier for you to choose the perfect one for your pool.
There is a table made for you to compare different products available for the market based on their weight, brands, global ratings and price. It is the first step towards choosing the perfect algaecide that you need.
| Product Name | Weight | Brand | Item form | Speciality | Price |
| EasyCare 30064 PoolTec Algaecide | 4 pound | Easycare | Liquid | Decreases algae and increases water quality | $$ |
| Clorox Pool&Spa 43128CLX 42128CLX pool algaecide | 2 pounds | Clorox | Liquid | Has a built in clarifier | $ |
| HTH Pool Care Shock Advanced | 1 pound | HTH | Powder | Decreases algae as well as chlorine odor | $ |
| PoolRx 101067 Black Units Swimming-Pool-Algaecides | 1.47 pounds | Pool RX | Liquid | Specially used for pool and spa, functional for at least 6 months | $ |
| Pool RX 101003 Swimming Pool Algaecide | 0.82 pounds | Pool RX | liquid | functional for at least 6 months and Specially used for pool and spa | $ |
| SaltScapes Saltwater Pool Care – Algae Remover | 2.57 pounds | BioGuard | Powder | It shows the result within a day and used specially on salt water pools | $$ |
| HTH 67033 Ultimate Algae Guard Swimming Pool Algaecide Cleanser | 2.48 pounds | HTH | Liquid | Prevents algae growth for up to 3 months and doesn’t form foam | $ |
| PoolRx Boos Minerals for Pool | 0.7 pounds | Pool RX | Powder | Perfect for salt water pool use | $ |
Here, I have tried to compare 8 popular products to make your choice a bit easier. If you compare these characteristics of the algaecides, you would be able to draw a pattern according to your preferences and choose them as you wish.
Types of Algaecide
There are different types of algaecide available globally. The algaecides can be classified based on many factors. But based on the main base ingredient, there are three different types of algaecides.
They are-
- Copper-based algaecides
- Quaternary Ammonium Compound algaecide
- Other algaecides, like -Polyquats algaecides
Here, we are going to gather basic knowledge about how each type of algaecides works, their advantages- disadvantages and so on.
Copper-Based Algaecide:
The main component of copper based algaecide is copper sulfate. And copper sulfate is very effective in killing algaes. That is why it is used worldwide as a popular algaecide.
Working technique:
Copper based algaecide contains copper sulfate which is highly soluble in water. After being dissolved in water, it is usually sprayed on the surface of the water. In this way copper based algaecide works.
Pros:
- It is very effective against blue and green algaes.
- Vastly used in the winter season because of its effectiveness.
- It can be used all year round.
Cons:
- Copper waste algaecide contains copper sulfate which may increase health problems.
- There is a possibility of making the water of the pool toxic.
- There is a risk of staining if you use this kind of algaecide.
Pool RX 101066 6 Month Algaecide is one of the famous copper based algaecides.
Quaternary Ammonium Compound Algaecide:
Quaternary ammonium compound Algaecide, shortened as Quat algaecide, is very popular for washing and cleaning away algaes from the pool successfully. It is basically detergent which creates an odor and a specific kind of foam to kill the algaes and sterilize your pool. It is also a very low cost option for you if you are not looking forward to spending a lot of money in this regard.
Working technique:
Quaternary ammonium compounds algaecides are mostly found in liquid form. Most of these are available on the market in quart size bottles. These are used by pouring around in a parameter. The main purpose of using it is to prevent algae from growing by killing algae.
Pros:
- Like copper based algaecides, these do not add metals in the water of your pool.
- These are much cheaper than other algaecides available in the market.
- As they are found in liquid form, they can get mixed with the water very easily.
Cons:
- These have a chemical odor that will overpower the pool water if you overuse them.
- It also forms foams in the water.
- In some cases, stains are found on the surface connected with the pool water after using them.
There are other types of algaecides available on the market. But most of the people use Quats or copper based algaecides. So you better choose amongst them if you want to maintain quality and save money as well.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Algaecide
There are a lot of factors that you must consider when you are choosing and algaecide appropriate for your pool. Now we are going to discuss some of them which will help you in terms of choosing the best algaecide for salt water pools.
Type of algae:
There are different kinds of algae found in swimming pools. But the most common algaes found in salt water pools are green algaes. They appear in the color green and it is kind of slimy in texture. Green is a very basic color to spot. So you can easily see them in your pool. The growth of these algaes increases in sunlight and hot temperature.
If you have green algaes in your saltwater pool, then you must consider algaecides that can stop the growth of these specific algaes and kill them.
Clorox Pool&Spa 43128CLX 42128CLX Pool Algaecide & Green Algae Eliminator is what I would like to recommend to you as the best algaecide for salt water pools for killing and preventing the growth of green algae.
Frequency of use
The frequency of using algaecides depends on the amount of algae in your pool at the very beginning, the amount to stop the growth and prevent it. So you should first consider how long you are going to use it and how many times in a specific period of time. Here, we should know about weekly algaecide plans.
For example, if you are buying an algaecide for the very first time, then you have to observe yourself first the efficiency of the product. Only then you would be able to understand how much you need at a time, how many times in a specific period etc. After all these, you would understand the frequency of using the product. In most saltwater pools, professionals recommend to apply algaecide only once a week.
So, I would advise you not to buy an algaecide in a huge quantity without applying it and observing the efficiency and the frequency of it. It is a very important factor to consider while choosing an algaecide for salt water pool.
These are some of the factors you must consider while choosing the best algaecide for your saltwater pool. If you consider these, you would be able to save both time and money.
Detailed Product Reviews on Best Algaecide for Salt Water Pools
In this part of the article, we are going to discuss all the algaecides one by one and give you a detailed overview of all the products so that it gets easier to choose amongst these popular items. Without further ado, let’s get started.
EasyCare 30064 PoolTec Algaecide
Description:
This is a famous algaecide which is in liquid form. It weighs 4 pounds. As you have to apply only 4 oz per 10,000 gallons of water once a week, it will last for at least 20,000 gallons with only one bottle of this algaecide. It is quite easy to use as well. On the other hand it costs almost 75$ and has a great rating. As it lasts longer, you won’t have to buy this for a longer period.
Pros:
- As it is in liquid form, it will get mixed with the pool water very easily.
- It has a great rating.
- It will last longer than most products.
Cons:
- As it costs almost 75$, it is quite expensive.
- If you are buying this as your first algaecide, then I would recommend you not to buy in such a quantity. First, apply it to the pool in case it is not appropriate for your pool.
Clorox Pool&Spa 43128CLX 42128CLX pool algaecide
Description:
It is a famous algaecide which is available in the market in liquid form. It was almost 32 ounces. It is used to control algaes, especially green algaes. It destroys green algaes and prevents it from growing back. It has a great rating and costs almost 12$. It has a built-in clarifier in itself.
Pros:
- As it costs only 12$, it is a pretty cheap item. If you are looking for a low cost algaecide, then it would be perfect for you.
- It is used specially against green algaes.
- It is quite perfect for salt water pools.
Cons:
- It doesn’t run as long as other algaecides as it comes with less amount of algaecide.
HTH Pool Care Shock Advanced
Description:
This is a very famous product available on the market. It is available in powder form. It was 1 pound only. It kills bacteria and disinfects the pool. It solves almost all the pool water problems in less than a day and re-establish crystal clarity. If you want to get the best result as soon as possible, then you should use this product twice a week. It cost so much 13$ and has a great rating. It decreases algae as well as stinky chlorine odor.
Pros:
- It is a very low cost product which provides a great service.
- It decreases chlorine order as well.
- It is quite famous for re-establishing crystal clarity.
Cons:
- It was only one pound so it will not run for a longer time. You may have to buy this product frequently.
- As it is in powder form, you have to put some extra effort to mix it with the pool water.
PoolRx 101067 Black Units Swimming-Pool-Algaecides
Description:
It is a very famous product available on the market. It is available in liquid form and weighs only 1.47 pounds. You have to place it in the pump basket to apply it in your pool water. It is very effective for reducing chemicals. It is also quite effective for almost 6 months. It is quite easy to install and use. It has a great rating and costs almost 12$.
Pros:
- It is a very cheap product. If you are not looking forward to spending a lot of money in this regard, then it would be an ideal product for your pool.
- As it is available in liquid form, it mixes with pool water quite easily.
- It can support up to 20,000 to 30,000 gallons of pool water very easily with four pack units of this product.
Cons:
- If you are new to this product, then you have to use it according to the manual properly. Because some customers have mentioned that they found it a bit difficult to use.
Pool RX 101003 Swimming Pool Algaecide
Description:
It is a very famous product amongst the customers. It is a product which is available in liquid form. It weighs 0.82 pounds. It is used by pressing it in the skimmer basket. Here, we must know how to replace above ground pool skimmer. It is effective for almost 6 months. It is quite easy to install and use. It costs almost 12$ and has a great rating. It is specially used in pools and spas.
Pros:
- As it costs only $12, it is a very cheap item which makes buying it a very attractive deal.
- It has the best rating amongst the products we are discussing here.
- It is functional for at least 6 months.
- As it is available in liquid form it is pretty easy to mix with the pool water.
Cons:
- It weighs only 0.82 pounds so it won’t run as long as other products.
SaltScapes Saltwater Pool Care – Algae Remover
Description:
This product is almost perfect for you according to me. Because it is specially used in saltwater pools for removing algaes. It is very effective and does not stain pool surfaces at all. It solves almost all kinds of water problems, especially in saltwater swimming pools, almost in one day. It was 2.57 pounds. It has a good rating and it costs almost $90.
Pros:
- It is specially applied on saltwater pools.
- It is pretty efficient in killing algaes and not staining the pool as well.
- It shows effective results in less than a day.
Cons:
- As it costs almost $90, it is a pretty expensive product, which may be out of reach for some customers.
- It also has the least rating amongst the products we are discussing here.
HTH 67033 Ultimate Algae Guard Swimming Pool Algaecide Cleanser
Description:
It is a great product which kills almost all kinds of algaes and also stops the growth of algaes. It will show you visible results in less than 3 months. It is very effective for salt water pools. It is pretty fast in its functions. You can start swimming in the pool after applying it in less time than other products. It works through a manual power source. It costs less than 12$ and has a great rating. It doesn’t form any foam as well
Pros:
- It has quite a good rating and it is also a cheap product.
- It is very appropriate for salt water pools.
- It doesn’t form foams and the pool.
- It is pretty easy to use.
Cons:
- As it is quite a famous product, it is hard to find it available in the market. Most of the time, it is out of stock.
PoolRx Booster Minerals for Pool
Description:
It is a very famous product as a lot of consumers found it extremely effective. It is easily available in the market. The four pack you need of this product is pretty much enough for up to 20,000 gallons of pool water. It is quite effective to use till 4-6 months. It is specially used in saltwater pools. It decreases chemical demand as well. It has a good rating and it costs almost 13$.
Pros:
- It is quite a cheap product so it is very easy for any kind of customer to purchase.
- It is a very efficient saltwater pool algaecide.
- It is pretty effective up to 4-6 months.
Cons:
- It weighs only 2 pounds. So it is very important to buy a four pack unit product. Otherwise it won’t run for a longer period.
Here, we have discussed all the 8 products in detail. So you find it a little bit easier to choose amongst these according to your preferences and choices.
How to Use Algaecide in Salt Water Pools
In this portion of the article, I would try to make how to use algaecide in salt water pools more understandable. It is almost impossible to destroy all the algaes and its traces from the pool. So we have to make sure to use algaecides on a regular basis so that we can prevent the growth of the algaes and destroy the traces of algaes as much as possible from our pool. It is also very important to know how long does algaecide take to work in a pool.
Here I am going to describe the whole process of using algaecide in saltwater pools step by step to make it even more easier.
- First of all, you have to wait for at least 24 hours after you have applied shock treatment. Here, you should know how to shock a pool with chlorine tablets And then you can apply algaecide to the pool water. For that, you must also know how long after adding algaecide can you add shock.
- Then you have to test the pH level of the pool. The ideal pH level for any swimming pool is between 7 to 7.6. You have to wait a little more if the pH level is too high to proceed.
- Then choose the best algaecide for your salt water pool and apply that. Different kinds of algaecides have different kinds of benefits and demerits. So choose accordingly.
- It is very important for you to read the instructions properly and follow them accordingly while applying the algaecide in your pool water. Make sure to maintain the level of alkalinity. Here, you should know how long should I wait to add algaecide after shock.
- Last but not the least, make sure to use them on a regular basis. If you stop after a certain point, algaes might grow back. And you have to start all over again. We definitely do not want that.
These are the steps of using and algaecide in the pool water properly. If you follow them accordingly, I hope you will not find any difficulties at all applying algaecide in your pool.
In addition, I would like to recommend that you use liquid algaecides. You can just pour 4 oz of algaecide per 10000 gallons of water. You can do that every once a week and maintain the regularity.
FAQS on Algaecide for Salt Water Pools
Here, we are going to discuss some FAQs or frequently asked questions regarding the topic. I hope this section of the article will be able to answer some extra common questions which come to the mind of most readers.
Why do you need algaecides for salt water pools?
Even those water pools are easier to maintain in comparison with other querying pools. In salt water pools, natural salt is transformed into chlorine so that it can attack algae and other bacterias. But algaes sometimes attack in saltwater as well, especially green algaes. So it is very important to use algaecide in order to protect your pool from algaes in total. Besides, you must know what does bromine do in a pool.
Is the process of applying algaecide in normal pools any different than salt water pools?
In general, it is safe to say that it is not that different to apply algaecide in saltwater pools than in normal pools. But I have to admit that the process of choosing the best algaecides for salt water pools in particular is a bit different. But if you have read the article, I hope that it will help you find the appropriate one.
These are some of the common questions regarding the whole topic. I tried to answer them to make your whole overview of the total article even clearer.
Conclusion
Moreover, the whole purpose of the whole article was to help you choose the appropriate product for your salt water pool. Last but not the least, I would like to recommend some products according to my preferences.
From the article, we can easily observe that SaltScapes Saltwater Pool Care – Algae Remover and PoolRx Booster Minerals for Pool are specifically used for saltwater pools. Also the first one costs almost $90 but the second one costs $12. So the 2nd one is the cheaper one. Both of them have similar reviews and ratings from the customers.
But SaltScapes Saltwater Pool Care – Algae Remover weighs 2.57 pounds for almost 12$. On the other hand, PoolRx Booster Minerals for Pool weighs 0.7 pounds for almost 12$.
According to me, it is quite obvious that PoolRx Booster Minerals for Pool would be a great choice in this regard.
Besides, if you find it hard to apply algaecides on your salt water pool, you can always hire professionals in this regard.