Pool Guy Podcast Show - Algaecides and Preventing Algae with Bob Lowery

Introduction

• Host introduces Bob Lowery, an expert in pool chemistry.
• Discussion focuses on algaecides and methods to fight and prevent algae in pools.

Guest Introduction: Bob Lowery

• Bob Lowery: 48 years in the swimming pool industry.
  • Owned two chemical companies and a publishing company.
  • Written 21 books, developed 111 chemicals, and written multiple white papers and technical bulletins.
  • Provides independent opinions on pool chemicals.

Main Topic: Algaecides and Algae Treatment

Do You Need an Algaecide?

• "Need" is subjective; chlorine is often sufficient.
• SLAM method (Shock Level and Maintain) is effective:
  • Add large chlorine amounts.
  • Maintain chlorine level for 24-48 hours.
  • Use FAS-DPD test kits for accurate measurement.

Effective Use of Chlorine

• Add chlorine to reach 25 ppm or 40% of cyanuric acid (whichever is greater).
• Maintain chlorine levels by adding more when it drops by 3-5 ppm.

Algaecides

• Copper-based algaecides:
  • Effective but risk staining.
  • Work better with high alkalinity and low pH.
• Silver-based algaecides:
  • Fair effectiveness, risk silver oxide stains.
• Poly Quats and Quats:
  • Poly Quats act as clarifiers, effective long-term.
  • Quats can cause foaming.

Service Tech Challenges

• SLAM method is challenging for service pros due to the need for frequent visits.
• Alternative: Shock the pool with 50 ppm chlorine - ensures effectiveness without frequent monitoring.

Sodium Bromide Algaecides

• Converts pool to bromine pool, can cause bromate formation which is cancer-causing.
• Possible EPA ban due to health concerns.

Preventing Algae Growth

Importance of Balanced Pool Water

• Proper chlorine levels are key (7.5% of cyanuric acid level).
• High cyanuric acid levels require higher chlorine (7.5%), or reduce cyanuric acid levels.

Use of Borates

• Borates prevent algae formation (non-algaecide, but effective as an algae stat).
• Effective at 50 ppm borates.
• Allows lower chlorine use (5% of cyanuric acid if borate is used).

Phosphate Removers

• Phosphates are a major nutrient for algae.
• Removing phosphates can effectively stave off algae growth.

Conclusion

• Key takeaway: Ensure chlorine levels are appropriate for cyanuric acid levels to prevent algae.
• Future episodes will cover more on borates, pool leaks, and total dissolved solids (TDS).
• Additional resources and coaching available at Pool Guy Coaching.

Remember to check out the links in the podcast description or visit swimmingpoollearning.com for more episodes and resources. Join the coaching program at poolguycoaching.com for more industry insights and benefits.