Algae Guide for Baquacil Pools

Name: Pettis Pools & Patios
Address: 1186 Manitou Road, Hilton, New York, 14468
Telephone: +15853927711
Price range: $$
Rating: 4

Baquacil System Troubleshooting Guide

Click below for a detailed reference guide:

Poor Filtration: A damaged or dirty filter provides an excellent breeding ground for algae. Also if the pool water is not being properly circulated, ‘dead spots’ can occur in the water in which algae can start growing.
Water Balance: When the Baquacil Sanitizer level is not maintained between 30 – 50ppm, or Baquacil Algaecide and/or Baquacil Oxidizer (Shock) is not used properly, there is a higher incidence of algae. Baquacil Sanitizer controls algae growth, Baquacil Algaecide kills the algae, and Baquacil Oxidizer (Shock) oxidizes organic materials, which can be a potential food source for the algae.
Poor Housekeeping: By not keeping your pool clean and free of leaves, dirt, and other debris, you can provide areas where algae can grow and thrive protected from chemicals. Weather can play a significant role in the contamination of pool water because wind and rain can carry large amounts of leaves, dirt, fertilizer, and algae spores into the pool, so proper care should be taken to minimize the pool’s exposure to such elements.

Make sure that your Baquacil Sanitizer and Oxidizer levels are topped up, and that the rest of your water is balanced.
Add _____ oz. of Poolife Flocculant (8oz. per 10,000 gallons). Run filter for one hour then shut off for 24 – 72 hours. When the pool bottom is visible, vacuum all visible algae and debris to waste. The more you can remove initially, the faster your pool will become clear again. Vacuuming to waste is very important, as it removes the contaminants from your pool and eliminates any chance of them passing through your filter and returning to the pool. When you vacuum on waste you will lose water quickly. To give yourself more time to vacuum: run your garden hose in the pool for about an hour before you start and leave it running while you work.
Brush down the sides and bottom of your pool.
Add ___ oz. of Baquacil Premium Algaecide.
Circulate the pool water. Follow with a treatment of Baquacil Oxidizer (Shock) about 1 hour later and continue to run the filter overnight. The pool water should be looking much better at this point.

The Baquacil Sanitizer and Oxidizer may be used up rapidly and it would not be unusual for the pool to need another dose of your chemicals after a few days. Bring a water sample for a free test at Pettis Pools & Patio to be sure your chemicals are in range.
Very often with algae, after the pool is shocked and algaecide has been added, the water will become cloudy instead of green. When algae die, it breaks up into millions of tiny pieces. These are too light to sink to the bottom, and too small to be filtered out. If this occurs Baquacil Flocculant would be the next step. See the Haze Guide for more help.

Since algae are always present, and grow when conditions allow, the best course of action is preventative maintenance.

Filtration: Check your equipment regularly to ensure it is in proper working order. Chemically clean your filter at least twice a season. Be sure to run your filter at least 8 – 12 hours daily (24 hours per day is ideal), and that your return is pointed downwards in a circular pattern. Check the skimmer basket regularly to remove any debris that can restrict water flow. Backwash weekly or when pressure rises 8 – 10 psi over normal operating levels.
Water Balance: Be sure to add your Baquacil chemicals on schedule – ___ oz. of Algaecide weekly, ____ pints of Sanitizer bi-weekly, and ____ gallons of Oxidizer monthly. Bring a sample to Pettis Pools & Patio to have a free water test done regularly.
Environment & Bather Load: Be sure to brush pool sides and bottom weekly. Vacuum accumulated leaves, dirt, and other debris as necessary. Using the pool cover can also be helpful in keeping out leaves and debris, but be sure not to leave the cover on for extended periods of time as this can lead to algae build up.