Contributed by Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

The three most common types of algae in swimming pools are green, black, and mustard/yellow algae.

In order to treat your algae problem, or prevent algae growth from beginning, you will need use pool shock and apply algaecide (a metal control product can also be useful for treating black algae). How will you know which algaecide is best for your pool? These Top 10 tips for buying pool algaecide will help.

10. Color coded

Buy an algaecide that treats the particular color of algae that’s living in your swimming pool. Pool supplies stores offer specific pool algaecides for treating black, green, blue and yellow pool algae.

9. Bacteria

If the pool has pink or red pool algae, it is probably not really algae, but a bacterial growth that resembles algae. Pink bacteria are often introduced into pools after a visit to the beach. If you have pink bacteria in your pool, you will need to buy a pool algaecide that includes a bactericide.

8. Pool-friendly

When you are buying pool algaecide, check the label to make sure it is safe to use on your pool’s surface. Look for an algaecide that won’t damage your pool’s tile, concrete, metal or plastic.

7. Long-lasting

If you don’t spend much time at your home or if remembering to add algaecide to your pool regularly is a problem for you, consider purchasing a pool algaecide treatment that can be used once every three months. Long-lasting algaecides are perfect for pool owners who travel frequently or who need to streamline their pool maintenance routines.

6. Stain removal power

If you have a severe algae problem that has caused pool surface stains, you may be able to buy an algaecide that doubles as a stain remover. This will kill algae and remove stains simultaneously. However, always use a pool stain test kit to determine the type of pool stains you have before treating them. Treating pool stains incorrectly can be ineffective and could cause more problems with your pool, leading to greater frustration and expense for you.

5. Size-wise

Pay attention to the dosage on the algaecide label. Different pool sizes with different levels of algae severity will require more or less pool algaecide. Be sure the algaecide you purchase is powerful enough to eliminate your algae problem, but not stronger than what you need to treat your pool.

4. Fast-acting

If you have guests coming over or entertain around the pool frequently, it may be more convenient to buy a fast-acting algaecide. Fast-acting algaecides dissolve immediately, so in as little as 10 minutes the pool will be ready for swimming again.

3. Season-specific

If you live in an area where you close your swimming pool for the winter, you can use a winter pool algaecide to prevent algae growth in your covered pool. After your pool is open, use a year-round pool algaecide for an algae-free pool during the swimming season.

2. Non-foaming

Even if your pool is equipped with a chlorine generator, you still need to use pool chemicals, including algaecide, to maintain a clean, healthy pool. Pool supplies stores offer algae treatments for salt pools. Look for one that is non-foaming and allows you to enter the swimming pool immediately after use.

1. Clarifying

If your pool appears cloudy, even when there is no algae present, look for a pool algaecide that doubles as a water clarifier; you can use this for weekly pool maintenance to prevent and kill algae and produce sparkling clear pool water.

If algae and/or the effects of bacteria have appeared in your pool, it has been an unhealthy, unsanitary and unbalanced environment for some time. Regular pool maintenance including the use of algaecide, along with these top ten tips for buying pool algaecides, will help you fall in love with your pool again!