If your pool, spa, hot tub or water feature is looking unhealthy, with slimy green algae covering the surfaces and turning the water green, a top quality algaecide will create crystal clear water that is perfect for swimming, relaxing, and the right aquatic environment for your fish and plants.
The 10 Best Algaecides:
- In The Swim Super Pool Algaecide 2 x 1/2 Gallon pack
- Kem-Tek Pool and Spa 60-Percent Concentrated Algaecide (Our Top Pick)
- Pool Mate 1-2160 1-quart Swimming Pool Algaecide
- Applied Biochemists Silvertrine 1-quart 2 Pack
- Eclipse3 Pool Algae Control System – 2 Pounds
- Clorox Pool and Spa Xtra Blue Algaecide 40-Ounce
- SeaKlear Yellow Klear Algae Control Algaecide
- API Pond ALGAEFIX Algae Control Solution
- EasyCare FounTec 8-ounce Algaecide and Clarifier
- PoolRX Algaecide Unit, 7,500 to 20,000 gallons
Our Top Pick for the Best Algaecide
Our top pick for the best algaecide is the Kem-Tek Pool and Spa Algaecide. Eliminate stubborn algae from your pool and spa with the highly effective Kem-Tek Pool and Spa algaecide. With a highly concentrated formula, Kem-Tek is the perfect choice for any pool or spa owner as the algaecide has a triple action modus operandi; it treats existing algae and prevents any new spore growth and clarifies the water so that you can use your pool and spa all year round.
Eliminate Algae With a Quality Algaecide
Having your own swimming pool or pond or spa can be a delight; lazy days spent cooling off in the hot summer, hosting pool parties, chilling out in your bubbly hot tub, and water features like a pond or fountain add a special touch of restful aquatic ambiance to your garden. But unfortunately, having these sorts of water-based environments can cause algae to grow if the pool or water-feature is not properly maintained.
This is where a quality algaecide and proper maintenance comes to the rescue – it will eliminate algae and create a sparkling clean and healthy pool, spa or water feature that you can enjoy with friends and family forever.
What is Algae?
Algae are living organisms that grow in an aquatic environment like a river, stream or lake. Wherever there are bodies of stagnant standing water, algae thrive. Once the algae have dried out, the spores are carried by the wind and are deposited in our backyard pools. They also love to grow in badly maintained pools, in pool equipment and swimsuits that have not been cleaned and dried properly.
As well as making a pool's surface that sickly green color and create slimy deposits and unsightly staining on the sides of a pool or pond, algae can suffocate your plant life and fish and allow harmful bacteria to form in the watery depths.
4 Types of Algae
The are 4 main types of algae:
- Green Algae (Chlorophyta)
- Yellow Algae (Phaeophyta)
- Black Algae (Cynaophyta)
- Pink Algae (PaecilomycesLilacinus)
What Causes Pool Algae to Occur?
The main instigators of algae growth are;
Water Temperature – Pool algae prefer warm water to breed and thrive.
Sunlight – Like plants, algae contain chlorophyll, and through a process of photosynthesis they bloom in sunlight.
Nitrates – Fertilizers that contain nitrates are what algae love to eat. If these are introduced to your pond, algae will grow at an accelerated rate.
pH balance – Having the wrong pH balance will affect the performance of the algaecide so before you add an algaecide, make sure you have the correct pH balance.
Filtration system – If a body of water does not have proper circulation, it will create the perfect environment for algae to grow. Your pool needs a good filter and your pond or water feature needs an adequate filtration system to create the proper amount of aeration.
Tips For Maintaining Your Pool or Spa
- Clean out leaves and debris from your pool or spa or pond.
- Brush any algae off the surfaces of the pool.
- Clean out the filters and circulate the water by using the filter pump regularly.
- Your pool, spa or water feature is now ready for a top quality algaecide.
How to Choose the Best Algaecide
Algaecide can be used in a swimming pool, spa, hot tub, indoor and outdoor fountains, water features, ponds with or without fish (depending on the product) and indoor fish aquariums. They come in either a liquid formula like the Kem-Tek algaecide or granules like the Eclipse3 Pool Algae Control System. Active ingredients can either be copper, silver, sodium bromide or poly(oxyethylene dimethylamino) ethylene dichloride. For an easy algaecide solution, the PoolRX algaecide unit comes with algaecide inside and can be placed directly into your pump basket or skimmer.
Copper Algaecide
Copper-based algaecide is the most common type of algaecide and it is usually the cheapest. Algae hate copper, which makes this algaecide very effective. The problem with copper is that algae can develop a resistance to it and if the algaecide has a higher amount of copper it can cause staining on the pool's surfaces. Copper-based algaecides that have a smaller amount of copper, like the Clorox Pool and Spa Algaecide, are anti-staining but you may have to use the product frequently to get the desired effect and use it in conjunction with other products.
Silver Algaecide
Silver works the same as copper but it is more expensive. Silver algaecide like the Applied Biochemists Silvertrine is especially effective at killing black algae which are notoriously hard to kill especially when it has gotten into the cracks of your pool. Like copper, algae can develop a resistance against silver but this type of algaecide can also be used with other products.
Sodium Bromide
Sodium bromide algaecides, like SeaKlear Yellow Klear Algae Control, is the choice of many pool professionals. Technically sodium bromide is not an algaecide but more of a sanitizer or an algae inhibitor but it is a great choice as it is a dual action solution that kills algae and bacteria and it works in conjunction with chlorine.
Other types of ingredients that are used are poly(oxyethylene (dimethylamino) ethylene, which is more effective at preventing algae, but it does a good job of killing small amounts of algae.
There are very good natural algaecides alternatives like the Eclipse3 Pool Algae Control System, but they are more effective on small amounts of algae.
Best Algaecide Reviews
1. In The Swim Super Pool Algaecide 2 x 1/2 Gallon pack
This highly concentrated super fast-acting copper algaecide from In The Swim can be used to eliminate and control most types of algae in just a couple of hours. The two 1/2-gallon bottles contain a non-foaming formula that includes a potent 23.5% Copper Triethanolamine Complex and 7.1% chelated (metallic) copper which makes this a powerful and effective treatment for algae.
To start the algaecide process, the start-up dosage is 4 ounces per 10,000 gallons, and for ongoing maintenance, the dosage is 2 ounces per 10,000 gallons of water per week. Once you have added the product, you can swim in the pool straight away.
If you have black algae, you will have to combine this treatment with a chlorine algaecide.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- High concentrated copper-based formula
- Fast-acting
- Provides superior algae-fighting power
- Highly effective
- Can be used on most types of algae
- Ideal for spring pool openings and ongoing pool maintenance
- Great value two 1/2-gallon bottles
- Non-foaming
- Can swim straight after application
Cons
- May need to combine with other products to kill black algae
- Can cause staining if too much of the product is used
- Not recommended for use in well water
- Super Algaecide cannot be used in the state of California due to State Restrictions
2. Kem-Tek Pool and Spa 60-Percent Concentrated Algaecide, 1 Quart 2 PK
If your pool, spa or fountain is playing host to unsightly green algae, the Kem-Tek Pool and Spa Algaecide 1-quart 2-pack will kill the algae and prevent any new spores from developing. The concentrated non-foaming, non-staining algaecide contains 60% poly(oxyethylene (dimethylamino) ethylene dichloride as its active ingredient and it is safe for all pool and filter types, it helps to clarify pool water and it is salt-system compatible.
The algaecide is highly effective and works within a couple of hours but if you have a lot of algae, on the walls, floor or steps of your pool or spa, you will have to brush the algae off first and then apply the algaecide. You can even pop some into your fountain or water feature just as long as it does not contain any fish.
Kem-Tek have a live 24/7 consumer help-line if you have questions about their product and their website has an online interactive water testing application.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value 2-pack
- Safe to use for all pool and filter types
- Highly effectively on most types of algae
- Fast-acting
- Helps to clarify pool water
- Can be used for fountains and water gardens that have no fish
- Long lasting
- Non-foaming
- Salt-system compatible
- Ideal for treatment and prevention
- Live 24/7 Consumer helpline as well as an online interactive water testing application
Cons
- Not very effective at eliminating mustard algae
- Algae needs to be brushed off first
- May need to use additional treatments for large infestations
3. Pool-Mate 1-2160 1-quart Swimming Pool Algaecide
The Pool Mate Algae Rid 1-quart non-foaming algaecide is a powerful and highly concentrated, chelated copper-based algaecide which is one of the strongest treatments for killing and preventing green algae and can eliminate most types of algae. It is fast-acting, long-lasting, will not cloud the water, it is ideal for spring start-ups and for weekly maintenance, and the required dosage is 1 oz per 5,000 gallons of water.
The algaecide can be used in all types of pools, vinyl, fiberglass, concrete, and gunite.
Once you have applied the Pool Mate algaecide, you can start swimming in the pool 10 minutes after the treatment. The algaecide is not to be mixed with soap or other cleaners or premixed with other water treating chemicals.
The Pool Mate algaecide is available as 2, 4 and 12—pack.
Pros
- High-quality
- Excellent algaecide
- Very affordable price
- Great value for money
- Powerful and highly concentrated, chelated copper-based algaecide
- Strongest non-foaming algaecide for killing and preventing green algae
- Fast-acting and long-lasting
- Will not cloud the water
- Perfect for all pool types (vinyl, fiberglass, concrete, gunite)
- Can be used for spring start-ups and ongoing maintenance
- Available as 2, 4, and 12-pack
Cons
- Not to be mixed with soap or other cleaners or premixed with other water treating chemicals
- Can stain some pools like plaster pools
- Not effective at killing black algae
4. Applied Biochemists Silvertrine 1-quart 2 Pack
The Applied Biochemist Silvertrine Algaecide is specially formulated for killing that notorious pool pest, black algae and can be used on mustard algae.
The 1-quart two-pack contains silver which is a tough working metal that kills and prevents the growth of even the most deeply-rooted black and mustard algae cells. It is odorless and non-foaming and is save for all pool types and will not discolor the water when used as directed and you can swim in your pool straight away after application of the product.
As the Applied Biochemist works best on small amounts of black algae, you need to use the product with a combination of other treatments if you have a large algae infestation. The algaecide is compatible with chlorine and bromine sanitizing systems and it is most effective when it is applied in the morning on warm and sunny days.
The Applied Biochemist algaecide is also available as a 4 and 12-pack and they also manufacture a copper algaecide.
Pros
- High-quality
- Specially formulated for black and mustard algae
- Contains silver that kills and prevent the growth of even the most deeply-rooted algae cells
- Odorless and non-foaming
- Can use the pool for swimming straight after application
- Safe for all pool types and will not discolor the water when used as directed
- Most effective when applied in the morning on warm and sunny days
- Compatible with chlorine, bromine sanitizers
- Available in a 4 and 12-pack
Cons
- Other products need to be used with this product for large black algae infestations
5. Eclipse3 Pool Algae Control System – 2 Pounds
For a natural approach to algae elimination and pH clarification, the Eclipse3 three-in-one 2-pound bucket is an excellent choice for any pool owner.
Eclipse3 is an all-natural mineral granular treatment that contains clarifying agents and natural pH balancers that are specially designed for pools, spas, and hot tubs. It contains a proven formula that is very effective in 3 areas: it eliminates algae growth, reduces your use of chlorine, and clarifies and stabilizes the water while maintaining a proper pH level, which can reduce your electrical operating costs by as much as 66%.
To create a stunning pool, spa or hot tub that has crystal clear water and is always ready to use, just add an Initial dosage of 20 oz per 10,000 gallons, and a weekly dosage of 1.25 oz per 10,000 gallons.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Affordable price
- 3-in-1 pool care system
- All-natural mineral algae granular treatment
- Contains clarifying agents and natural pH balancers
- Designed for pools, spas, and hot tubs
- Very effective at killing algae
- Eliminates algae growth
- Reduces the use of chlorine
- Clarifies and stabilizes the water while maintaining a proper pH level
- Economical: reduces electrical operating costs by as much as 66%
Cons
- Not ideal for killing black algae
6. Clorox Pool and Spa Xtra Blue Algaecide 40-Ounce
For a simple and smart approach to controlling algae in your pool, the Clorox Pool and spa Xtra Blue Algaecide is a strong, multifunctional All-in-One Algaecide that kills and prevents algae growth and will create a healthy pool with crystal clear water which is perfect for swimming all summer long.
The non-foaming, extra strong 40-ounce Clorox algaecide solution contains 3.3% copper and other stabilizing agents which effectively kills green, mustard and black pool algae in just 24 hours and it can be used to treat large 25,000-gallon pools and also spas and it has a non-staining formula.
The Xtra Blue Advantage range features a wealth of multi-functional pool maintenance and algaecide products.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Very good value for money
- All-in-one algae killer
- Quick and effectively kills green, mustard and black pool algae
- Treats up to large 25,000-gallon pools
- Can be used for all pool types and spas
- Non-staining and non-foaming
- Fast-acting in 24 hours
- Creates crystal clear water
- Kills bacteria
- Protected against sunlight to last longer
- Large Xtra Blue Advantage range
Cons
- Expensive
- May take longer to work and needs to be applied more frequently to larger algae infestations
- Can make the water cloudy
7. SeaKlear Yellow Klear Algae Control Algaecide
Take control of algae in your swimming pool with the SeaKlear Yellow Klear Algae control granular algaecide.
The SeaKlear algaecide is an excellent algae fighter and is designed to control and prevent algae growth and to maintain clear water in chlorine swimming pools. It contains a 99% sodium bromide formula which is the highest amount in the industry which makes it an effective algae treatment for removing visible yellow and green algae accumulations in your pool.
For extra effectiveness for stubborn algae, brush the areas around your pool that are affected by algae accumulations. Add 4-ounces of the granules per 10,000-gallons of pool water, close to the affected areas and for severe accumulations, add 8-ounce per 10,000-gallons of water.
The algaecide is EPA-registered and contains no metals and it is fast dissolving with minimum impact on pH levels. It leaves no stains or residue and is compatible with chlorine, bromine and ozone sanitizers.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very effective against yellow and green algae
- Controls and prevents algae growth and bacteria and maintains clear water in swimming pools
- Strong sodium bromide formula
- Simple and easy to use
- Fast dissolving with minimum impact on pH
- Leaves no residue or staining
- May be used in all types of pools
- EPA registered
- Contains no metals
- Compatible with chlorine, bromine and ozone sanitizers
Cons
- Requires some additional applications like brushing the algae off pool surfaces and adding chlorine
8. API Pond ALGAEFIX Algae Control Solution
To keep your ornamental pond, fountain or water-garden or indoor fish tank sparkling clean, the API Pond Algaefix is a complete algaecide treatment for killing and controlling a wide range of algae.
The API Pond algaecide contains poly(oxyethylene dimethylamino) ethylene dichloride as its active ingredient and it is very effective at eliminating green water algae, string and hair algae, blanketweed algae and other types of algae so that your pond or water feature has clean and clear and healthy water which allows fish and aquatic plant life to flourish.
You can safely use the algaecide for ponds that have Koi fish, pond plants, surrounding wildlife when used as directed. If you have fish, PondCare states that you should test a small amount to see how your fish react and before you use the algaecide make sure that the pond has vigorous aeration, like a fountain, waterfall, or aeration device to avoid fish loss due to low oxygen levels. Also, if you are using PondCare Algaefix during warm weather and high water temperatures, 24-hour aeration is required before application and make sure that you do not shut off pond pumps and aeration devices at night.
The 32-ounce algaecide not only controls existing algae problems but it also helps to resolve future algae outbreaks and the product needs to be used every three days until the algae infestation is controlled and then treat your pond or water garden weekly.
The API Pond algaecide is available in 8-ounce and 16-ounce bottle, and a 1 and 2.5-gallon bottle.
Pros
- High-quality
- Very effective
- Fast acting
- Inexpensive
- Eliminates green water algae, string and hair algae, blanketweed algae and other types of algae
- Keeps pond water clean and clear
- Ideal for ornamental ponds and water gardens, fountains, waterfalls, indoor fish tanks
- Use as directed to keep water safe for fish, pond plants, and surrounding wildlife
- Controls existing algae and helps resolve additional algae blooms
- Available in an 8, 16-ounce bottle, and a 1 and 2.5-gallon bottle
Cons
- Works slowly with larger algae infestation
- Fishponds need to have vigorous aeration
- 24-hour aeration is required before application in warm weather and higher water temperatures
- For Koi fish ponds, it is recommended to only apply the product to small sections of the pond at a time
9. EasyCare FounTec 8-ounce Algaecide and Clarifier
To keep your water garden or fountain free of green algae and stinging mosquitoes, the powerful EasyCare FounTec Algaecide and Clarifier is an excellent product and it comes at a very affordable price.
A superior algaecide, EasyCare Fountec kills all types of algae like blue, blue-green, yellow, and black algae and prevents regrowth in outdoor and indoor decorative fountains, water gardens (without fish), tabletop fountains, and birdbaths and it safe to use around birds, plants, animals, but it is not to be used in ponds or water-gardens or tabletop fountains that have fish.
The non-staining, non-foaming algaecide formula contains Fountec's special organic polymers that also super-clarify water which is an excellent deterrent for mosquitoes, flies, and wasps.
Fountec is very economical and long-lasting and you only have to use a small weekly application, just 1 drop per gallon or 1 tsp per 100 gallons. Once the algaecide absorbs into the algae and bacteria cell walls it will last a week or more. The result is sparkling clean water with no algae or insects.
Easycare is EPA registered and is non-hazardous, is safe to use around children and pets and is safe for birds and plants.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Highly effective
- Great price
- Clears pond and fountain water
- Kills blue, blue-green, yellow, and black algae types
- Can be used for outdoor and indoor decorative fountains, water gardens (without fish), tabletop fountains, and birdbaths
- Excellent deterrent for mosquitoes, flies, and wasps
- EPA registered
- Safe for all types of surfaces
- Non-hazardous, non-foaming and non-staining
- Does not require regular chlorine usage
- Kills and prevents algae better than other products
- Long-lasting
- Safe to use around plants, birds, and wildlife
Cons
- Not to be used in fish-ponds
10. PoolRX Algaecide Unit, 7,500 to 20,000 gallons
The PoolRx algaecide unit is an excellent choice as it simplifies pool and spa care.
PoolRx contains a proprietary blend of minerals with copper sulfate as it prime active ingredient and the unit continuously and effectively eliminates algae and reduces chemical demand and improves water quality so that your pool is free from all types of algae for up to 6 months.
The unit is very easy to use: just clean your filter, brush off algae, drop the PoolRx unit into the pump basket or skimmer and the specially treated alloy cylinder that contains the special mineral formulation immediately dissolves out of the cylinder and spreads throughout the pool water. The minerals eliminate the algae while allowing chlorine to be more active and productive in the water. The unit makes use of the pool's normal filtration process as the minerals are rejuvenated every time they pass through the cylinder.
The PoolRx algaecide unit can be used for all types of pools from 7,500 to 20,000 gallons, spas, and even saltwater pools.
Pros
- Great value for money
- High-quality
- Contains a special blend mineral formulation
- Continuously and effectively eliminates all types of algae
- Can be used for 7,500 to 20,000-gallon pools, spas, and saltwater pools
- Effective up to 6 months
- Can be placed in the pump basket or skimmer basket
- Works with a pool's normal filtration system
- Eliminates all types of algae
- Reduces chemicals usage
- Simplifies pool and spa maintenance
Cons
- Contains high levels of copper
- Need to brush off algae first
- Takes about a week to work depending on the size of your pool
Our Top Pick for the Best Algaecide
Our top pick for the best algaecide is the Kem-Tek Pool and Spa Algaecide. Eliminate stubborn algae from your pool and spa with the highly effective Kem-Tek Pool and Spa algaecide. With a highly concentrated formula, Kem-Tek is the perfect choice for any pool or spa owner as the algaecide has a triple action modus operandi; it treats existing algae and prevents any new spore growth and clarifies the water so that you can use your pool and spa all year round.
