Is Algaecide A Clarifier? (Important Differences You Need To Know!)

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Is Algaecide a Clarifier?

Is Algaecide a Clarifier? If you are not sure of the answer, you are not alone. There is a lot of confusion regarding Pool Algaecide And Clarifier. In a nutshell:

Chlorine (or similar pool chemicals) kill algae. Algaecide may kill some algae but is used primarily to prevent algae growth. Clarifier helps coagulate “dead” algae so it can be filtered or vacuumed out of the pool.

Each swimming pool chemical has a distinctive role. Pool Algaecide and Clarifier have their distinctive roles too. 

Some companies sell a combination of Pool Algaecide and Clarifier. It is essentially a 2-in-1 product. But this does add a bit to the confusion.

An example (in a lighter tone) may help clarify (pun not intended). Peanut Butter and Jelly are two distinct products. You need both to make a delicious PBJ sandwich.

Similarly Pool Algaecide and Clarifier are two distinct pool chemicals. You need both to keep your pool algae free and clear blue.

What is an Algaecide?

Algaecide is a swimming pool chemical that weakens the algae making it easier for chlorine to kill them. Algaecide may act by disrupting energy transport, cell division, or the cell membranes of the algae.

Three types of Algaecides can be used in swimming pools. Quats & PolyQuats have a similar chemistry. Both are Quaternary Ammonium Compounds. Each type of Algaecide is a different chemical. These are:

Quats are great for preventing algae growth but not very effective at killing them on their own. They can also cause foaming.

PolyQuats are more suited to killing rather than prevention of algae. Polyquats last longer so you have to use them less often. They also do not cause foaming. But they do cost a lot more!

An alternative to Quats & PolyQuats is the Copper-based Algaecide which contains copper ions. They are very powerful and highly effective at killing algae. If you have black algae then you need to use a copper based algaecide.

Copper-based Algaecide should be avoided if possible because it can corrode pool fittings and turn blonde hair green.

In a nutshell, Algaecides prevent growth of algae and make them weaker so that the chlorine or other sanitizers can easily kill them.

Does Clarifier Get Rid of Algae?

A Clarifier is a swimming pool chemical containing polymers. When added to the pool it makes the very small particles floating in the water to coagulate and lump together to form bigger lumps. It works equally well on both biological (algae, bacteria) and non-biological (dirt, dust) particles.

The small particles floating in the pool are what makes the pool look cloudy and dull. The pool filter is unable to trap them as they are too small. Once the small particles coagulate into bigger particles, because of the pool clarifier, the filter can trap and remove them.

A Clarifier does not kill algae or even prevent growth of algae. An Algaecide “kills” the algae and a Clarifier helps get rid of the “dead” algae in your pool.

The result is a crystal clear blue pool!

What is the Difference Between Clarifier & Flocculant?

A pool flocculant ( referred as “floc” in short) works in pretty much the same way as a clarifier. The key difference is that the floc makes the lumped particles sink to the pool bottom. These can then be removed from the pool by vacuuming.

Sometimes it is better to use a flocculant rather than a clarifier. The amount of “dead” algae after a series of shocks to clear a pool that has gone through an “algae bloom” can be a lot.

Similarly using floc will be better than using clarifier, after a rainstorm. your pool is likely overloaded with dirt, dust & debris.

No point in overloading the pool filter. It is better to use floc and then vacuum the pool floor.

Can you Add Algaecide and Clarifier at the Same Time?

There are products in the market where the Algaecide & Clarifier are in the same bottle. So obviously Algaecide & Clarifier can be added to the pool at the same time.

The combination is helpful for routine weekly pool maintenance and chemicals top up. It is convenient and saves you time and money.

However, this may not be the best option at all times. 

Shocking the Pool

Shocking the pool to return it from green to blue is not a one step process. You may need to shock your pool repeatedly till you are sure that the shock has eliminated the algae. 

Shock is considered to be successful if your pool loses less than 1 ppm of free chlorine (FC), overnight.

Make sure that the FC level is at least 5 ppm before adding the Algaecide in the evening. Run the filter for 2-4 hours to ensure adequate circulation.

In the morning your green pool should have turned from green to cloudy blue. This is a good thing! The algae have been killed and the “dead” algae are floating around making your pool look cloudy.

Now it is time to add the Pool Clarifier. It will turn your cloudy pool into sparkling clear blue. 

You may even choose to use a Pool Floc instead of a Pool Clarifier and vacuum the algae and other debris from the pool floor.

Adding Algaecide Before it Rains

It is a good idea to prepare your pool for heavy rains by adding a dose of Algaecide beforehand. This will reduce the chances of “algae bloom” and your pool going green after the rains.

However, there is no need to add Clarifier before it rains. It will be just wasted.

It is better to keep your Pool Algaecide and Pool Clarifier separate. You have more flexibility.

Recommended Swimming Pool Chemicals

Best Multi-purpose Pool Shock

Aqua chem Shock Xtra Blue is suitable for use in all types of pools, including salt water pools, above-ground pools and inground pools. It kills algae, bacteria, and chloramines, effectively and fast. It will make your pool crystal-clear blue and sparkling clean again. Order from Amazon using the link below:

Aqua Chem 5-Pack Shock Xtra Blue for Swimming Pools, 5 Pounds

Best All Purpose Algaecide

Kem-Tek Pool & Spa Concentrated Algaecide is very effective for prevention of algae and also helps to clarify cloudy pool water. It has a non-foaming formula and can be used in all types of pools. Order from Amazon using the link below:

Kem-Tek Pool and Spa 60-Percent Concentrated Algaecide, 1 Quart 2 Pack

Best Pool Clarifier

Clorox Pool&Spa Crazy Clarifier has a powerful formula. The Clarifier  combines small contaminants in your pool into larger ones, so your filter can take them out. Clorox Pool&Spa Crazy Clarifier restores cloudy pools to a crystal clear, blue, beautiful look. Order from Amazon using the link below:

Clorox Pool&Spa Crazy Clarifier

Best Pool Flocculant

The HTH Drop Out Flocculant clears a dull, cloudy pool overnight. Flocculants cause unfilterable particles to settle to the bottom of the pool for easy removal. Use HTH Drop Out Flocculant in the evening and quickly vacuum away debris the next morning. Order from Amazon using the link below:

HTH 67029 Drop Out Flocculant Swimming Pool Cleaner

Thank you very much for reading the post. I do hope you found it informative and helpful.