So you just finished adding algaecide to your pool, now can you swim? The answer is not so simple. Algaecides are chemicals that kill algae in ponds, pools, and spas, but they also have the potential to irritate skin or cause other problems for swimmers. It’s best not to get into the water until it has had time to take effect. If you do decide to go swimming after adding algaecide, rinse your skin with fresh water when you get out of the pool.
Is It Safe to Swim After Putting Algaecide in the Pool?
Yes, it is safe to swim after adding algaecide to your pool as long as you do not put too much in at one time. When putting the algaecide in safely follow the instructions on the package and take note of how much you should be putting in for a specific amount of water.
Make sure that if you are adding algaecide to the pool before it closes for the season that you are able to keep your eye on it rather than getting distracted with other things. The effects of the chemicals in algaecides take time to work so just because you have added it does not mean that immediately swimming is completely safe.
Is It Safe To Swim In a Pool After Algae Has Been Eliminated?
Yes, it is safe to swim in a pool after algae has been eliminated as long as you wait for the algaecide to take effect. If you have added algaecide and are concerned about safety when swimming immediately following this process, try to keep yourself busy without distractions until the algaecide is completely dissolved in the pool.
What Are Some of the Side Effects That May Occur After Using Algaecide in the Water?
Pool owners who add algaecides to their pool need to keep an eye on water balance and pH levels in order to avoid problems when swimming. Algae are more resistant to algaecides that are placed in the water too quickly rather than added over time.
Algaecides can irritate the skin, so after adding algaecide to your pool it is advised to shower thoroughly before swimming. If you begin to itch, rinse off with fresh water immediately and go take a shower. If an object containing algaecide or an algaecide-based product comes in contact with your skin, immediately rinse with fresh water.
How long after adding algaecide can you swim?
This can take up to 24 hours.
The effects of the chemicals in algaecides take time to work so just because you have added it does not mean that immediately swimming is completely safe. If you are concerned about safety when swimming immediately following this process, try to keep your distractions and avoid other people getting into the pool until the water clears up and there is no longer a smell of the algaecide.
If you are using algaecide in your pool, make sure that you read the instructions on the package carefully before putting too much algaecide into your pool.
If this is not done, you can cause damage to your running filter and equipment when it comes in contact with too much chemical in the water at one time. This can cause house equipment to fail and your pool water will not be safe for swimming until it has been balanced and treated properly.
Is it possible to swim in a pool that has too much algaecide?
Yes, it is possible to swim in a pool after putting algaecide in the water. However, according to a university study, you should wait at least 1 hour before going into a pool treated with chlorine or bromine and up to four hours for an outdoor pool treated with copper-based algaecides.
When swimming in a pool, you should always check the free chlorine and total chlorine levels. They should never go below 1 ppm for pools that are used by children or pregnant women, and they should be between 2 and 4 ppm for all others.
Swimming is only safe if the chemical levels (free chlorine and bromine) provided by the pool operators are high enough to keep the water clean and free of bacteria.
How long after algaecide can you shock?
You should wait at least 24 hours before shocking the pool after adding algaecide. After shocking, always check the free chlorine and total chlorine levels because they could increase very high if you do not wait long enough before shocking. If this happens, you will need to drain some of the water (about 25%) to bring the chemical levels back to normal.
How long can you be in a pool with chlorine or algaecide?
You should not spend more than 20 minutes in a pool that is treated with chlorine or bromine. The ideal total time spent in the water per day, including showers and swimming, is 2 hours. You can always shower after you go into the pool to help prevent skin irritation caused by prolonged exposure to these chemicals.
Outdoor pools treated with copper-based algaecides require different safety precautions. You should never swim in them for more than 20 minutes per day because the water could irritate your eyes if you are not careful.
You should always wear goggles and avoid swallowing the water.
How long does it take for the algaecide to dissolve?
It can take up to 24-48 hours for algaecide to dissolve completely. When the process is complete, you should drain some of your water if it contains a large concentration of algaecide.
You can also drain some water if your pool smells like chemicals or is cloudy. Test the chemical levels of the water and if they are too high, you can vacuum debris from the bottom of the pool and refill it with clean water.
References:
The Truth About Using Algaecide In Your Pool https://www.swimuniversity.com/algaecide/
