Bio-Dex SK132 is a fast-acting algaecide designed to eliminate stubborn algae from swimming pools. Add 1 quart per 10,000 gallons for treatment, brush pool vigorously, run pump 24 hours, clean filter. Works quickly to clear resistant algae. This guide covers complete application procedures and best practices for algae treatment.
Table of Contents
What is Bio-Dex SK132 Fast Acting Pool Algaecide?
Bio-Dex SK132 is a specialized fast-acting algaecide formulated to eliminate stubborn, resistant algae from swimming pools. This powerful treatment works quickly to kill algae that has proven difficult to remove with standard algaecides or regular chlorine treatments. SK132 is particularly effective against mustard algae and other chlorine-resistant algae strains that persist despite proper pool maintenance.
Key Features of SK132
- Fast acting: Eliminates algae quickly
- Specialized formula: Designed for stubborn algae
- Powerful treatment: Kills resistant algae strains
- Works on mustard algae: Effective against chlorine-resistant types
- Easy to use: Simple application process
- Works with shock: Use alongside pool shock for best results
- Safe for all surfaces: Compatible with vinyl, fiberglass, plaster, and tile
- Professional strength: Used by pool service professionals
How SK132 Differs from Regular Algaecides
Unlike preventative algaecides used for weekly maintenance, SK132 is a treatment product designed to kill existing stubborn algae quickly. Its concentrated formula provides rapid results for pools experiencing persistent algae problems that haven't responded to standard treatments, making it ideal for problem-solving rather than prevention.
Why Use SK132 for Algae Problems?
Benefits of Fast-Acting Algaecide
- Kills stubborn algae quickly
- Effective against resistant strains
- Works faster than standard algaecides
- Treats mustard algae effectively
- Clears persistent algae problems
- Easy to apply
- Works with all sanitizers
- Helps prevent algae recurrence when used properly
When Standard Treatments Fail
SK132 is designed for situations where regular algaecides and chlorine treatments haven't eliminated algae. If you've been shocking your pool and using standard algaecides but algae keeps returning, SK132 provides the extra strength needed to eliminate resistant algae strains and restore clear water.
When to Use SK132
Ideal Situations for SK132
Mustard Algae:
- Yellow or tan colored algae spots
- Algae that brushes off but returns
- Chlorine-resistant algae
- Algae in shaded areas of pool
Learn about whether solar pool ionizer is effective against mustard algae.
Stubborn Green Algae:
- Algae that persists after shocking
- Recurring algae problems
- Heavy algae growth
- Algae resistant to standard treatments
For comprehensive green pool treatment, see how to fix green pool quickly.
Black Algae Spots:
- Dark spots on pool surfaces
- Algae with roots embedded in plaster
- Algae that won't brush off easily
- Persistent black algae problems
Step by Step Application Guide
Step 1: Test and Balance Water Chemistry
Before treating stubborn algae, test and adjust water:
- pH: 7.2 to 7.6 (lower end is better for algae treatment)
- Total Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
- Free Chlorine: Note current level (likely 0 in algae-filled pool)
- Calcium Hardness: 200 to 400 ppm
Learn about how to maintain your pool's pH balance, how to manage pool water hardness, and how solar ionizers support balanced pool water.
Step 2: Calculate Pool Volume
Accurate dosage depends on knowing your pool's water volume:
Rectangular Pools:
Length (ft) Ă Width (ft) Ă Average Depth (ft) Ă 7.5 = Gallons
Round Pools:
Diameter (ft) Ă Diameter (ft) Ă Average Depth (ft) Ă 5.9 = Gallons
Oval Pools:
Length (ft) Ă Width (ft) Ă Average Depth (ft) Ă 6.7 = Gallons
Step 3: Determine SK132 Dosage
Bio-Dex SK132 dosage guidelines:
Standard Treatment Dosage
1 quart per 10,000 gallons
Dosage Examples:
- 10,000 gallon pool: 1 quart (32 oz)
- 15,000 gallon pool: 1.5 quarts (48 oz)
- 20,000 gallon pool: 2 quarts (64 oz)
- 25,000 gallon pool: 2.5 quarts (80 oz)
- 30,000 gallon pool: 3 quarts (96 oz)
Severe Algae
For very heavy or persistent algae, may need to repeat treatment after 24 hours if algae remains.
Step 4: Shock Pool First
Critical step for algae treatment:
- Shock pool with calcium hypochlorite or liquid chlorine
- Use 2 to 3 lbs shock per 10,000 gallons
- For severe algae, use triple shock dose
- Add shock in evening for best results
- Allow shock to circulate for 1 to 2 hours
Step 5: Add SK132 to Pool
Apply algaecide after shocking:
- Shake SK132 bottle well before using
- Measure correct amount based on pool size
- Pour SK132 slowly around pool perimeter
- Walk around entire pool while pouring
- Distribute evenly for best results
- Pour near return jets for better mixing
- Do not add directly to skimmer
Step 6: Brush Pool Vigorously
Essential step for algae removal:
- Brush entire pool surface thoroughly
- Brush walls from top to bottom
- Brush floor in overlapping strokes
- Brush steps, corners, and crevices
- Brush behind ladders and fittings
- Continue brushing for 15 to 20 minutes
- Use stainless steel brush for black algae
Use the best pool brushes for effective algae removal.
Step 7: Run Pump Continuously
Ensure proper circulation during treatment:
- Run pump continuously for 24 to 48 hours
- Do not turn off pump during treatment
- Allows chemicals to circulate throughout pool
- Filters out dead algae
- Monitor filter pressure closely
Learn about how pool circulation supports proper maintenance.
Step 8: Clean Filter Frequently
Critical for removing dead algae:
- Clean or backwash filter when pressure rises 8 to 10 PSI
- May need to clean filter 3 to 5 times during treatment
- Backwash sand or DE filters thoroughly
- Clean cartridge filters with hose
- Continue until water runs clear
Step 9: Vacuum Pool
Remove dead algae from pool:
- After 24 to 48 hours, vacuum pool thoroughly
- Vacuum to waste if possible
- If vacuuming to filter, clean filter immediately after
- Remove all visible algae debris
- Refill pool to proper level if vacuumed to waste
Post Treatment Maintenance
Immediate Follow Up (First Week)
Daily Tasks:
- Test chlorine levels (maintain 3 to 5 ppm)
- Test pH and adjust to 7.2 to 7.6
- Brush pool surfaces daily
- Run pump 24 hours daily
- Monitor water clarity
- Clean filter as pressure rises
After 48 Hours:
- Vacuum pool again if needed
- Test all water chemistry parameters
- Add preventative algaecide
- Continue elevated chlorine (3 to 5 ppm)
Follow a comprehensive pool cleaning checklist for beginners, weekly pool cleaning routines for clear water, and avoid pool cleaning mistakes.
Ongoing Prevention
Weekly Maintenance:
- Test water chemistry 2 to 3 times per week
- Maintain proper chlorine levels (1 to 3 ppm)
- Add weekly preventative algaecide
- Brush pool surfaces weekly
- Vacuum pool weekly
- Clean filter monthly
For ongoing algae prevention, see how to use preventative algaecides.
Pro Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
Expert Tips from Pool Professionals
- Shock first: Always shock pool before adding SK132
- Brush vigorously: Brushing is critical for algae removal
- Run pump continuously: 24 to 48 hours minimum
- Clean filter frequently: Expect to clean 3 to 5 times
- Vacuum to waste: Removes algae from pool completely
- Maintain high chlorine: Keep 3 to 5 ppm during treatment
- Be patient: Complete treatment takes 2 to 5 days
- Prevent recurrence: Use weekly algaecide after treatment
- Remove debris: Clean pool before treating for best results
- Practice eco-friendly methods: Learn eco-friendly pool cleaning practices and how solar ionizers clear pools without harsh chemicals
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Not shocking first: SK132 works best with shock
- Insufficient brushing: Must brush vigorously and frequently
- Turning off pump: Needs continuous circulation
- Not cleaning filter: Clogged filter reduces effectiveness
- Swimming too soon: Wait until chlorine drops below 5 ppm
- Stopping treatment early: Complete full treatment process
- Not maintaining prevention: Algae returns without proper maintenance
- Ignoring water balance: Poor chemistry reduces effectiveness
Maximizing SK132 Effectiveness
Water Chemistry: Maintain pH at lower end (7.2 to 7.4) during treatment for maximum chlorine effectiveness.
Brushing: Brush pool surfaces every 12 hours during treatment to dislodge algae and expose it to chemicals.
Filtration: Run pump continuously and clean filter frequently to remove dead algae.
Prevention: Use weekly algaecide and maintain proper chlorine to prevent algae return.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Algae Still Present After 48 Hours
Solutions:
- Shock pool again with double dose
- Add second treatment of SK132
- Brush pool vigorously
- Clean filter thoroughly
- Run pump continuously for another 24 hours
- Test and balance pH to 7.2 to 7.4
- Verify chlorine is at 3 to 5 ppm
Problem: Water Cloudy But Algae Gone
Solutions:
- Continue running pump 24 hours
- Clean filter multiple times
- Add clarifier to help filter capture particles
- Vacuum pool to remove debris
- Test and balance all water chemistry
- May take 3 to 5 days for complete clarity
See how to handle cloudy water in swimming pools and learn about how to use pool clarifiers.
Problem: Filter Clogs Repeatedly
Solutions:
- Clean filter more frequently (every 6 to 12 hours)
- Backwash thoroughly if sand or DE filter
- Use filter cleaner for deep cleaning
- Vacuum to waste instead of through filter
- This is normal during heavy algae treatment
- Consider replacing filter media if very old
Problem: Algae Returns After Treatment
Solutions:
- Verify chlorine is maintained at 1 to 3 ppm
- Add weekly preventative algaecide
- Test and balance pH to 7.2 to 7.6
- Brush pool weekly
- Clean filter monthly
- Check for phosphates and remove if high
- Consider adding solar ionizer for prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
How much SK132 should I use?
Use 1 quart per 10,000 gallons for standard treatment. For a 20,000 gallon pool, use 2 quarts. For severe algae, you may need to repeat treatment after 24 hours.
How long does it take SK132 to work?
SK132 typically eliminates algae within 24 to 48 hours when used with shock and proper brushing. Complete clarity may take 3 to 5 days depending on algae severity.
Do I need to shock my pool when using SK132?
Yes! Shocking is essential for SK132 to work effectively. Shock pool first, then add SK132. The combination kills algae much faster than either product alone.
Can I swim after adding SK132?
Wait until chlorine levels drop below 5 ppm before swimming, typically 24 to 48 hours after shocking and treating. Test chlorine before swimming.
Will SK132 work on black algae?
SK132 can help treat black algae when combined with shock and vigorous brushing with a stainless steel brush. Black algae may require multiple treatments.
How often should I brush my pool during treatment?
Brush your pool at least twice daily (every 12 hours) during treatment. Vigorous brushing is essential for breaking up algae and allowing chemicals to work.
Can I use SK132 in a saltwater pool?
Yes! SK132 is compatible with all pool types including saltwater, chlorine, bromine, and mineral systems.
Learn about cleaning and maintaining saltwater pools.
Why is my filter pressure so high during treatment?
High filter pressure is normal during algae treatment as the filter captures dead algae. Clean or backwash your filter when pressure rises 8 to 10 PSI above normal.
Can I use SK132 for prevention?
No. SK132 is a treatment product for existing stubborn algae, not a preventative. For prevention, use weekly maintenance algaecides.
Can I use SK132 with a solar pool ionizer?
Yes! SK132 kills existing algae while solar pool ionizers prevent future algae growth. Use SK132 for treatment, then add a solar ionizer for ongoing prevention.
Explore what does a pool ionizer do, what is solar pool ionizer, how to choose solar pool ionizer, pool ionizer pros and cons, and the advantages of solar pool ionizers for residential pools.
Conclusion
Bio-Dex SK132 Fast Acting Pool Algaecide provides fast, effective treatment for stubborn algae in swimming pools. By following proper application procedures (shock first, add SK132, brush vigorously, run pump continuously, clean filter frequently), you can eliminate resistant algae strains including mustard algae and persistent green algae within 24 to 48 hours. Complete the full treatment process and maintain proper water chemistry to prevent algae from returning.
For long term algae prevention that reduces the need for aggressive treatments like SK132, consider adding a solar pool ionizer which uses solar power to release copper and silver ions continuously, reducing chlorine needs by up to 85% while providing season long algae and bacteria prevention that helps keep your pool clear and prevents the stubborn algae problems that require SK132 treatment.
