How to Use Doheny's Algaecide 60: Complete Guide

 

Doheny's Algaecide 60 is a highly concentrated copper-based algaecide for swimming pools. Add 6 oz per 10,000 gallons initially, then 1.5 oz per 10,000 gallons weekly. Pour around pool perimeter with pump running, maintain proper chlorine levels, and test water regularly. This guide covers complete application procedures, dosage, and best practices for maintaining algae free pool water.

What is Doheny's Algaecide 60?

Doheny's Algaecide 60 is a professional grade, highly concentrated copper-based algaecide designed for comprehensive swimming pool algae prevention and control. With 60% active ingredients, this powerful formula provides superior algae protection at lower dosages compared to standard algaecides. Algaecide 60 is effective against all types of algae including green, yellow (mustard), and black algae, making it a versatile choice for pool owners seeking professional strength algae management.

Key Features of Doheny's Algaecide 60

• Highly concentrated: 60% active ingredients for maximum effectiveness
• Copper-based formula: Powerful algae prevention and control
• Cost effective: Lower dosages required due to concentration
• Broad spectrum: Works against all algae types
• Long lasting protection: Provides continuous algae control
• Safe for all pool types: Compatible with vinyl, fiberglass, plaster, and tile
• Works with all sanitizers: Compatible with chlorine, salt, bromine, and mineral systems
• Professional strength: Used by pool service professionals

What Makes Algaecide 60 Different

The 60% concentration makes Doheny's Algaecide significantly more powerful than standard 10% or 30% algaecides. This means you use less product per application, making it more economical while providing superior algae control. The chelated copper formula keeps copper in solution longer, providing extended protection between applications.

How Does Algaecide 60 Work?

The Algae Prevention Process

Doheny's Algaecide 60 works by releasing copper ions into pool water. These copper ions penetrate algae cell walls, disrupting cellular processes and preventing algae from photosynthesizing and reproducing. The high concentration ensures adequate copper levels are maintained for continuous protection against new algae spores entering the pool.

Benefits of Doheny's Algaecide 60

• Prevents all types of algae growth
• Treats existing algae when combined with shock
• Maintains crystal clear water
• Reduces chlorine consumption
• Works in all water conditions
• Provides season long protection
• More economical than lower concentration algaecides
• Effective against resistant algae strains

When to Use Algaecide 60

Ideal Situations for Doheny's Algaecide 60

Pool Opening:

• Add at spring pool opening
• Establishes algae prevention from season start
• Protects pool during initial water balancing

Weekly Preventative Maintenance:

• Add weekly throughout swimming season
• Maintains continuous algae prevention
• Most effective use of algaecide
• Prevents problems before they occur

After Heavy Rain or Storms:

• Rainwater introduces algae spores and nutrients
• Extra dose helps prevent algae bloom
• Protects during vulnerable period

Algae Treatment:

• Use with shock to treat existing algae
• Increased dosage for active algae problems
• Prevents algae recurrence after treatment

Mustard Algae Problems:

• Highly effective against chlorine-resistant mustard algae
• Use as part of comprehensive mustard algae treatment
• Prevents mustard algae return

For severe algae problems, see how to fix green pool quickly and learn about whether solar pool ionizer is effective against mustard algae.

Step by Step Application Guide

Step 1: Test and Balance Water Chemistry

Before adding Algaecide 60, ensure proper water balance:

• pH: 7.2 to 7.6
• Total Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
• Free Chlorine: 1 to 3 ppm
• Calcium Hardness: 200 to 400 ppm

Learn about how to maintain your pool's pH balance and how to manage pool water hardness.

Step 2: Calculate Pool Volume

Accurate dosage depends on knowing your pool's water volume:

Rectangular Pools:
Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Average Depth (ft) × 7.5 = Gallons

Round Pools:
Diameter (ft) × Diameter (ft) × Average Depth (ft) × 5.9 = Gallons

Oval Pools:
Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Average Depth (ft) × 6.7 = Gallons

Step 3: Determine Algaecide 60 Dosage

Doheny's Algaecide 60 dosage guidelines:

Initial Treatment (Pool Opening or First Use)

Standard Dose: 6 oz per 10,000 gallons

Dosage Examples:

• 10,000 gallon pool: 6 oz
• 15,000 gallon pool: 9 oz
• 20,000 gallon pool: 12 oz
• 25,000 gallon pool: 15 oz
• 30,000 gallon pool: 18 oz

Weekly Maintenance Dose

Standard Dose: 1.5 oz per 10,000 gallons per week

Dosage Examples:

• 10,000 gallon pool: 1.5 oz weekly
• 15,000 gallon pool: 2.25 oz weekly
• 20,000 gallon pool: 3 oz weekly
• 25,000 gallon pool: 3.75 oz weekly
• 30,000 gallon pool: 4.5 oz weekly

Algae Treatment Dose

Treatment Dose: 3 to 6 oz per 10,000 gallons

• Use with shock for active algae
• Brush pool surfaces vigorously
• Run pump continuously
• Clean filter frequently

Step 4: Start Pool Pump

Ensure proper circulation before adding algaecide:

1. Turn on pool pump to normal operating speed
2. Verify water is circulating properly
3. Check that all return jets are flowing
4. Ensure skimmers are functioning
5. Plan to run pump for at least 8 hours after application

Learn about how pool circulation supports proper maintenance.

Step 5: Add Algaecide 60 to Pool

Apply algaecide evenly around pool:

1. Shake bottle well before using
2. Measure correct amount using measuring cup
3. Pour Algaecide 60 slowly around pool perimeter
4. Walk around entire pool while pouring
5. Distribute evenly for best results
6. Pour near return jets for better mixing
7. Do not add directly to skimmer
8. Brush pool surfaces after adding

Use the best pool brushes for effective distribution.

Step 6: Circulate Water

Run pump for proper distribution:

• Run pump for minimum 8 hours after application
• Ensure good water circulation throughout pool
• Algaecide will distribute evenly through water
• Safe to swim 15 minutes after application
• Wait time allows for proper circulation

Ongoing Maintenance Schedule

Weekly Maintenance Routine

Every Week:

1. Test water chemistry (pH, alkalinity, chlorine)
2. Adjust chemistry as needed
3. Add weekly maintenance dose of Algaecide 60 (1.5 oz per 10,000 gallons)
4. Run pump for 8 to 12 hours
5. Skim surface and empty skimmer baskets
6. Brush pool walls and floor
7. Vacuum pool if needed
8. Check filter pressure

Follow a comprehensive pool cleaning checklist for beginners.

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

• Deep clean or backwash filter
• Test all water parameters including copper levels
• Inspect pool equipment
• Clean pool tiles and waterline
• Check chemical inventory and restock
• Verify algae prevention is working

Learn how to clean pool tiles effectively.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer (High Use):

• Add Algaecide 60 weekly without fail
• May need extra dose after pool parties
• Monitor water clarity closely
• Test water 2 to 3 times per week

See tips for cleaning your pool after a party.

Spring Opening:

• Add initial dose at pool opening
• Begin weekly maintenance immediately
• Prevents algae during startup period

Fall/Winter:

• Continue weekly treatments if pool remains open
• Reduce frequency to every 2 weeks if usage is minimal
• Add before closing pool for winter

Pro Tips for Maximum Effectiveness

Expert Tips from Pool Professionals

• Start early: Begin using at pool opening for season long protection
• Be consistent: Weekly application is key to prevention
• Maintain chlorine: Algaecide works with chlorine, not instead of it
• Balance chemistry first: Proper pH ensures optimal algaecide performance
• Don't skip weeks: Consistency prevents algae breakthrough
• Add after rain: Extra dose after storms prevents algae blooms
• Brush regularly: Brushing helps distribute algaecide and prevents algae attachment
• Monitor copper levels: Test monthly to prevent staining
• Remove debris: Keep pool clean with regular maintenance
• Practice eco-friendly methods: Learn eco-friendly pool cleaning practices

Avoid Common Mistakes

• Overdosing: More is not better, can cause staining
• Skipping weekly doses: Inconsistent use allows algae breakthrough
• Not maintaining chlorine: Algaecide supplements chlorine, doesn't replace it
• Ignoring water balance: Poor chemistry reduces algaecide effectiveness
• Adding to skimmer: Always add around pool perimeter
• Not brushing: Brushing helps prevent algae attachment
• Using with low pH: Can increase staining risk
• Not testing copper: High copper can cause staining

Preventing Copper Staining

Best Practices:

• Follow dosage guidelines precisely
• Maintain pH between 7.2 and 7.6
• Don't overdose algaecide
• Test copper levels monthly (keep below 0.5 ppm)
• Use metal sequestrant if copper levels are high
• Avoid shocking immediately after adding algaecide
• Ensure proper water circulation

Maximizing Algaecide Performance

Water Chemistry: Maintain proper balance for optimal algaecide performance. pH between 7.2 and 7.6 is critical.

Chlorine Levels: Keep chlorine at 1 to 3 ppm. Algaecide works with chlorine for complete protection.

Circulation: Good water circulation ensures algaecide reaches all areas of pool.

Prevention: Weekly use prevents algae more effectively than treating existing blooms.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Algae Appeared Despite Using Algaecide 60

Solutions:

• Verify weekly dosage is adequate for pool size
• Check chlorine levels (should be 1 to 3 ppm)
• Test and balance pH to 7.2 to 7.6
• Ensure consistent weekly application
• Shock pool to kill existing algae
• Brush pool surfaces vigorously
• Clean filter thoroughly
• Resume weekly Algaecide 60 after algae is gone

Problem: Water Appears Cloudy

Solutions:

• Test and balance all water chemistry
• Clean or backwash filter
• Run pump 12 to 24 hours continuously
• Add clarifier if needed
• Verify chlorine levels are adequate
• Continue weekly Algaecide 60 application

See how to handle cloudy water in swimming pools and learn about how to use pool clarifiers.

Problem: Blue or Green Staining on Pool Surfaces

Cause: Copper staining from overdosing or low pH

Solutions:

• Stop adding Algaecide 60 temporarily
• Test and raise pH to 7.4 to 7.6
• Add metal sequestrant to bind copper
• Use stain remover for existing stains
• Resume Algaecide 60 at lower dosage
• Test copper levels monthly
• Never exceed recommended dosage

Problem: Foaming in Pool

Solutions:

• Algaecide 60 should not cause excessive foaming
• Check for other chemicals causing foam
• Reduce aeration features temporarily
• Add anti-foam product if needed
• Verify you're not overdosing algaecide

Frequently Asked Questions

How much Doheny's Algaecide 60 should I use?

Use 6 oz per 10,000 gallons for initial treatment, then 1.5 oz per 10,000 gallons weekly for maintenance. For a 20,000 gallon pool, use 12 oz initially and 3 oz weekly.

How often should I add Algaecide 60?

Add weekly throughout the swimming season for best results. Consistent weekly application provides continuous algae prevention.

Can I swim immediately after adding Algaecide 60?

Wait 15 minutes after application to allow for proper circulation. This ensures the algaecide is evenly distributed throughout the pool.

Will Algaecide 60 kill existing algae?

Algaecide 60 prevents algae and helps control existing algae when used with shock. For active algae, shock pool first, then use increased dosage of Algaecide 60 to prevent recurrence.

Can I use Algaecide 60 with chlorine?

Yes! Algaecide 60 works alongside chlorine for complete pool protection. Maintain proper chlorine levels (1 to 3 ppm) while using Algaecide 60.

Will Algaecide 60 stain my pool?

When used as directed with proper pH balance, Algaecide 60 should not stain. Staining can occur from overdosing or low pH. Follow dosage guidelines and maintain pH between 7.2 and 7.6.

Can I use Algaecide 60 in a saltwater pool?

Yes! Algaecide 60 is compatible with all pool types including saltwater, chlorine, bromine, and mineral systems.

Learn about cleaning and maintaining saltwater pools.

What if I miss a weekly dose?

Add the regular weekly dose as soon as you remember, then resume your normal weekly schedule. Don't double dose to make up for missed application.

Can I use Algaecide 60 with a solar pool ionizer?

Both Algaecide 60 and solar pool ionizers use copper for algae prevention. Using both together may result in excessive copper levels. Choose one method or consult with a pool professional before combining.

Explore pool ionizer pros and cons and the advantages of solar pool ionizers for residential pools.

How is Algaecide 60 different from lower concentration algaecides?

Algaecide 60's high concentration (60% active ingredients) means you use less product per application compared to 10% or 30% algaecides, making it more cost effective while providing superior algae control.

Can I use Algaecide 60 with other algaecides?

It's best to use one algaecide at a time. If switching from another algaecide, wait one week before starting Algaecide 60.

For additional algae prevention options, see how to use No Mor Problems swimming pool algaecide and how to use Pool RX algaecide.

Conclusion

Doheny's Algaecide 60 provides powerful, cost effective algae prevention and control for swimming pools using highly concentrated copper technology. By following proper dosing guidelines, maintaining balanced water chemistry, and applying weekly throughout the swimming season, you can enjoy crystal clear, algae free pool water while minimizing the risk of copper staining through proper use and pH management.

Key Takeaways

• Initial dose: 6 oz per 10,000 gallons at pool opening
• Weekly maintenance: 1.5 oz per 10,000 gallons
• Apply weekly throughout swimming season
• Pour around pool perimeter with pump running
• Maintain proper chlorine levels (1 to 3 ppm)
• Balance pH to 7.2 to 7.6 for optimal performance
• Follow dosage guidelines to prevent staining
• Test copper levels monthly (keep below 0.5 ppm)
• Wait 15 minutes after application before swimming
• More economical than lower concentration algaecides

For pool owners seeking alternative algae prevention methods that don't use copper and eliminate staining concerns, consider a Solar Pool Ionizer which releases controlled amounts of copper and silver ions to naturally prevent algae growth while reducing chlorine needs by up to 85%, though note that like Algaecide 60, it uses copper so the two should not be combined to avoid excessive copper levels in your pool water.