How to Use Bio-Dex Skill-It Fast Acting Algaecide: Complete Guide

 

Bio-Dex Skill-It is a fast acting algaecide designed to eliminate algae quickly from swimming pools. Add 1 quart per 10,000 gallons for treatment, brush pool vigorously, run pump 24 hours, clean filter. Works rapidly to clear algae and restore water clarity. This guide covers complete application procedures and best practices for fast algae elimination.

What is Bio-Dex Skill-It Fast Acting Algaecide?

Bio-Dex Skill-It is a specialized fast acting algaecide formulated to eliminate algae quickly from swimming pools. Unlike preventative algaecides used for weekly maintenance, Skill-It is a treatment product designed to kill existing algae rapidly and restore water clarity. This powerful formula works quickly to eliminate green, yellow, and black algae, making it ideal for pools that have already developed algae problems.

Key Features of Skill-It

• Fast acting formula: Kills algae quickly
• Treatment product: Designed for existing algae problems
• Broad spectrum: Works on all algae types
• Rapid results: Visible improvement within 24 to 48 hours
• Concentrated formula: Powerful algae elimination
• Works with all sanitizers: Compatible with chlorine, salt, bromine, and mineral systems
• Safe for all surfaces: Compatible with vinyl, fiberglass, plaster, and tile
• Professional strength: Used by pool service professionals

How Skill-It Differs from Preventative Algaecides

Preventative algaecides are designed for weekly use to prevent algae growth, while Skill-It is a treatment product formulated to kill existing algae quickly. Its concentrated fast acting formula provides rapid results for pools that have already turned green or developed algae blooms, working faster than standard maintenance algaecides.

Why Use Fast Acting Algaecide?

Benefits of Skill-It Treatment

• Kills algae quickly and effectively
• Restores water clarity rapidly
• Works faster than standard algaecides
• Eliminates all types of algae
• Reduces treatment time significantly
• Works with shock for complete algae elimination
• Prevents algae from returning when used properly
• Cost effective for severe algae problems

When Fast Acting Treatment is Needed

Skill-It is ideal for pools with active algae growth that need rapid treatment. Standard weekly algaecides work slowly and are designed for prevention, not treatment. When your pool has turned green or developed visible algae, fast acting treatment like Skill-It provides the quick results needed to restore your pool.

When to Use Skill-It

Ideal Situations for Fast Acting Treatment

Green Pool Water:

• Pool water has turned green
• Cloudy green water throughout pool
• Heavy algae bloom present
• Water clarity severely reduced

Visible Algae Growth:

• Green algae coating pool walls
• Algae on pool floor and steps
• Yellow or mustard algae spots
• Black algae on surfaces

For comprehensive algae treatment, see how to fix green pool quickly and learn about treating mustard algae.

After Pool Neglect:

• Pool turned green during vacation
• Algae bloom after equipment failure
• Green water after storm or heavy rain
• Pool opened green in spring

Recurring Algae Problems:

• Algae keeps returning despite treatment
• Standard algaecides not working
• Need rapid algae elimination
• Preparing for pool party or event

Step by Step Application Guide

Step 1: Test and Balance Water Chemistry

Before treating algae, test and adjust water:

• pH: 7.2 to 7.6 (lower end better for algae treatment)
• Total Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
• Free Chlorine: Note current level (likely 0 in green pool)
• 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 Skill-It Dosage

Bio-Dex Skill-It 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 Treatment

For very heavy algae blooms or black algae, may need to double dose or repeat treatment after 24 hours.

Step 4: Shock Pool First

Critical step for effective algae treatment:

1. Shock pool with calcium hypochlorite or liquid chlorine
2. Use 2 to 3 lbs shock per 10,000 gallons
3. For severe algae, use triple shock dose
4. Add shock in evening for best results
5. Allow shock to circulate for 1 to 2 hours

Learn about pool care after shocking.

Step 5: Add Skill-It to Pool

Apply algaecide after shocking:

1. Shake Skill-It bottle well before using
2. Measure correct amount based on pool size
3. Pour Skill-It 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

Step 6: Brush Pool Vigorously

Essential step for algae removal:

1. Brush entire pool surface thoroughly
2. Brush walls from top to bottom
3. Brush floor in overlapping strokes
4. Brush steps, corners, and crevices
5. Brush behind ladders and fittings
6. Continue brushing for 15 to 20 minutes
7. Dislodge as much algae as possible

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:

1. After 24 to 48 hours, vacuum pool thoroughly
2. Vacuum to waste if possible
3. If vacuuming to filter, clean filter immediately after
4. Remove all visible algae debris
5. 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 for ongoing protection
• Continue elevated chlorine (3 to 5 ppm)

Follow a comprehensive pool cleaning checklist.

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 and how to use Pool RX algaecide.

Pro Tips for Maximum Effectiveness

Expert Application Tips

• Shock first: Always shock pool before adding Skill-It
• 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 practices

Avoid Common Treatment Mistakes

• Not shocking first: Skill-It 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 Treatment Success

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: Water Still Green After 48 Hours

Solutions:

• Shock pool again with double dose
• Add second treatment of Skill-It
• 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 Not Green

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 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 Skill-It 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 double the dose or repeat treatment after 24 hours.

How long does it take Skill-It to work?

Skill-It typically shows visible improvement within 24 to 48 hours when used with shock and proper brushing. Complete water clarity may take 3 to 5 days depending on algae severity.

Do I need to shock my pool when using Skill-It?

Yes! Shocking is essential for Skill-It to work effectively. Shock pool first, then add Skill-It. The combination kills algae much faster than either product alone.

Can I swim after adding Skill-It?

Wait until chlorine levels drop below 5 ppm before swimming, typically 24 to 48 hours after shocking and treating. Test chlorine before swimming to ensure safe levels.

Will Skill-It work on black algae?

Skill-It works on all algae types including black algae. For black algae, use stainless steel brush, shock heavily, and may need multiple treatments. Black algae is the most difficult to eliminate.

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 effectively.

Can I use Skill-It in a saltwater pool?

Yes! Skill-It 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 operating pressure.

Can I use Skill-It for prevention?

No. Skill-It is a treatment product for existing algae, not a preventative. For prevention, use weekly maintenance algaecides designed for ongoing algae control.

Can I use Skill-It with a solar pool ionizer?

Yes! Skill-It treats existing algae while solar pool ionizers prevent future algae growth. Use Skill-It for treatment, then add a solar ionizer for ongoing prevention and reduced chemical usage.

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

Conclusion

Bio-Dex Skill-It Fast Acting Algaecide provides rapid, effective treatment for pools with active algae growth. By following proper application procedures including shocking first, adding correct dosage (1 quart per 10,000 gallons), brushing vigorously, running pump continuously, and cleaning filter frequently, you can eliminate algae and restore water clarity within 24 to 48 hours. Complete the full treatment process and maintain proper water chemistry to prevent algae from returning.

Key Takeaways

• Dosage: 1 quart per 10,000 gallons
• Shock pool first before adding Skill-It
• Brush pool vigorously every 12 hours
• Run pump continuously for 24 to 48 hours
• Clean filter frequently (3 to 5 times during treatment)
• Vacuum pool to waste after 24 to 48 hours
• Maintain chlorine at 3 to 5 ppm during treatment
• Complete treatment takes 2 to 5 days
• Use weekly algaecide after treatment for prevention
• Wait until chlorine drops below 5 ppm before swimming

For long term algae prevention that reduces the need for aggressive treatments like Skill-It, 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 algae blooms that require fast acting treatments.