TL;DR: Ultima Total Control is a 2-in-1 blended shock and algaecide for swimming pools. Add 1 lb per 10,000 gallons weekly for maintenance or 2 lbs per 10,000 gallons for shock treatment. Pour around pool perimeter with pump running, brush pool, run pump 8 hours. This guide covers complete application procedures and best practices for pool shocking and algae prevention.
Table of Contents
What is Ultima Total Control?
Ultima Total Control is a unique 2-in-1 blended shock and algaecide designed to simplify pool maintenance by combining two essential treatments in one product. This convenient formula oxidizes contaminants while simultaneously preventing algae growth, making it ideal for busy pool owners who want effective results with less hassle. Total Control provides the sanitizing power of shock treatment plus the preventative benefits of algaecide in a single application.
Key Features of Total Control
- 2-in-1 formula: Combines shock and algaecide
- Dual action: Oxidizes contaminants and prevents algae
- Convenient: One product for two treatments
- Time saving: Simplifies pool maintenance routine
- Effective: Provides shock and algae prevention
- Safe for all surfaces: Compatible with vinyl, fiberglass, plaster, and tile
- Works with all sanitizers: Compatible with chlorine and salt systems
- Easy to use: Simple application process
How Total Control Differs from Separate Products
Unlike using separate shock and algaecide products, Total Control combines both treatments in one formula. This eliminates the need to purchase, store, and apply two different products, while still providing effective oxidation and algae prevention. The blended formula is designed to work synergistically for optimal pool care.
Why Choose Total Control for Pool Care?
Benefits of 2-in-1 Treatment
- Simplifies pool maintenance routine
- Saves time with single application
- Reduces chemical storage needs
- Cost effective compared to buying separately
- Oxidizes organic contaminants
- Prevents algae growth
- Maintains clear, sparkling water
- Convenient weekly treatment
Shock and Algaecide in One
Total Control provides the oxidizing power needed to eliminate organic contaminants like body oils, sunscreen, and sweat, while simultaneously delivering algae prevention. This dual action approach maintains water clarity and prevents algae growth with a single weekly treatment.
When to Use Total Control
Ideal Situations for Total Control
Weekly Maintenance:
- Regular weekly pool treatment
- Maintains water clarity and prevents algae
- Simplifies routine maintenance
- Most common use of Total Control
After Heavy Pool Use:
- After pool parties or gatherings
- Following heavy swimmer load
- When water appears dull or cloudy
- To restore water clarity quickly
See tips for cleaning your pool after a party.
After Heavy Rain:
- Storm water introduces contaminants
- Extra treatment prevents algae bloom
- Restores water balance
- Oxidizes introduced organic matter
Pool Opening:
- Initial treatment at spring opening
- Establishes clean, clear water
- Prevents algae during startup
- Begin weekly maintenance schedule
Algae Prevention:
- Prevents all types of algae growth
- Maintains algae free water
- Works continuously between treatments
- Essential during warm weather
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 Total Control, 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, 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 Total Control Dosage
Ultima Total Control dosage guidelines:
Weekly Maintenance Dose
Standard Dose: 1 lb per 10,000 gallons per week
Dosage Examples:
- 10,000 gallon pool: 1 lb weekly
- 15,000 gallon pool: 1.5 lbs weekly
- 20,000 gallon pool: 2 lbs weekly
- 25,000 gallon pool: 2.5 lbs weekly
- 30,000 gallon pool: 3 lbs weekly
Shock Treatment Dose
Treatment Dose: 2 lbs per 10,000 gallons
- Use for heavy pool use or cloudy water
- After pool parties or storms
- When water appears dull
- For initial pool opening
Step 4: Prepare for Application
Get ready to add Total Control:
- Turn on pool pump to normal operating speed
- Verify water is circulating properly
- Check that all return jets are flowing
- Ensure skimmers are functioning
- Apply in evening for best results
Learn about how pool circulation supports proper maintenance.
Step 5: Add Total Control to Pool
Apply product evenly around pool:
- Measure correct amount based on pool size
- Pour Total Control 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
- Avoid adding in direct sunlight
Step 6: Brush Pool Surfaces
Help distribute product throughout pool:
- Brush pool walls and floor after adding
- Helps circulate product evenly
- Prevents product from settling
- Ensures complete coverage
Use the best pool brushes for effective distribution.
Step 7: Run Pump and Wait
Allow proper circulation and wait before swimming:
- Run pump for minimum 8 hours after application
- Ensure good water circulation throughout pool
- Wait 8 hours before swimming
- Test chlorine before swimming (should be below 5 ppm)
- Water should be clear and sparkling
Ongoing Maintenance Schedule
Weekly Maintenance Routine
Every Week:
- Test water chemistry (pH, alkalinity, chlorine)
- Adjust chemistry as needed
- Add weekly dose of Total Control (1 lb per 10,000 gallons)
- Brush pool surfaces
- Run pump for 8 to 12 hours
- Skim surface and empty skimmer baskets
- Vacuum pool if needed
- Check filter pressure
Follow a comprehensive pool cleaning checklist and weekly pool cleaning routines for clear water.
Monthly Maintenance Tasks
- Deep clean or backwash filter
- Test all water parameters
- Inspect pool equipment
- Clean pool tiles and waterline
- Check chemical inventory and restock
- Verify water clarity and algae prevention
Learn how to clean pool tiles effectively.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer (High Use):
- Add Total Control weekly without fail
- May need shock dose (2 lbs) after heavy use
- Monitor water clarity closely
- Test water 2 to 3 times per week
Spring Opening:
- Use shock dose at pool opening (2 lbs per 10,000 gallons)
- 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
- Apply in evening: Sunlight reduces effectiveness
- Be consistent: Weekly application is key
- Maintain chlorine: Total Control works with chlorine, not instead of it
- Balance chemistry first: Proper pH ensures optimal performance
- Don't skip weeks: Consistency prevents problems
- Add after rain: Extra dose after storms prevents issues
- Brush after adding: Helps distribute product evenly
- Run pump adequately: 8 hours minimum after application
- Remove debris: Keep pool clean with regular maintenance
- Practice eco-friendly methods: Learn eco-friendly pool cleaning practices
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Adding in direct sunlight: Reduces effectiveness
- Skipping weekly doses: Inconsistent use allows problems
- Not maintaining chlorine: Total Control supplements chlorine
- Ignoring water balance: Poor chemistry reduces effectiveness
- Adding to skimmer: Always add around pool perimeter
- Not brushing: Brushing helps distribute product
- Swimming too soon: Wait 8 hours after application
- Not running pump: Needs adequate circulation
Maximizing Total Control Performance
Water Chemistry: Maintain proper balance for optimal performance. pH between 7.2 and 7.6 is critical.
Chlorine Levels: Keep chlorine at 1 to 3 ppm. Total Control works with chlorine for complete protection.
Circulation: Good water circulation ensures product reaches all areas of pool.
Timing: Apply in evening to prevent sunlight degradation of active ingredients.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Algae Appeared Despite Using Total Control
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
- Use shock dose (2 lbs per 10,000 gallons)
- Brush pool surfaces vigorously
- Clean filter thoroughly
- Resume weekly Total Control after treatment
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 Total Control application
See how to handle cloudy water in swimming pools and learn about how to use pool clarifiers.
Problem: Chlorine Level Too High After Application
Solutions:
- This is normal immediately after shocking
- Wait 8 to 24 hours for chlorine to drop
- Run pump to help dissipate chlorine
- Test before swimming (should be below 5 ppm)
- Don't swim until chlorine is safe
Problem: Product Not Dissolving Completely
Solutions:
- Ensure pump is running when adding
- Pour slowly around perimeter, not in one spot
- Brush pool after adding to help distribute
- Run pump for full 8 hours
- Check that water is circulating properly
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Total Control should I use?
Use 1 lb per 10,000 gallons for weekly maintenance or 2 lbs per 10,000 gallons for shock treatment. For a 20,000 gallon pool, use 2 lbs weekly or 4 lbs for shocking.
How often should I add Total Control?
Add weekly throughout the swimming season for best results. Consistent weekly application provides continuous oxidation and algae prevention.
Can I swim immediately after adding Total Control?
No. Wait 8 hours after application and test chlorine levels before swimming. Chlorine should be below 5 ppm for safe swimming.
Does Total Control replace regular shock?
For weekly maintenance, yes. Total Control provides shock treatment plus algae prevention. For heavy algae or severe problems, you may need additional shock.
Can I use Total Control with chlorine?
Yes! Total Control works alongside your regular chlorine sanitizer. Maintain proper chlorine levels (1 to 3 ppm) while using Total Control.
Will Total Control kill existing algae?
Total Control prevents algae and helps control light algae when used at shock dose. For heavy algae, use dedicated algae treatment first, then resume Total Control for prevention.
Can I use Total Control in a saltwater pool?
Yes! Total Control is compatible with saltwater pools and all sanitizer 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 Total Control with a solar pool ionizer?
Yes! Total Control provides shock treatment while solar pool ionizers prevent algae through mineral sanitization. They work well together for comprehensive pool care with reduced chemical usage.
Explore what does a pool ionizer do, pool ionizer pros and cons, and the advantages of solar pool ionizers for residential pools.
Why should I apply Total Control in the evening?
Sunlight can degrade the active ingredients in shock products. Evening application allows the product to work overnight without sunlight interference, providing maximum effectiveness.
Can I use Total Control with other pool chemicals?
Don't mix Total Control with other chemicals. Add it separately and allow proper circulation. Wait 8 hours before adding other treatments.
Conclusion
Ultima Total Control Blended Shock and Algaecide provides convenient 2-in-1 pool treatment that simplifies maintenance while delivering effective oxidation and algae prevention. By following proper dosing guidelines (1 lb per 10,000 gallons weekly), applying in the evening, maintaining balanced water chemistry, and running your pump adequately, you can enjoy crystal clear, algae free pool water with this time saving combination product.
For comprehensive algae prevention that works alongside Total Control while reducing overall chemical needs by up to 85%, consider adding a solar pool ionizer which releases copper and silver ions to naturally prevent algae growth, providing dual layer protection for the clearest, healthiest pool water possible with minimal chemical usage and an eco-friendly approach to pool maintenance.
