BioGuard Algae Complete is a dual-purpose algae treatment and preventative for swimming pools. Add 1 quart per 10,000 gallons for treatment or 4 oz per 10,000 gallons weekly for prevention. Pour around pool perimeter with pump running, brush pool, run pump 24 hours. Works to eliminate existing algae and prevent future growth. This guide covers complete application procedures and best practices.
Table of Contents
What is BioGuard Algae Complete?
BioGuard Algae Complete is a professional grade dual-purpose algae treatment designed to both eliminate existing algae and prevent future algae growth in swimming pools. This powerful formula works quickly to clear algae while providing ongoing protection, making it ideal for pools experiencing algae problems or those requiring comprehensive algae management. Algae Complete is effective against all types of algae including green, yellow (mustard), and black algae.
Key Features of Algae Complete
- Dual-purpose formula: Treats existing algae and prevents future growth
- Fast acting: Eliminates algae quickly
- Broad spectrum: Works against all algae types
- Powerful treatment: Handles stubborn algae problems
- Preventative protection: Provides ongoing algae control
- 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 Algae Complete Differs from Single-Purpose Products
Unlike products that only treat existing algae or only prevent algae, Algae Complete addresses both needs simultaneously. This eliminates the need to purchase and apply separate products for treatment and prevention, simplifying pool maintenance while providing comprehensive algae control.
Why Use Algae Complete for Pool Care?
Benefits of Dual-Purpose Treatment
- Eliminates existing algae quickly
- Prevents future algae growth
- Treats all types of algae
- Maintains crystal clear water
- Reduces need for multiple products
- Simplifies pool maintenance routine
- Cost effective solution
- Works with all sanitizers
Treatment and Prevention in One
Algae Complete works as both a treatment for active algae problems and a preventative when used at maintenance dosage. This versatility makes it ideal for pools that need immediate algae treatment followed by ongoing prevention, or for regular weekly use to keep pools algae free.
When to Use Algae Complete
Ideal Situations for Algae Complete
Algae Treatment:
- Green tint to water
- Algae spots on surfaces
- Visible algae growth
- Cloudy water with algae present
For severe algae, see how to fix green pool quickly and learn about whether solar pool ionizer is effective against mustard algae.
Weekly Prevention:
- Regular weekly maintenance
- Prevents algae before it starts
- Maintains clear water
- Most cost effective use
Follow weekly pool cleaning routines for clear water.
Pool Opening:
- Spring pool opening
- Establishes algae control from season start
- Treats any algae from winter
- Prevents algae during startup
Learn about the optimal time to install a solar pool ionizer.
After Heavy Rain or Storms:
- Rainwater introduces algae spores
- Extra dose prevents algae bloom
- Protects during vulnerable period
Step by Step Application Guide
Step 1: Test and Balance Water Chemistry
Before treating, test and adjust water:
- pH: 7.2 to 7.6
- Total Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
- Free Chlorine: 1 to 3 ppm (minimum)
- 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) × 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 Algae Complete Dosage
BioGuard Algae Complete dosage guidelines:
Algae 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)
Weekly Prevention Dose
4 oz per 10,000 gallons per week
Dosage Examples:
- 10,000 gallon pool: 4 oz weekly
- 15,000 gallon pool: 6 oz weekly
- 20,000 gallon pool: 8 oz weekly
- 25,000 gallon pool: 10 oz weekly
- 30,000 gallon pool: 12 oz weekly
Step 4: Shock Pool (For Algae Treatment)
If treating existing algae, shock first:
- Shock pool with calcium hypochlorite or liquid chlorine
- Use 2 to 3 lbs shock per 10,000 gallons
- For heavy algae, use triple shock dose
- Add shock in evening for best results
- Allow shock to circulate for 1 to 2 hours
Step 5: Add Algae Complete to Pool
Apply product to pool water:
- Shake Algae Complete bottle well before using
- Measure correct amount based on pool size and purpose
- Pour Algae Complete 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 Surfaces
Help distribute product and dislodge algae:
- Brush entire pool surface thoroughly
- Brush walls from top to bottom
- Brush floor in overlapping strokes
- Brush steps, corners, and crevices
- Focus on areas with visible algae
- Continue brushing for 10 to 15 minutes
Use the best pool brushes for effective distribution.
Step 7: Run Pump Continuously
Ensure proper circulation:
- Run pump continuously for 24 hours after treatment
- For prevention dose, run pump 8 to 12 hours
- Do not turn off pump during treatment
- Allows chemicals to circulate throughout pool
- Filters out dead algae
- Monitor filter pressure
Learn about how pool circulation supports proper maintenance.
Step 8: Clean Filter and Vacuum
Remove dead algae from pool:
- Clean or backwash filter when pressure rises 8 to 10 PSI
- After 24 hours, vacuum pool thoroughly
- Vacuum to waste if possible for heavy algae
- If vacuuming to filter, clean filter immediately after
- Remove all visible algae debris
Post Treatment Maintenance
Immediate Follow Up (First Week)
Daily Tasks:
- Test chlorine levels (maintain 1 to 3 ppm)
- Test pH and adjust to 7.2 to 7.6
- Brush pool surfaces daily
- Run pump 8 to 12 hours daily
- Monitor water clarity
- Clean filter as needed
After Treatment:
- Switch to weekly prevention dose (4 oz per 10,000 gallons)
- Test all water chemistry parameters
- Continue weekly Algae Complete application
- Maintain proper chlorine levels
Follow a comprehensive pool cleaning checklist for beginners 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 prevention dose of Algae Complete (4 oz per 10,000 gallons)
- Brush pool surfaces weekly
- Vacuum pool weekly
- Clean filter monthly
For additional algae prevention options, see how to use No Mor Problems swimming pool algaecide and how to use Pool RX algaecide.
Pro Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
Expert Tips from Pool Professionals
- Shock first for treatment: Always shock pool before using treatment dose
- Brush vigorously: Brushing is critical for algae removal
- Run pump continuously: 24 hours for treatment, 8 to 12 hours for prevention
- Clean filter frequently: Expect to clean filter during treatment
- Maintain chlorine: Keep at 1 to 3 ppm minimum
- Balance pH first: Proper pH ensures treatment effectiveness
- Be consistent: Weekly prevention prevents algae problems
- Switch to prevention: After treatment, use weekly prevention dose
- Remove debris: Keep pool clean with regular maintenance
- Practice eco-friendly methods: Learn eco-friendly pool cleaning practices
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Not shocking first: Treatment dose works best with shock
- Insufficient brushing: Must brush to dislodge algae
- Turning off pump: Needs continuous circulation during treatment
- Not cleaning filter: Clogged filter reduces effectiveness
- Swimming too soon: Wait until chlorine is safe (below 5 ppm)
- Stopping prevention: Algae returns without weekly maintenance
- Ignoring water balance: Poor chemistry reduces effectiveness
- Using wrong dosage: Treatment and prevention doses are different
Maximizing Algae Complete Effectiveness
Water Chemistry: Maintain pH between 7.2 and 7.6 for optimal performance.
Chlorine Levels: Keep chlorine at 1 to 3 ppm. Algae Complete works with chlorine for complete protection.
Brushing: Brush pool surfaces to dislodge algae and expose it to chemicals.
Prevention: Weekly prevention dose is more effective and economical than repeated treatments.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Algae Still Present After Treatment
Solutions:
- Verify treatment dose was adequate for pool size
- Shock pool again with double dose
- Add second treatment of Algae Complete if needed
- Brush pool vigorously
- Clean filter thoroughly
- Run pump continuously for another 24 hours
- Test and balance pH to 7.2 to 7.6
- Verify chlorine is at 1 to 3 ppm
Problem: Water Cloudy But Algae Gone
Solutions:
- Continue running pump 12 to 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 2 to 3 days for complete clarity
See how to handle cloudy water in swimming pools and learn about how to use pool clarifiers.
Problem: Algae Returns After Treatment
Solutions:
- Switch to weekly prevention dose (4 oz per 10,000 gallons)
- Verify chlorine is maintained at 1 to 3 ppm
- Test and balance pH to 7.2 to 7.6
- Brush pool weekly
- Clean filter monthly
- Establish consistent maintenance routine
- Consider adding solar ionizer for prevention
Problem: Filter Clogs During Treatment
Solutions:
- This is normal during algae treatment
- Clean or backwash filter when pressure rises 8 to 10 PSI
- May need to clean filter 2 to 3 times
- Continue running pump for full 24 hours
- Vacuum to waste to reduce filter load
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Algae Complete should I use?
Use 1 quart per 10,000 gallons for algae treatment or 4 oz per 10,000 gallons for weekly prevention. For a 20,000 gallon pool, use 2 quarts for treatment or 8 oz weekly for prevention.
How long does it take Algae Complete to work?
Algae Complete typically shows improvement within 24 hours when used with shock and proper brushing. Complete clearing may take 2 to 3 days depending on algae severity.
Do I need to shock my pool when using Algae Complete?
Shock is required when using the treatment dose for existing algae. For weekly prevention dose, shocking is not necessary unless you have other water quality issues.
Can I swim after adding Algae Complete?
For prevention dose, you can swim after 15 minutes. For treatment dose with shock, wait until chlorine drops below 5 ppm, typically 24 hours. Test chlorine before swimming.
Can I use Algae Complete for prevention?
Yes! Algae Complete works as both treatment and prevention. Use 1 quart per 10,000 gallons for treatment, then switch to 4 oz per 10,000 gallons weekly for prevention.
How often should I add Algae Complete?
Add weekly at prevention dose (4 oz per 10,000 gallons) throughout the swimming season for best results. Use treatment dose (1 quart per 10,000 gallons) only when algae is present.
Can I use Algae Complete with chlorine?
Yes! Algae Complete works alongside chlorine for complete pool protection. Maintain proper chlorine levels (1 to 3 ppm) while using Algae Complete.
Can I use Algae Complete in a saltwater pool?
Yes! Algae Complete is compatible with all pool types including saltwater, chlorine, bromine, and mineral systems.
Learn about cleaning and maintaining saltwater pools.
What's the difference between treatment and prevention doses?
Treatment dose (1 quart per 10,000 gallons) is used to eliminate existing algae. Prevention dose (4 oz per 10,000 gallons) is used weekly to prevent algae from growing. Always use treatment dose with shock for active algae.
Can I use Algae Complete with a solar pool ionizer?
Yes! Algae Complete treats existing algae while solar pool ionizers prevent future algae growth. Use Algae Complete for treatment, then a solar ionizer provides ongoing prevention with reduced chemical usage.
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
BioGuard Algae Complete provides versatile dual-purpose algae control for swimming pools, working as both a powerful treatment for existing algae and an effective preventative when used weekly. By following proper application procedures (shock first for treatment, use correct dosage, brush pool, run pump adequately), you can eliminate algae problems and prevent future growth with a single product that simplifies pool maintenance while providing comprehensive algae protection.
For long term algae prevention that works alongside Algae Complete while reducing chlorine needs by up to 85%, consider adding a solar pool ionizer which uses solar power to release copper and silver ions continuously, providing season long algae and bacteria prevention that helps keep your pool clear and reduces the need for chemical treatments like Algae Complete.
