United Chemicals PT-C12 Pink Treat is a specialized algaecide designed to eliminate pink slime and 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 pink slime bacteria. This guide covers complete application procedures and best practices for pink slime treatment.
Table of Contents
What is United Chemicals PT-C12 Pink Treat?
United Chemicals PT-C12 Pink Treat is a specialized algaecide formulated specifically to eliminate pink slime and related bacteria from swimming pools. Pink slime, despite its name, is actually a bacteria (not algae) that appears as pink or reddish biofilm on pool surfaces, particularly in areas with poor circulation. Pink Treat provides targeted treatment to eliminate this stubborn bacteria and prevent its return.
Key Features of Pink Treat
- Specialized formula: Designed specifically for pink slime bacteria
- Fast acting: Eliminates pink slime quickly
- Powerful treatment: Kills resistant bacteria strains
- Works on biofilm: Penetrates and removes bacterial colonies
- 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
Understanding Pink Slime
Pink slime is a bacteria (Methylobacterium) that thrives in moist environments with poor circulation. It appears as pink, reddish, or orange biofilm on pool surfaces, particularly around return jets, steps, corners, and other areas where water flow is limited. Unlike algae, pink slime is a bacterial growth that requires specialized treatment.
Why Use Pink Treat for Pink Slime?
Benefits of Specialized Treatment
- Eliminates pink slime bacteria quickly
- Removes biofilm from surfaces
- Prevents pink slime recurrence
- Works faster than standard algaecides
- Targets bacterial growth specifically
- Easy to apply
- Works with all sanitizers
- Helps prevent future bacterial growth
When Standard Treatments Fail
Pink slime is resistant to standard chlorine treatments and regular algaecides because it's a bacteria, not algae. Pink Treat is specifically formulated to penetrate and eliminate bacterial biofilm, making it far more effective than general-purpose pool chemicals for this specific problem.
When to Use Pink Treat
Ideal Situations for Pink Treat
Pink Slime Appearance:
- Pink, reddish, or orange biofilm on surfaces
- Slimy coating on pool walls or steps
- Bacterial growth around return jets
- Biofilm in corners or low-circulation areas
After Cleaning:
- Following physical removal of pink slime
- After brushing affected areas
- To prevent immediate recurrence
- As part of comprehensive treatment
Recurring Pink Slime:
- When pink slime keeps returning
- After standard treatments have failed
- To break the cycle of bacterial growth
- For persistent biofilm problems
Step by Step Application Guide
Step 1: Test and Balance Water Chemistry
Before treating pink slime, test and adjust water:
- pH: 7.2 to 7.6 (lower end is better for treatment)
- Total Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
- Free Chlorine: Note current level
- 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 Pink Treat Dosage
United Chemicals PT-C12 Pink Treat 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 Pink Slime
For very heavy biofilm, may need to repeat treatment after 24 hours if pink slime remains.
Step 4: Remove Visible Pink Slime
Physical removal before treatment:
- Brush all affected areas vigorously
- Use stainless steel brush for stubborn biofilm
- Scrub steps, corners, and return jets
- Remove as much visible pink slime as possible
- Vacuum debris to waste if possible
Use the best pool brushes for effective removal.
Step 5: Shock Pool First
Critical step for pink slime treatment:
- Shock pool with calcium hypochlorite or liquid chlorine
- Use 2 to 3 lbs shock per 10,000 gallons
- For severe pink slime, use triple shock dose
- Add shock in evening for best results
- Allow shock to circulate for 1 to 2 hours
Step 6: Add Pink Treat to Pool
Apply treatment after shocking:
- Shake Pink Treat bottle well before using
- Measure correct amount based on pool size
- Pour Pink Treat 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 7: Brush Pool Again
Essential step after adding Pink Treat:
- 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
- Focus on areas where pink slime appeared
Step 8: 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 bacteria
- Monitor filter pressure closely
Learn about how pool circulation supports proper maintenance.
Step 9: Clean Filter Frequently
Critical for removing dead bacteria:
- 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 10: Vacuum Pool
Remove dead bacteria 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 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 for pink slime return
- 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 and weekly pool cleaning routines for clear water.
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
- Improve circulation in problem areas
For ongoing algae prevention, see how to use preventative algaecides and avoid pool cleaning mistakes.
Pro Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
Expert Tips from Pool Professionals
- Remove physically first: Brush before treating for best results
- Shock first: Always shock pool before adding Pink Treat
- Brush vigorously: Brushing is critical for biofilm removal
- Run pump continuously: 24 to 48 hours minimum
- Clean filter frequently: Expect to clean 3 to 5 times
- Vacuum to waste: Removes bacteria from pool completely
- Maintain high chlorine: Keep 3 to 5 ppm during treatment
- Improve circulation: Address poor water flow in problem areas
- Be patient: Complete treatment takes 2 to 5 days
- Practice eco-friendly methods: Learn eco-friendly pool cleaning practices
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Not brushing first: Physical removal is essential
- Not shocking first: Pink Treat 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
- Ignoring circulation: Poor flow allows pink slime return
Preventing Pink Slime Return
Improve Circulation: Pink slime thrives in areas with poor water flow. Adjust return jets, add circulation boosters, or run pump longer to improve circulation in problem areas.
Maintain Chlorine: Keep chlorine at proper levels (1 to 3 ppm) to prevent bacterial growth.
Regular Brushing: Brush pool weekly, especially in areas where pink slime previously appeared.
Weekly Algaecide: Use preventative algaecide weekly to inhibit bacterial growth.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Pink Slime Returns After Treatment
Solutions:
- Verify chlorine is maintained at 1 to 3 ppm
- Improve circulation in affected areas
- Brush pool more frequently
- Add weekly preventative algaecide
- Test and balance pH to 7.2 to 7.6
- Clean filter monthly
- May need second Pink Treat treatment
- Consider adding circulation booster
Problem: Water Cloudy After Treatment
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 bacterial treatment
- Consider replacing filter media if very old
Problem: Pink Slime in Specific Areas Only
Solutions:
- Indicates poor circulation in those areas
- Adjust return jets to improve flow
- Run pump longer each day
- Brush problem areas more frequently
- Consider adding circulation booster
- May need to reposition return jets
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Pink Treat should I use?
Use 1 quart per 10,000 gallons for standard treatment. For a 20,000 gallon pool, use 2 quarts. For severe pink slime, you may need to repeat treatment after 24 hours.
What is pink slime?
Pink slime is a bacteria (Methylobacterium) that appears as pink, reddish, or orange biofilm on pool surfaces. Despite its name, it's not algae but a bacterial growth that requires specialized treatment.
How long does it take Pink Treat to work?
Pink Treat typically eliminates pink slime within 24 to 48 hours when used with shock and proper brushing. Complete clarity may take 3 to 5 days depending on severity.
Do I need to shock my pool when using Pink Treat?
Yes! Shocking is essential for Pink Treat to work effectively. Shock pool first, then add Pink Treat. The combination kills bacteria much faster than either product alone.
Can I swim after adding Pink Treat?
Wait until chlorine levels drop below 5 ppm before swimming, typically 24 to 48 hours after shocking and treating. Test chlorine before swimming.
Why does pink slime keep coming back?
Pink slime returns when circulation is poor, chlorine levels are low, or surfaces aren't brushed regularly. Improve circulation in problem areas and maintain proper chlorine levels to prevent recurrence.
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 biofilm and allowing chemicals to work.
Can I use Pink Treat in a saltwater pool?
Yes! Pink Treat is compatible with all pool types including saltwater, chlorine, bromine, and mineral systems.
Learn about cleaning and maintaining saltwater pools.
Is pink slime harmful to swimmers?
Pink slime bacteria is generally not harmful to healthy swimmers, but it's unsightly and indicates poor water quality. It should be eliminated to maintain proper pool hygiene.
Can I use Pink Treat with a solar pool ionizer?
Yes! Pink Treat eliminates existing pink slime while solar pool ionizers help prevent future bacterial and algae growth through mineral sanitization.
Explore what does a pool ionizer do, what is solar pool ionizer, and how to choose solar pool ionizer.
Can I use Pink Treat for prevention?
No. Pink Treat is a treatment product for existing pink slime, not a preventative. For prevention, maintain proper chlorine, improve circulation, brush regularly, and use weekly algaecide.
Conclusion
United Chemicals PT-C12 Pink Treat provides fast, effective treatment for pink slime bacteria in swimming pools. By following proper application procedures (remove physically, shock first, add Pink Treat, brush vigorously, run pump continuously, clean filter frequently), you can eliminate stubborn pink slime biofilm within 24 to 48 hours. Prevent recurrence by maintaining proper chlorine levels, improving circulation in problem areas, and brushing regularly.
For long term bacteria and algae prevention that reduces the need for specialized treatments like Pink Treat, 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 bacteria and algae prevention that helps keep your pool clear and prevents the bacterial growth problems that require Pink Treat treatment.
