Frequently asked questions

algarine is a tested and approved product that was introduced on the market to fill a gap which currently available products have not been able to fill. In fact, interviews with thousands of pool owners have allowed us to determine that a number of problems occur during heat waves, among them:
• Algae formation
• Instability in pH levels
• And questionable water clarity

algarine works to fight off these problems by:
• Controlling algae
• Stabilizing pH levels
• Clarifying water
• Decreasing the amount of chlorine required

All of the ingredients that make up this tested and proven solution have been stabilized, calibrated and chosen specifically to:
• Reduce the amount of chlorine required.
• Eliminate or diminish the need for any other unnecessary chemical product when treating pool water.

Yes. It is completely safe to use algarine in your Jacuzzi or Spa.

The following Health Canada document highlights the many benefits of copper sulphate algaecides for swimming pool use, specifying that they:
• Control algae
• Improve water clarity
• Reduce the amount of chlorine- or bromine-based products needed

They do not however:
• Control micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses
• Eliminate the need for sanitizers such as chlorine- or bromine-based pool products

algarine contains 1.5% copper. Copper is efficient and safe when used appropriately. The unique and certified formulation of algarine ensures both safety and efficiency.

• You can start using algarine at any time during the season.
• algarine can also be used in water where many chemical products have already been used.
• algarine can also be used in water with high concentrations of disinfectants.

Please refer to the “Use” section for more details.

algarine is compatible will all types of chlorine, as well as bromine, lithium and peroxide (active oxygen).

algarine is compatible will all types of chlorine.

On the market, you will find the following types of chlorine:
1. Granular chlorine
calcium hypochlorite (HTH)
2. Liquid chlorine
sodium hypochlorite
3. Stabilized chlorine (puck)
trichloro-s-triazinetrione (trichloro-isocyanuric acid)
4. Stabilized chlorine in granular powder
sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione (sodium dichloro- isocyanurate)

1. Granular chlorine
calcium hypochlorite (HTH)

Developed by OLIN in 1928, this manufacturing process has provided for producing concentrated chlorine. This process was called “High Test Hypochlorite.” Nowadays, it is better known as its abbreviation, HTH. Calcium hypochlorite is often called “granular chlorine”. It is the form of chlorine most used by pool owners.
• Usual active concentration: 65%
• Available chlorine content: 65%
• pH: 11

Strengths:
• Easily handled
• No significant storage degradation

Weaknesses:
• Raises pH
• Chlorine residual in pool dissipates rapidly in sunlight

2. Liquid chlorine sodium hypochlorite

First produced in 1785 by hypochlorite was produced in a chemical plant in Javel, France. Sodium hypochlorite is only stable as a solution. Pool chlorine bleach is usually double the strength of laundry bleach.
• Usual active concentration: 10.8% (12% commercial)
• Available chlorine content: 10.3%
• pH: 13

Strengths:
• Completely miscible in water
• As bulk liquid, it is the most economical source of chlorine sanitizer

Weaknesses:
• Bulky and heavy to handle
• Bleaches clothes
• Raises pH
• Significant breakdown during storage
• Residual chlorine concentration in pool dissipates rapidly in sunlight

3. Stabilized chlorine (puck) trichloro-s-triazinetrione (trichloro- isocyanuric acid)

Sometimes called “trichlor” for brevity, this white granular powder is most often sold in tablets. Trichlor is the most active of pool chlorines. This property should be taken into account both in terms of handling and storage.
• Usual active concentration: 100%
• Available chlorine content: 90%
• Stabilizer content: 56%
• pH: 2.8

Strengths:
• Easily handled
• Slow-dissolving
• Ideal for chlorinators
• Residual chlorine stabilized

Weaknesses:
• Lowers pH

4. Stabilized chlorine in granular powder sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione (sodium dichloro- isocyanurate)

This white granular substance is sometimes called “dichlor” or “sodium dichlor.” Like trichlor, this other form of stabilized chlorine is popular with residential pool owners.
• Usual active concentration: 100%
• Available chlorine content: 62%
• Stabilizer content: 57%
• pH: 6.7

Strengths:
• Easily handled
• Fast-dissolving
• Little effect on pH
• Residual chlorine stabilized

Weaknesses:
• Most costly form chlorine sanitizer

All experts and regulatory agencies recommend regular overchlorination of pool water. To achieve this, a disinfectant suited to the quality of your water must be used. Such overchlorination will ensure irreproachable microbiologic water quality. (Ask your pool specialist.)

• Follow disinfectant manufacturer and pool specialist recommendations while keeping in mind that extreme conditions call for more frequent overchlorinations.
• Overchlorinating is also crucial after heat waves or after intensive pool use.
• Overchlorination does not affect the efficiency of algarine in any way.

Yes. Following the disinfectant shock treatment, dilute a double dose of algarine (or triple if water temperature exceeds 26°C) in a bucket of water (preferably warm) and pour it in front of the return fittings or distribute it around the basin.

Only disinfectant (chlorine, bromine, etc.). Nothing else for the rest of the season. If water is abnormally hard (e.g., artesian well, etc.), you may have to re-balance the water. In case of doubt, consult with your pool specialist.

Yes, algarine is completely compatible with all types of water heaters.

algarine is completely safe for all users when it is used in compliance with the instructions provided on the product label.

algarine is registered by Health Canada and Office Fédéral de la Santé Publique (Switzerland). This accreditation confirms that the product is efficient and safe.

As for all other domestic products, you must keep the product container closed and keep it away from the reach of children.

Since algarine is a chemical product, it must only be mixed with water. Any other combination may trigger a chemical reaction that may release heat or harmful gas emanations.

The need for disinfectant varies greatly during the course of a season.
With algarine, at the start and at the end of the season, very little disinfectant is required because the water is colder and less bathers use the pool.

However, during mid season, both the higher temperatures and the frequent use of the pool are very demanding on the disinfectant. In order to keep the concentration of the disinfectant in the water at a safe level and to keep the water bacteria free, higher levels should be used.

With algarine, you have the choice to use the proper product at the right time: not more not less.