Quote Originally Posted by conquer1 View Post
If I dump that algaecide in the pool this weekend, what can I expect it to look like after that, and what would I need to do after I put it in, and about how much would I need to spend in the next 2-3 weeks on getting it clean and keeping it clean?
I actually don't know.

Using linear quat algaecides is something I've had very little reason to experiment with; I've had other, cheaper ways to get the job done. But, the availability of those algaecides from Sams at that very low price makes it worth learning, especially since many of the methods I've used commercially aren't available to you.

The 'BBB Method' is not, at it's core, rooted in Bleach, Borax, and Baking soda. Rather, it's based on using what's available in the most practical and helpful way possible.

Using chlorine to clean up sludge is not particular efficient. Nevertheless when chlorine is available very cheaply, it may still be the best way. But, cal hypo is now usually neither cheap or readily available in smaller quantities. Bleach is also not as cheap as it was, except in areas like south Florida, where it's widely and cheaply sold as 'liquid chlorine'.

Using the linear quat offers you an alternative. It's cheap (free, in this case) and unlike chlorine, it doesn't have to 'burn up' all the algae -- it just kills it and leaves it there. If you are in a hurry, that may not be so good. But if you've got time to vacuum it up and filter it out, it's possible to clean up the algae much more efficiently.

And, while you don't want to use that sort of algaecide during swim season -- it fights with the chlorine and tends to turn the pool into a suds bath, and it's irritating to people besides -- there's no reason not to use it now.

Still, I would appreciate if you would tell me exactly how things do progress, since I can't be there myself!