Algae are microscopic plants — and the most common, troublesome aspect of pool maintenance. They can make your pool cloudy and murky. They also can clog your filter, and increase chlorine demand even before they are visible. Algae usually start in hard-to-reach crevices in the pool surface or areas of poor circulation. You need algae protection the most when water temperatures rise. That's why the middle of the swimming season is prime time for algae to develop.

Prevention is by far the best way to fight algae. That's why an algae preventative is part of every BioGuard® maintenance program. In spite of preventive measures, however, outbreaks can sometimes occur. Luckily, BioGuard has the products to prevent algae, control algae and kill algae. Preventing algae is the third step in either of our chlorinating 3-Step Programs.

SoftSwim® pool owners should go to the SoftSwim Program section and refer to the first step. SoftSwim A is a premium algicide that's formulated to prevent algae effectively in biguanide pools.

Below are the three categories of BioGuard algae products.

ALGAE KILLER
There's only one algae killer listed here, because Banish® is our newest, most effective algicide ever. It contains a patented chelant that prevents staining — a common occurrence with other copper-based algicides.

Banish
• THE solution to algae problems: Kills ALL types of swimming pool algae!
• Fast-acting formula produces results in 24 hours
• Allows swimmers to return to water soon after treatment
• Patented non-staining, non-foaming formula
• Clears water while it kills the algae
• Works in pools treated with chlorinating or brominating products
• Does not affect pH so pH adjustments are unnecessary after treatment
• You can shock while using Banish so the pool is ready for swimming. It's less troublesome to use than many other algae killers, because There are fewer steps than when trying to do both with other algae killers.

ALGAE INHIBITORS
As we mentioned before in the Algae Product section, prevention is the best defense when it comes to algae. BioGuard® knows how important it is. That's why algae prevention is STEP 3 in both the BioGuard Once-a-Week 3-Step Program and the BioGuard 3-Step Program.

In our SoftSwim program, SoftSwim A provides extraordinary protection against algae growth.

Optimizer® Plus
Optimize the program!! This product helps all BioGuard programs work more efficiently. It buffers the water and helps keep the water balanced. You have to work less to keep the water balanced as swimmers and rain affect it.
• Enhances the performance of all BioGuard's Pool Maintenance Programs.
• Suppresses algae growth, greatly reducing the likelihood of an algae bloom
• For use in all pool types
• Will not evaporate and is not destroyed by ultra-violet rays of the sun
• Easy-to-use granular product
• Buffers water balance to prevent pH bounce
• Noticeably softens the water so it feels gentle on your skin

Using Optimizer Plus is recommended with any of the BioGuard Pool Maintenance Programs.
Not available in California

Back Up®
This is BioGuard®'s most effective algae preventative.
• Highly effective formula prevents wide variety of algae growth
• Concentrated formula needs application only every two weeks
• Stable in sunlight and will not evaporate
• Activity increases as water temperature rises (and you need protection the most)
• Powerful surfactant/wetting agent makes Back Up able to work in tiny cracks and crevices where algae starts
• Won't affect pH levels
• Non-staining

Applying Back Up is STEP 3 of the BioGuard Once-a-Week 3-Step Program and the BioGuard 3-Step Program.

Algae All 60™
This product is a highly effective algae preventative. It is recommended for use with pools with an attached spa or water features.
• Excellent for use with pools with attached spas or fountains
• Treats stubborn algae growths in chlorinated or brominated pools
• Non-foaming and non-staining
• Effective on all algae types
• pH neutral

Use Algae All 60 as STEP 3 of the BioGuard Once-a-Week 3-Step Program and the BioGuard 3-Step Program if your pool has an attached spa or fountain.

ALGAE CLEANERS
Both of these BioGuard cleaners remove stains caused by algae. We most often recommend Erase™ because it is effective on algae deposits. Please see below for more details.

Erase™
Erase is a unique, non-metallic pool cleaner. It works with the chlorine residual to effectively remove algae deposits.
• Acts quickly on all types of algae deposits
• Swimmers can return to water only one hour after treatment
• Convenient, easy skimmer application
• Unique non-metallic, non-foaming algae cleaner
• Aids in the clean-up of yellow, green and black deposits when used with chlorinating products according to label directions
• Works in pools treated with chlorinating or brominating products
• pH neutral
• Ideal for pools treated with ionizers or catalytic mineral devices.

Mustard Buster®
Specifically formulated to kill yellow or mustard algae.
• Works with chlorinating products to clean away resistant strains of green algae including mustard algae
• Will not add metals to the water
• Is non-corrosive so it won't harm pool equipment or surfaces
• Quick results