I have been doing some research on pool algaecides. They are designed to kill blue-green, black and mustard algae and some are used to prevent algae growth during the winter storage of your pool.
There are two different types from what I have read. 1. Amonia based - BIG NO NO!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2. Mettalic based - active ingredient is copper.
Has anyone ever experimented with a copper based algaecide in their roof cleaning mix?
I see that one of the cautions with the product is staining. It also says that in too high a concentration of chlorine, it will turn hair green!
Brian
-- Edited by theroofcleaners on Thursday 3rd of September 2009 09:51:18 AM
__________________
Brian Friel The Roof Cleaners llc Oxford PA 19363 610 842 2104
Yes. This has been researched and I did a detailed thread on Copper Sulfate a few months ago.
Most of the research has been done already here on the RCIA and by several roof cleaners who add this as a residual to a treatment program. In small quantities porpotionate to the amount of roof substrate its being applied to, it is an effective method of ongoing treatment for algae.
For reference. Gloeocapsa Magma is a BLUE-GREEN algae.
The metallic based pool algeacides that contain it have a dilution ratio on the bottle. It can be used as a guideline for roof treatment application.
It is important to note the the EPA and the manufacturer say not to use this product for anything OTHER than its INTENDED application.
Having said that I am NOT promoting anyone use this. Currently it is a USE at YOUR OWN RISK and I , nor this board endorse it as it is not approved by the proper agencies for any use other than what it was manufactured for on the containers of these products.
More research, roof cleaners doing testing (i.e.double blind studies, etc.) will be needed and a thorough disertation on this topic needs to be addressed by all members here to truly be a documented, proven effective means of controlling algae on roof surfaces.
The bottom line is that in informal testing by some veterans has found promising results obtained by this additive.
I have never used copper of any kind but I use Sodium Bromide etc on a regular basis to clean up my pools ( I service 25). I'm sure it could work to a point but as Jeff said not even close to being as cost effective compared to SHC.
-- Edited by Prime Choice Power Wash on Friday 10th of July 2009 02:33:16 PM
__________________
Prime Choice Power Wash LLC Roof Cleaning Kissimmee Florida
I'm not looking for something to replace SH. I was looking more to the idea of increasing the effectiveness of SH.
From my research, copper helps prevent the photodegradation of all types of chlorine and many water treatment facilities are adding it to reduce the amount of SH they are adding to their sanitation procedures.
There is a ton of research out there that shows the benefits of chlorine and copper sulfate in killing the same type of algae we are trying to kill.
Copper sulfate has been used for years to help prevent algae bloom in ponds.
It doesn't appear that it takes much to be effective. After some more research I may start adding a small amount to my regular roof cleaning mix to see if it enhances the cleaning of the roof.
Besides my curiousity on the subject of copper, I haven't seen a lot of new posts recently so I thought I would add a few posts to spark up some conversation.
Brian
__________________
Brian Friel The Roof Cleaners llc Oxford PA 19363 610 842 2104