How much algaecide do you use in a 16'x48' above ground pool?

Question:Also how often do you use algaecide?

Answers:
One thing that you need to know about algaecide is that it is not necessary and is really just a waste of money. I wondered the same thing myself about how much algaecide to use when I first got my pool so I decided to call the Olin Chemicals hotline that was on the algaecide container (Olin is a major manufacturer of chlorine and pool products in the US). After chewing the fat with the hotline guy I realized that we went to high school together (come to find out, the hotline was at the Olin plant that was about 20 miles from my house). Anyway, he told me that all I needed to maintain my pool is chlorine. He said that the chlorine level should be maintained properly and that would keep the water clean and sterile and that the pool should be "shocked" or super chlorinated about every 2 to 3 weeks or after a heavy rain or heavy swimming. This super clorination will kill any algaecide that begins to build resistance to your daily clorination. The only time algaecide is needed is when you have a infestation of mustard aglae or red or brown algae and for this you must visit a pool store for speciality algaecide products that are to be used for that specific algae. By using regular algaecide, algae can build a resistance to it much like a bacteria can build a resistance to antibiotics. We've had our pool for 15 years and haven't used algaecide for the past 14 years and have had no problems whatsoever. Just remember to chlorinate and shock regularly.