In an industry where ease of use, safety, and sustainability are top priorities, King Technology continues to raise the bar for pool and spa water care. Known for its popular Frog® line of mineral-based sanitizing products, the Minnesota-based company has earned a reputation for making water care easier and more effective for both homeowners and service professionals. At the 2024 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in Las Vegas, King Technology’s newest release — the Frog® Algae Blocker 4Pro — was recognized as Most Innovative Product for Service Pros, solidifying the company’s position as a market leader in user-friendly pool care solutions.
A Culture That Fuels Innovation
While King Technology may be headquartered in a region not typically associated with pool season — Minnesota — the company has built a national brand around solving water care challenges with a customer-first mindset. Over its 40-year history, King has transitioned from being known primarily as a pool-focused company to one of the most trusted names in spa care as well. Yet, the company’s leadership remains firmly grounded in the pool world.
Behind the scenes, King operates with a culture that prioritizes collaboration, creativity, and shared success. “What really stands out about King is the ‘no ego’ mentality,” said Alex Granlund, Product Marketing Manager at King Technology. “People here want to help each other, speak up, and focus on making sure we’re building products that truly enrich lives daily.”
It’s that mission — to enrich lives daily — that serves as a guiding principle across departments, from R&D to marketing to support. Every new product must pass a simple but critical test: will this make pool and spa ownership easier, safer, and more enjoyable?
Enter: Frog® Algae Blocker 4Pro
King Technology’s latest answer to that question is the Frog® Algae Blocker 4Pro, a revolutionary algae prevention product designed specifically for the service professional. Released in 2024, this EPA-registered product simplifies algae control with a powerful formula delivered in a pre-measured, drop-and-go fabric pod — no measuring, no mess, and no guessing.
“This product is about giving pool pros what they’ve been asking for: simplicity, effectiveness, and peace of mind,” said Granlund. “With Frog Algae Blocker 4Pro, one pod treats 10,000 gallons and protects against algae for six months. That means for a 30,000-gallon pool, just drop in three pods and you’re done.”
Each pod is loaded with copper sulfate pentahydrate — 52% active ingredient — and bolstered by a proprietary blend of four stain-preventing chelants that help the copper stay in solution without bonding to surfaces. “Staining is the number one fear for service pros when it comes to copper-based products,” Granlund said. “So we were incredibly intentional with our formula. We actually include 25% more stain inhibitors than other leading brands.”
A Delivery System Unlike Any Other
While the active ingredients are powerful, the true innovation lies in the delivery system. The product uses a specialized fabric pod that gradually releases the algaecide into the water over a few hours — fast enough to work quickly, but slow enough to prevent any issues with pumps, filters, or salt chlorine generators. There’s no need to shut off equipment during application, and no risk of damage to pool systems.
Once the ingredients are released, the pod floats horizontally to indicate it’s empty and can be discarded — making it easy for pool professionals to spot and remove during their next service visit.
“The fact that it’s seven times lighter than a standard quart of liquid algaecide and completely pre-dosed means there’s less weight to carry, less risk of spills, and less time wasted,” said Granlund. “It’s just a cleaner, faster, more professional way to do water care.”
Designed With Pool Pros In Mind
What sets King apart is how deeply they engage with the pool service community. Granlund explained that the Algae Blocker 4Pro wasn’t developed in a vacuum — it’s the result of seven years of research, including ride-alongs with service pros, focus groups, and ongoing field testing.
“We spent time on the job with techs to understand the reality of their day-to-day — the challenges they face, the equipment they haul, and how unpredictable each backyard can be,” said Granlund. “Every detail of this product, from its chemistry to its packaging, was designed around what we heard.”
This service-first approach has helped King Technology become increasingly relevant among pool professionals — a segment where the company is doubling down. Alongside the new product launch, King has launched an entirely new online resource hub: FrogForPros.com. The site offers training videos, product guides, and marketing materials like homeowner door hangers to help pros explain the value of the product to clients.
And there’s more to come: branded apparel, giveaways, and future webinars are also in the works to keep the pro community engaged and informed.
A Sustainable Solution for the Industry
Beyond ease of use, King Technology is also pushing the envelope on sustainability — a growing concern in the pool and spa industry. According to Strategic Market Research, the pool and spa chemicals market is projected to grow by $3.9 billion over the next few years, with eco-friendly solutions identified as a key driver.
The Algae Blocker 4Pro fits squarely into that future. Its lightweight fabric pod takes up virtually no space in landfills, especially compared to bulky plastic bottles. “Only about 8–12% of plastic is actually recycled, even when it’s labeled recyclable,” said Granlund. “So we worked with sustainability experts and discovered that minimizing plastic volume is the next best thing.”
The long-lasting six-month dose further reduces waste, eliminating the need for frequent chemical top-ups and plastic packaging. The supply chain also benefits: “We’re not shipping heavy bottles full of liquid anymore. We’re shipping concentrated pods — it’s greener, more efficient, and just makes sense.”
Expanding Pod Technology to Retail
With the success of the Frog Algae Blocker 4PRO, King Technology is expanding its pod-based product line for retailers and dealers as well. New SKUs include two algaecides, a phosphate remover, and a clarifier, all using the same stand-up pouch packaging seen in today’s food and consumer goods industries.
“It’s all about making water care as simple and sustainable as possible — whether you’re a pool pro or a homeowner,” said Granlund.
Looking Ahead
With its rich heritage, collaborative culture, and deep bench of water care expertise, King Technology is far from a newcomer. The company has been in business for over 40 years and has quietly built a loyal following across both the pool and spa segments.
But now, with bold new products like the Algae Blocker 4Pro and a renewed emphasis on sustainability and pro outreach, King Technology is positioning itself for the next generation of growth.
And if you ask Granlund, the future is bright — and a little green.
“You’re going to see a lot more from us using this pod technology,” he said. “Everything we’re doing is about making pool care easier, safer, and smarter. That’s what Frog has always stood for.”
Ready to take a deeper dive?
Listen to our entire conversation with Alex Granlund with King Technology on the Pool Magazine Podcast.
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