I too use AQ Shade a couple times in the spring to help hold back the chara some until end of June. Then I kinda just let it go as it gets pretty darn hot here anyway and fishing is slow. I like the color of the AQS, and it seems to work well for me. I will initially put in enough for 1 acre size pond and then add 12 ounces every couple of weeks to it.
Then only problem is around here AQS is 50 bucks a gallon... That part does suck!!
RC