Fearing Phosphates?

We made it through our first heat wave of the season! With the high heat we had, pools can start to develop algae. But heat is not the only thing algae need to grow; it needs food. A primary food source for algae is phosphates. Phosphates occur naturally in the environment, but can also enter the pool from some other sources.  While not directly harmful to bathers, high levels (above 300 ppb) significantly increase the risk of algae blooms and cause chlorine to work less efficiently. Ideal phosphate levels should be kept below 100 ppb.

Phosphates Sources

The environment is the main source for phosphates to enter your pool. This includes yard waste, leaves, soil, mulch, fertilizers, and animal or bird droppings. If you have a landscaper maintaining your yard, you may want to consider removing as much debris as possible with skimming and vacuuming after they leave so the environmental debris is not sitting in the pool for an extended period of time. Phosphates can also be present in your fill water.  Many municipal water systems treat pipes with phosphates to prevent corrosion, introducing them directly into your pool when filling.  Specialty chemicals may also contain phosphates. Of course, bathers can bring phosphates into the pool as well through sunscreens, body lotions, cosmetics, sweat, and urine.

Phosphate Problem?

You cannot see or smell phosphates in the water. The most common indicators are persistent green water, recurring algae blooms, or a struggle to maintain a steady chlorine level. To confirm your levels, your phosphate levels can be tested. Your chlorine level should be below 5 ppm before you test for phosphates. If you happen to live by a golf course, you may see elevated phosphate levels due to the amount of landscape maintenance that they receive.

Phosphates Removal

If your phosphate levels are above 500 ppb, you should use a phosphate remover. If you have algae, that should be treated before treating the phosphates. Maintaining higher chlorine levels will help prevent algae blooms, but you may need to use an algaecide. After the algae have been treated, you need to make sure your water is properly balanced. The next step is to use a phosphate removal treatment product. We have found great success with phosphate removers. It is also recommended to clean your filter by means of backwashing or cartridge cleaning 24-48 hours after the phosphate treatment as the phosphate remover will turn the dissolved phosphates into a solid that gets trapped in your filter.

Phosphate Free

Think you have phosphates? Give us a call and we can help you out.