what is a phosphate treatment for a pool

Pool Phosphate Treatment

1. Test for phosphate levels
2. Backwash your pool filter thoroughly
3. Apply phosphate remover per label dosage rate specified
4. Run filter for 48 hours
5. Backwash pool filter
6. Retest for phosphate levels. If necessary, repeat steps 3-5

Full Answer

What is the best phosphate treatment for my Pool?

Dec 13, 2017 · Remove phosphates from your pool when levels exceed 1000 ppb. Once your phosphate levels exceed 1000 ppb, I would consider purchasing a phosphate remover. Keep in mind though, phosphate remover will not rid your green pool. Reduce the high cost of removing phosphates by being proactive. Keep in mind, phosphate remover is preventative, not a remedy.

Will phosphate remover kill algae in my Pool?

Phosphate removers won’t eliminate algae and keep you from having a green pool. To do that, you’ll have to invest in an algaecide or improve your chlorine levels. Keep this in mind if your pool water is looking green as a result of algae. There is no need to use a phosphate remover if you’re already using chlorine to maintain a healthy pool.

How do you use phosfree in a pool?

In order to rid phosphates from your pool, you will need to use a chemical to remove them. This chemical will not kill algae; it is simply a phosphate removal system. The best way to prevent against algae and phosphate growth is to perform regular pool maintenance. Brushing regularly is key to preventing algae.

What happens if you have too much phosphate in a pool?

May 06, 2021 · Some pool owners add a phosphate reducer chemical to their pool to decrease the phosphate level. I never recommend adding chemicals to eliminate other chemicals as you are only chemically polluting your pool. And remember, the less exposure you have to any chemicals the better for your health.

What do phosphates do to a pool?

High phosphate levels feed algae and promote algae growth, which in turn makes it more difficult and expensive to kill the algae and keep your pool chemistry balanced. High phosphate levels also use up chlorine quickly, making it even more difficult to kill the algae and keep your pool clean.

Do I need to treat phosphates in my pool?

Ideally, you want no phosphates in your water. A level between 100-125 ppm is acceptable, but once you start to get higher than 500, it is time to start treatment. In order to rid phosphates from your pool, you will need to use a chemical to remove them.Aug 8, 2018

Can you swim in a pool with high phosphates?

While high levels of phosphates in the hot tub or swimming pool are not ideal, if you address other algae growth components, it's unlikely to be a concern. Phosphates are inevitable, no matter how much testing you do or how many chemical controls are applied.Nov 24, 2020

How often should I put phosphate remover in my pool?

1:364:23Eliminate Algae and Boost Your Pool's Chlorine Level with a Phosphate ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEvery week for about two or three weeks.MoreEvery week for about two or three weeks.

Does clarifier remove phosphates?

While dosing, water will quickly cloud up with an intensity that corresponds to the phosphate contamination. Following up with an effective clarifier, along with a clean pool filter is the best way to clear the cloudiness and rid the pool of contamination.

Can you put too much phosphate remover in pool?

The effects phosphate removers have on the environment can be toxic. Phosphate removers won't eliminate algae and keep you from having a green pool. To do that, you'll have to invest in an algaecide or improve your chlorine levels. Keep this in mind if your pool water is looking green as a result of algae.

How do you lower phosphates in pool water?

How do You Control Phosphate Levels in a Pool?Skim regularly. ... Clean your filters. ... Keep your pool balanced, and control your calcium levels. ... Control algae with an algaecide.Jul 24, 2019

Do phosphates eat up chlorine?

Phosphates eat the chlorine, with low to no chlorine leads to algae growth. Only treat when needed. Phoenix products: “Cloudiness will occur upon addition and increase filter pressure, therefore backwash and/or clean the filter as necessary. Recheck phosphate level after application and treat accordingly.”Aug 23, 2018

Do phosphates make pool cloudy?

The more common scenario with cloudiness in pools with high phosphate levels is that algae grows quickly due to the nutrients available (i.e. phosphates and probably nitrates). Early algae growth often looks like dull or cloudy water before it eventually turns into a full-fledged green algae bloom.May 1, 2010

Will phosphate remover clear a cloudy pool?

In a Nutshell: Phosphate removers will not clear up green pools and they do not kill algae! Algae thrives on the phosphates as their food source, so if there are algae present in the pool, you can be certain the phosphate level is low or even zero.Apr 25, 2019

Why does phosphate remover make pool cloudy?

Phosphate removers can also cause cloudy or hazy water as they bind to phosphates and cause them to fall out of solution and precipitate for removal by filtration.Sep 14, 2020

What are the chemicals that are used in swimming pools?

Usually, swimmers bring the majority of the phosphates into the pool with them. Contaminants like makeup, lotions, shampoos, dirt, leaves, and other pool chemicals like scale and stain products account for the majority of the phos phates in your pool.

Can you have a green pool with white sediment?

If you’ve already experienced this, you already know that this won’t solve your green pool. Now, you have a green pool AND white sediment at the bottom of your pool. The first thing pool owners should focus on is removing the algae. In this particular case, once the pH and alkalinity levels were correct, the water was clear.

Can phosphorus enter a pool?

Phosphates might enter your pool one of several ways, but rainwater is not one of them. Rainwater itself isn’t phosphorous. In fact, it’s impossible as phosphates do not atomize in the atmosphere. However, once the rainwater runs off into the soil, then it becomes phosphorous. Usually, swimmers bring the majority of the phosphates into ...

Can phosphates be in a pool?

That is why it is common for phosphates to be in your swimming pool. But how exactly do phosphates enter your pool? There have been many debates suggesting how phosphates enter your swimming pool. Some argue that excess rainwater or fertilizer can affect your phosphate levels. Which is true, sort of.

Is phosphate remover a preventative?

Keep in mind, phosphate remover is preventative, not a remedy. Test and treat phosphates annually. There isn’t a need to worry about them constantly. Instead, focus more on keeping your pool properly balances.

Can phosphate remover be used on a green pool?

Once your phosphate levels exceed 1000 ppb, I would consider purchasing a phosphate remover. Keep in mind though, phospha te remover will not rid your green pool. Reduce the high cost of removing phosphates by being proactive. Keep in mind, phosphate remover is preventative, not a remedy. Test and treat phosphates annually.

Do you need phosphate remover?

To be honest, there probably wasn’t a need to purchase the phosphate remover. In most cases, you won’t have a need for phosphate remover. In fact, there is no scientific evidence that even proves that phosphates actually increase algal growth rates when phosphate levels are below 1000 parts per billion (ppb).

How to prevent algae buildup in pool?

If you live in an area that’s constantly sunny and you have high phosphate growth, you should be brushing your swimming pool regularly (at least weekly) to prevent algae buildup too.

What are phosphorus and hydrogen?

Phosphates are chemical compounds that have phosphorus, an element that’s naturally occurring. Phosphates also have amounts of oxygen and hydrogen, in addition to other factors. These are inorganic materials that can potentially cloud your water, depending on your pool water levels.

Can phosphate remover be used on pool surfaces?

Many phosphate remover products are compatible with sanitizers, pool surfaces, and filters, but definitely check your specific brand and product before use.

Can you use algaecide on a pool?

If you also use an algaecide as recommended above, the chances of your swimming pool developing an algae bloom are lowered even more. You can also do your best to keep your pool clean, which can do wonders for preventing phosphate buildup. When you brush your swimming pool on a regular basis, it prevents algae growth.

Is 100 phosphate a good level for a pool?

However, a phosphate level of under 100 ppb is perfectly fine. Because you’re a pool owner, chances are you’re already using a sanitizer like chlorine in your pool, which makes it an inhospitable environment to algae.

Is phosphate bad for pool?

If you’re considering removing the phosphates in your pool to keep algae from growing, forget it. These phosphates aren’t harmful or toxic. If algae is your pool’s issue, use an algaecide regularly, and shock your pool at night for the best effects. You’ll also need to keep those chlorine levels in check, too.

Can leaves in a pool add phosphates?

Even leaves in your pool can add phosphates. It’s possible for pool owners to accidentally add phosphates to pool water if they’re using chemical products that have phosphorus materials or phosphoric acid.

What does phosphate do to a pool?

What Does Phosphate Have to Do with a Swimming Pool? When testing your water chemistry, most check for sanitizer (chlorine and bromine) and pH. Others testing for commercial pools and on a weekly basis for homeowners include tests for alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanruic acid.

What is the best level of phosphate to remove from a pool?

A level between 100-125 ppm is acceptable, but once you start to get higher than 500, it is time to start treatment. In order to rid phosphates from your pool, you will need to use a chemical to remove them. This chemical will not kill algae; it is simply a phosphate removal system.

How to prevent algae in pool?

The best way to prevent against algae and phosphate growth is to perform regular pool maintenance. Brushing regularly is key to preventing algae. Many people rely on their pool professional to perform this once weekly service, but when you have high phosphate levels and lots of sun, algae can quickly and easily develop.

Why do pools have phosphates?

Phosphates are mostly inorganic materials that have the potential to feed and encourage algae growth in your swimming pool, as well as cloud your water. Algae needs sun, water, air, and a food source such as nitrates and phosphates to flourish. That is why a swimming pool is the perfect environment for algae to bloom!

What is the environment of a pool?

Your pool is in an open environment subject to sun, water from rain, air, and algae food that can be introduced in many ways. These phosphates are present in your landscaping and fertilizer materials that can be introduced through wind and water run-off by means of rain or your own backyard watering efforts.

Can you brush a pool with phosphate?

If you are cleaning up your surrounding deck areas, also be sure not to spray or brush deck debris into or toward the pool. If you have a high phosphate level, you want to consider using a phosphate remover. This phosphate remover will remove the phosphates in an effort to thwart algae growth.

Why add phosphate reducer to pool?

Some pool owners add a phosphate reducer chemical to their pool to decrease the phosphate level. I never recommend adding chemicals to eliminate other chemicals as you are only chemically polluting your pool. And remember, the less exposure you have to any chemicals the better for your health.

Why is phosphate in my pool?

Phosphates may become an issue in your swimming pool as high levels of phosphates may promote the growth of algae. While all water sources may contain phosphates and it’s not possible to completely eliminate phosphates you need to monitor the level of phosphate in your pool to ensure it’s not causing a problem.

Why is my pool algaey?

Pool Maintenance. When you have high levels of phosphates in the pool this is not the only reason algae takes up residence in your pool. Algae like dirty, stagnant water. If your chlorine sanitation and filtration is inadequate it will promote the growth of algae. Regularly brush the pool to eliminate algae from clinging to the surfaces.

What is a phosphate test kit?

Most phosphate test kits measure the concentration of orthophosphates which are the main nutrients for algae growth. You need to prevent increased phosphate levels to eliminate algae breakouts and maintain clean, healthy pool water.

What is the best concentration of phosphates in a pool?

Ideally the concentration of phosphates in a pool should be below 250ppb (0.25ppm). However, the concentration would need to be above 1000ppb (1ppm) to contribute towards significant algae growth. An unclean pool is more likely to be the cause of an algae breakout.

Why does algae grow in my pool?

This is often the primary cause of algae growth, as algae is a water plant that loves to thrive on phosphate. Once algae begin to grow in your pool it will attract all sorts of unwanted guests , such as water bugs, frogs, etc., that want to feed on the algae and each other. However, high levels of phosphates are not the only reason algae takes up ...

How to prevent algae from growing in pool?

When the pool water is balanced and clean add algaecide to the water to prevent algae from growing in the first instance. Keep the pool covered when not in use to prevent algae spores entering the water. Maintain your pool chemistry and chlorine levels within the recommended ranges.

How to get rid of phosphate buildup in pool?

Keeping organic materials, such as leaves and yard waste, out of your pool prevents phosphate buildup. As organic material breaks down, it releases phosphates into the water. Another option is to prevent algae buildup as much as possible. If you need to remove phosphates, there are chemicals that you can use.

Why is phosphate bad for a pool?

High levels of phosphates promote algae growth, which can hurt the lining of your pool. Those same phosphates also use up chlorine quickly, making it harder to maintain your pool. This makes your pool maintenance more expensive and time-consuming.

How does high phosphate affect your pool?

High phosphate levels may affect your health if it is too high. More importantly, it will affect how you manage your pool. High phosphate levels feed algae and promote algae growth, which in turn makes it more difficult and expensive to kill the algae and keep your pool chemistry balanced. High phosphate levels also use up chlorine quickly, making ...

Why is my pool water cloudy?

If your pool water is green and cloudy, it is possible that the phosphate levels in your pool are too high. Having too many phosphates in your pool can make algae growth more likely and makes it more difficult to maintain proper pool chemistry.

What is the best way to make a pool green?

At high enough levels, phosphates feed algae to grow in your pool. This will turn your pool’s water green and cloudy.

Where do phosphates come from?

Where do pool phosphates come from? The phosphates in your pool come from garden fertilizer runoff, rotting leaves, certain pool chemicals, and your city’s water supply . As you swim in your pool, the residue from skin and hair products may also contain phosphates.

Can you remove phosphate from a pool?

This will turn your pool’s water green and cloudy. It is unlikely that you will be able to remove all of the phosphates from your pool. However, your goal is to keep phosphate levels low enough that they won’t help algae grow.

What are phosphates and organics?

What are Phosphates? Phosphates and organics are a pool's #1 enemy. Phosphates are plant nutrients that can also be a pollutant . To thrive, algae depends on phosphates. The higher the level of phosphates present in water, the greater the risk of algae growth.

How to prevent algae in swimming pool?

The best preventative approach to correct the root cause of algae growth is to eliminate phosphates. The removal of phosphates in products such as laundry detergents, soaps and dishwasher detergents in North America has helped prevent algae overgrowth in lakes and rivers. In swimming pools, we can do the same thing by adding NoPHOS. This product will reduce phosphate levels in the water easily and effectively to near-zero without disturbing the appropriate chemical balance in pool water. At these levels, the nutrient-starved algae are easily controlled with normal sanitation. Use NoPHOS if the phosphate level is higher than 300 ppb (parts per billion) once the phosphate level has been reduced to under 100 ppb, use Perfect Weekly to maintain it.

Can you add nophos to a pool?

DON' T: Add to a pool with live algae or a pool that is not clean or balanced. DO: Swim immediately after applying NoPHOS: it is gentle on the skin, non-toxic and is safe for the environment. DO: Shake NoPHOS to properly mix the ingredients. DO: Monitor the filter pressure after adding NoPHOS.

Can you use nophos with sanitizer?

DO: Use NoPHOS with any sanitizer system including Chlorine, Bromine, Mineral systems, Ionizers, Biguanides (Baquacil, Aqua Silk, etc.) and Salt Systems.#N#DON'T: Add more than the recommended amount at one time.

What products work best for phosphate levels in pool?

The two products that works best for these phosphate levels are BioGuard’s Pool Tonic and Natural Chemistry’s PhosFree.

How long does it take for a pool to clear after removing phosphates?

Phosfloc is not as easy to use as other phosphate removers, but it can take a pool from looking terrible to pretty clear in 24 hours.

What to do after using a phosphate remover?

After using a phosphate remover, you will probably want to invest in a weekly phosphate remover like Pool Perfect+Phosfree or Pool Complete to prevent high levels of phosphates from returning. Pool Complete especially is great since is eliminate the need for a separate clarifier if you are already using one of those. .

How long does phosphate stay in pool water?

In these cases, you will want a serious phosphate remover. The one we recommend is Natural Chemistry’s PhosFloc. It settles in the water for up to 12 hours.

Does phosphate remover kill algae?

It is important to remember though, that phosphate removers will take out phosphates but not kill algae that is already growing in the water. You will still need an algae killer for that. If you are already seeing issues with phosphates, choose one of the options in the 500-1000 range below. .

Does Pool Complete remove phosphates?

Pool Complete has proven to be great for not only removing lower levels of phosphates, but it is also an amazing clarifier and uses enzymes to break down oils and scum lines in the water. If you prefer Natural Chemistry products, Pool Perfect plus Phosfree is also great for weekly phosphate treatment. It has a strong enzyme for removing water ...

Do you need to add phosphate remover?

Usually below that number we don’t find it necessary to add a phosphate remover unless you have had a history of algae problems or continuous phosphate growth.

Where are phosphates found in pool water?

They are found in lawn and garden fertilizers, decaying vegetation, municipal water , cosmetic items on bathers, and even other pool chemicals. This means a fresh batch of phosphates enter your water when any of the following occur:

What is the simplest form of phosphates?

Phosphate compounds are broken down into their simplest form, orthophosphates, in one of the following three ways: Regardless of how it happens, if phosphates are allowed to remain present in pool, spa, or pond water, they will be reduced to orthophosphates, which are the only form of phosphates that algae can digest.

Why is my pool cloudy?

If your water chemistry and phosphate levels seem to be in check, one potential cause of the cloudiness in your pool could be dead algae. Phosphates are the food supply for algae, thus high phosphate levels promote algae growth.

Can phosphate removers kill algae?

Phosphate remover myth buster: We want to take this opportunity to clear up a myth about phosphate removers: they do not kill existing algae. Once bloomed, only superchlorination and/or an algaecide will do the job.

Is PHOSfree a sanitizer?

PHOSfree is a powerful, EPA-approved enzymatic formula that reduces phosphate levels to near zero. It is non-toxic and compatible with all sanitizers, filter types and pool surfaces. Unlike chlorine shock, swimmers can enjoy their pool or spa immediately after use.

Can you remove phosphates from a pool?

You use chemicals containing TSP, or any amount of phosphoric, phosphonic or other phosphorous based ingredients to clean your pool. As such, you can never completely remove phosphates.

Does phosphate kill algae?

On a similar note, the high phosphate levels you were experiencing could have resulted in the growth of microscopic algae -- phosphates are the food source for algae -- and when you used PHOSfree to lower your phosphate levels, it, in turn, could have killed the algae by starving it of its food source.

What are phosphates in pool water?

Phosphates are a type of organic chemical derived from phosphoric acid. They are present in fertilizers, skin and hair products, leaves, and other pool chemicals. Put simply, phosphates are one of many algae food sources found in water. Some studies show phosphates aren’t even the worst offender, as phosphates only affect algae in pool water ...

Why do you need a phosphate test kit for a pool?

For many pool owners, a swimming pool phosphate test kit is a fact of life to ensure water purity. But regardless of how many tests you’ve performed, you may not know just what phosphates are and how they relate to the health of your pool or spa water.

How to prevent algae growth in pool?

Instead, take these simple steps to prevent algae growth: empty the skimmer and pump baskets frequently. keep the filter clean. vacuum dirt and debris as needed.

How much phosphates are bad for algae?

Some studies show phosphates aren’t even the worst offender, as phosphates only affect algae in pool water at extremely high levels—1,000 parts per billion or more.

Does a pool make algae?

Also, products like Pool Marvel and Spa Marvel create a less-than-hospitable environment for algae by naturally breaking down and inhibiting components that contribute to algae growth. The bottom line is that while high phosphates in a pool or phosphates in the hot tub are food for algae, they’re not the sole cause of algae bloom.

Can you test phosphate in a pool?

A swimming pool phosphate testing kit can be purchased separately. You can also take a water sample and have it analyzed by a pool professional. But again, high phosphates in your pool are not a cause for alarm, as phosphates and algae don’t always directly correlate to algae growth in spa or pool water.

Can a pool with no phosphates grow algae?

But the presence of high phosphates in the pool or phosphates in the hot tub does not determine whether algae will grow or not. Even a spa or pool with no phosphates can grow algae.