There are many debates out there in regard to phosphates and how they can be a big time challenge in your swimming pool. Since you can’t see them, as levels increase in the swimming pool, the water could turn green even though you have adequate amounts of chlorine in the swimming pool. Phosphates (also denoted as PO4) are known nutrients to help increase plant growth rates such as in algae. However, there are several debates (and confusion) regarding phosphates in pool water. Simply put, phosphates are food for algae, and when levels get out of control… so can your swimming pool. Like we said, your water can be perfectly balanced, you could have adequate amounts of chlorine, but if your phosphate levels are high, algae can and will grow!
Where Do Phosphates Come From?
The biggest challenge with phosphates is in certain environments they are constantly being introduced into your swimming pool water. They can be found in vegetation, fill water, lawn and garden fertilizers, and potentially in other pool chemicals. With that said, phosphates can enter your swimming pool in the following ways…
- When you add or the automatic leveler adds water into the pool
- The wind blows dirt and vegetation into the pool
- Sprinkler fun off from your lawn or landscaping gets into your pool
- Certain chemicals that contain phosphorous to help clean your pool
How do you remove phosphates from the pool?
Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of things you can do to prevent phosphates from entering the pool but you can be mindful to have the levels checked several times a year. You can also be proactive in removing dirt, debris, and vegetation from the pool as soon as possible, instead of allowing it to sit on the surface or bottom of the pool. Phosphate removers can also be extremely effective if used following the directions based on the size of your pool. Remember, if you have algae growth in your swimming pool and you are reading adequate amounts of sanitizer, it usually indicates a phosphate problem. Please note, if you use a phosphate remover, don’t go with the thought that more is better…. follow the exact directions based on the volume of your swimming pool. You can also hire a weekly pool service company that can help.
Finally, phosphates can also be removed using our mobile filtration system. We use high-pressure Reverse Osmosis membranes that lower Calcium Hardness, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), CYA, phosphates, and so much more from your swimming pool. Not to mention, we retain up to 85% of the water in your swimming pool. So remember, even though you maintain your swimming pool weekly, phosphates can enter the swimming pool, causing algae to grow. We recommend testing regularly for phosphates especially if you’re in an area with heavy vegetation and being mindful to lower the levels especially if they climb above 500 parts per billion (ppb) to prevent possible growth.
If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, please contact us today!