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Pool phosphate: nutrient that constitutes the development of algae
Green pool water due to the presence of phosphates
In addition to light and carbon dioxide, algae also need essential nutrients: phosphates, nitrates and some others. Eliminate any of these essential elements and the rate of algae growth and reproduction will decrease dramatically.
The phosphates in pool water They contribute to the proliferation of algae, many owners are unaware of it and when it comes to eliminating algae from the pool they do not take it into account, prolonging the problem and increasing the cost of chemical products. In this article we are going to see what phosphates are and how. We can eliminate them from the pool.
Phosphate: dissolved forms are directly available for algae growth
Phosphates are compounds found in water and are made up mainly of phosphorus and oxygen.
- The most basic phosphate unit is PO4, also known as orthophosphate. Phosphates can be derived from phosphoric acid in the form of esters or salts.
What are phosphates in the pool made of?
Phosphate composition in the pool
«Nutrients are present in various forms in pools and spas, including dissolved inorganic, dissolved organic, particulate organic and biotic forms. Only the dissolved forms are directly available for algae growth: for nitrogen and phosphorus these include ammonia (NH 4 ), nitrate (NOT 3 -) , nitrite (NO 2 -), orthophosphate (PO 4 -3 ) , as well as dissolved carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and dissolved silica (SiO 2 ) "
Where do we find phosphates?
Phosphates can be found in water, soil, and many rocks and minerals.
- First of all, most phosphates are inorganic, meaning they contain no carbon.. However, some organic phosphates have been found in nature.
- Additionally, phosphates are commonly used as plant fertilizers as they help improve root and leaf growth.
- To finish, say that they are also used in industry to make detergents, plastics and explosives.
Different types of pool phosphates
Organic phosphates are found naturally in the environment and are essential for the life of living beings.
Inorganic phosphates, on the other hand, are synthetic chemical compounds used in chemicals and agrochemicals.
Thus, inorganic phosphates are salts derived from phosphoric acid. Generally speaking, inorganic phosphates have four oxygen atoms bonded to one phosphorus atom. There are two types of inorganic phosphates that we have to deal with in swimming pools: orthophosphates and condensed phosphates.
How phosphates get into the pool
Phosphates are a chemical compound that occurs naturally in water. They can come from various sources, such as soil, animal or plant waste, and even detergents and soaps. Although not toxic to people, phosphates can be harmful to the pool by promoting the growth of algae and bacteria.
Below, we name some of the ways in which phosphates can enter the pool:
- Phosphates occur naturally in drinking water, because tap water treatment and distribution centers usually treat drinking water with phosphate-based sequestrants, to protect infrastructure and pipes from the formation of scale.
- chemically: There are phosphate-based chemicals, such as sequestrants, that are often used in the pool industry to prevent scale and other metal or metal stains. Chemicals like those used in swimming pools, such as chlorinators and brighteners.
- Organically: Through the soil, since if the soil is contaminated with phosphates, it is possible that they leach into the pool through the walls or bottom. Another possibility is through weather conditions, as wind and rain can introduce soil and other phosphate-containing contaminants into the water. For example, the plants and grass surrounding the pool, if fertilizers are used to preserve them, can slide into the pool during rain or wind. The same if we are near a rural area. Another example of this phenomenon, although rare, can be fires, which usually produce a lot of phosphorus and nitrogen.
- Lastly, animals, especially dogs, can be a source of phosphates.
There are certain levels of phosphates in a pool that are unavoidable.
Useful guide to know how to clean the pool
Guide to maintaining a pool with water in perfect condition
You may encounter a lot of misinformation and myths about phosphates and what their function is.
Likewise, some levels of phosphate are unavoidable. However, we recommend that you focus on the chemical balance of the pool and avoid algae growth.
Stop worrying about phosphate levels. Pool owners have other things to monitor, measure and test in their pools. Therefore, keep in mind to maintain chemical balance levels to ensure that your pool remains clean and free of algae during the summer but without obsession.
What is the problem with phosphates in pools and spas?
Phosphates are a problem in pools and spas because they promote the growth of algae and bacteria.
It is important to keep phosphate levels low to keep your pool or spa clean and safe.
In the world of swimming pools, it is important to pay attention to phosphate levels, since these constitute food for certain unwanted microorganisms, such as algae.
- First of all, phosphates are an essential nutrient for the development of plants and animals, but in excess, they can have adverse effects on water. Phosphates can come from various sources, such as detergents, human and animal waste, fertilizers, and industrial waste.
- In swimming pools, phosphates can increase the growth of unwanted algae because they act as a fertilizer for them. It is for this reason that it is recommended to keep phosphate levels in swimming pools as low as possible.
- In addition, they also reduce chlorine levels, which makes water more prone to contamination.
Fortunately, there are chemicals and/or treatments available to help reduce and/or eliminate phosphates in pools.
It is recommended that you consult with a pool professional to determine the best method for treating elevated phosphate levels in your pool.
Therefore, keeping pool phosphate levels under control is essential to ensure a clean and safe environment. If you suspect that phosphate levels in your pool are high, consult with a specialist for more information on how to address the problem.
Optimal value of phosphates in pool water
Ideal pool phosphate level
El optimal phosphate level should be below 100 ppb, if when analyzing the water we verify that it is above this value, it is advisable to act as soon as possible to remove phosphates from the poolIf the concentration of phosphates is very high, it may be cheaper to throw away all or part of the pool water.
How do you remove phosphates from the pool?
Phosphates are one of the main contaminants of surface and groundwater.
Their presence can cause eutrophication, which in turn can damage the aquatic environment.
Phosphate removal is a proactive way to protect our water resources. There are several ways to achieve this, but one of the most effective is through the use of chemicals specially designed for this task. These products can help remove phosphates from the water, which will prevent them from accumulating in the environment. If you are looking for an effective way to remove phosphates from your property, then consider using chemicals specially designed for this task.
Most effective ways to remove phosphates from the pool
Is the salt pool exempt from having green water?
Do not ignore the green pool water, put a solution, now!
Remove phosphates from the pool with a chemical product
One of the most effective ways to remove phosphates from your property is by using specially designed chemicals.
There are several ways to remove phosphates from the pool.
Practices to get rid of pool phosphates
- First of all, you can use a special chemical called phosphate remover, which is found in most pool stores (below on this page we tell you the details and you can buy it).
- You can also add un flocculant to the pool, which will help the phosphates precipitate to the bottom, where they can be collected by the pool cleaner.
- Another option is to install an activated carbon filter, which will help remove phosphates from the water.
These products can help remove phosphates from water, preventing them from accumulating in the environment. If you are looking for an effective way to remove phosphates from your property, consider using specially designed chemicals.
Avoid phosphate buildup in the pool
To prevent phosphates from accumulating again in the pool, it is important to follow a series of steps:
Methods to avoid phosphates in the pool
- Clean the pool filter regularly.
- Apply a phosphate remover to the pool (prevents its appearance).
- Treat the water with a special chemical called an oxidizer, which will help remove any organic waste that may be present in the water.
- Empty the pool regularly and clean the edges with a hose or brush.
Buy phosphate remover
Pool phosphate remover price
Buy Acid descaling and deoxidizing cleaner.
Acid descaling and deoxidizing cleaner. price
Buy Polyphosphate pool filter
Polyphosphate salt filter price
Pool antiphosphates to reduce and eliminate
How to reduce and eliminate green water with pool antiphosphates
If you are looking for a way to remove phosphate from your pool, there are a few options available.
Phosphates can come from a variety of sources, including runoff from lawns and gardens, household cleaning products, and even the air. While phosphates are not harmful to humans, they can cause problems in your pool.
Phosphates can promote the growth of algae and other aquatic plants in your pool. At high concentrations, they can also cause cloudy water. If you suspect that phosphates are causing problems in your pool, there are a few ways to test them. You can purchase a phosphate test kit at most pool supply stores.
Once you have determined that phosphates are present in your pool, you will need to take steps to remove them.
- One option is to use a phosphate remover. These products are available at most pool supply stores. They work by binding to phosphates in the water and removing them from the pool.
- Another option to remove phosphate from your pool is to use a polyphosphate filter. These filters work by binding to phosphate molecules and preventing them from entering the pool. Polyphosphate filters are more expensive than phosphate removers, but they are more effective at removing phosphates from your pool.
- If you have high levels of phosphate in your pool, you may need to take more drastic measures to remove it. In some cases, You may need to drain and refill your pool. This will remove all the phosphate from your pool and give you a fresh start.
Phosphate removal in the pool is proactive
Phosphate removers are a good preventative measure, although they may not be necessary.
- If you can maintain a ratio of free chlorine to isocyanuric acid (CL: CYA or AI) of 0.075: 1 part per million, the chlorine should be able to get ahead of the algae.
- This means that if you have a free chlorine concentration of 0.75 ppm and an isocyanuric acid (CYA) concentration of 10 ppm, then your pool will be in the optimal range.
- However, if you reduce the free chlorine concentration to 0.5 ppm or the isocyanuric acid (CYA) concentration to 8 ppm, then your pool will be at the lower end of the optimal range and algae may begin to appear.
- To reduce the amount of phosphate in your pool, you can use a chemical called "phosphate remover." These products can be purchased at pool stores and online.
Video how pool phosphate remover works
PHOSOUT pool phosphate remover: Eliminates Phosphates and Prevents algae growth
- Phostout, the solution for the appearance of algae in your pool. Does your pool have algae or yellow algae that feed on phosphates? PHOS OUT is the solution.
How to remove phosphates from the pool
to remove phosphate, but this is not as effective as using a specific phosphate remover.
How to remove phosphates from the pool
When the pool is green, try to lower the phosphates
Technique to learn how to eliminate pool phosphates
1st step: Pool skimmer cleaning
Rinse the pool skimmer
- Everything, such as insects, organic debris, leaves and twigs, can raise phosphate levels.
- Clean the skimmer after avoiding adding phosphates again.
- Add PHOSfree to the skimmer after getting rid of the actual phosphates.
- Consider emptying skimmer baskets frequently to clean debris quickly.
- Likewise, cleaning the skimmer can also improve water circulation.
2nd step lower pool phosphates: Disinfect the pool filter
How to clean the pool without using the filter
What is the pool treatment plant, how to choose it correctly, install it and maintain it
Clean the entire pool filtration system to lower phosphates in a pool
- Likewise, the filter will trap algae, leaves, and other debris, but will not remove phosphates.
- Cleaning or replacing your pool filter will ensure that phosphates do not cycle through.
- You should also check the filter regularly to make sure it is working properly.
3rd step to lower pool phosphates: Cleaning the pool glass
Mopping and vacuuming the pool floor helps lower phosphates in a pool
- It ranges from organic matter to vacuuming and scrubbing pool floors and walls.
- Brushing them more frequently will prevent algae growth.
- Be sure to vacuum your pool properly to ensure you remove all the dirt and scum from the floor.
- Many pool swimmers apply this treatment once a week
4th step: How to lower phosphates in a pool: EVALUATE IF YOU SHOULD add new water
Emptying 1/4 part of the pool and renewing with new water can be a way out
Regarding this point, it will be carried out as long as we have the water very saturated or in very poor condition. And, obviously, the worse the water is, the more it must be emptied and refilled with purified water.
- Drain your pool and add fresh water, since the most effective and standard method is to drain and refill the pool.
- In truth, with this method, you will remove the old water and completely add fresh water using cyanuric acid to protect the levels of chlorine and other pool chemicals. We recommend that you do partial recharges/drains.
- Be sure to check the chemistry level before draining and refilling your pool.
5th step: Measure and if necessary correct the pH
Pool pH value: its adjustment is vital for the treatment to function
- On the one hand, it is worth mentioning that the incorrect pH quickly reduces the effectiveness of chlorine.
- On the other hand, it is very important to take into consideration that the recommended pH level is: 7,2-7,4.
- Furthermore, this is one of the most important values in disinfecting pool water.
Take a measurement and add acid to lower the pH or product to raise the pH and bring it within the optimal range.
6th step: Add calcium to the pool
Calcium will block phosphate while reducing algae availability.
- Initially, calcium is an excellent option in pool maintenance because it will raise the calcium levels in the water while reducing the presence of algae (green water in the pool).
- Calcium levels should be between 220-400 ppm.
- There are still not enough studies to fully determine the level of toxicity to humans and organisms.
- However, according to preliminary findings, this chemical element, lanthanum, is not recommended for swimming pools.
Calcium increaser for swimming pools
Pool hardness increaser price
7th Reduction process: Apply phosphate remover for swimming pools
As we already mentioned, a phosphate remover contains lanthanum.
Lanthanum is a fairly rare metal on earth that can remove phosphates from your pool quickly. You can use a phosphate remover called PHOS free which is found in online stores and physical pool stores.
If your pool's phosphate levels are above 900 ppb, the appropriate dosage is 1,5 L per 10.000 gallons of pool water.
- You may see a whitish milky color when you add it, but it will disappear after an hour of circulation.
- Once the circulation is done, you can start swimming in your pool right away! Your phosphate levels should be significantly lower and you won't have to worry about those pesky algae anymore.
- If you have any questions about using a phosphate remover in your pool, feel free to ask in the comments below. Thank you for reading!
8th Action to lower pool phosphates: Use a clarifier tablet
We bind the dead algae with the clarifier so that the filter retains them
P0a flocculant that makes them agglutinate so that the filter removes them from the water.
With a good dose of chlorine and corrected pH the algae will die, being bleached in the process. This leaves less green but more cloudy water from all the dead bleached algae.
9th step to lower pool phosphates: Start the pool filter and backwash
Pool filtration to lower phosphates in a pool
- Subsequently, the filter must be running since we will have to move the water continuously for the next 24 hours or so, both to mix the chemicals that we will add and to eliminate dead algae.
Pool filter backwash
- The dead algae now trapped in the filter must be removed to keep it working efficiently.
- So, you need to periodically backwash the filter (say 2-3 times every 24 hours depending on how much algae there is) to send it away.
- At the end of the procedure, the analysis of the water parameter should always be repeated and if necessary adjust again.
How to clean the pool filter with backwash
10th Test with an analytical test of the phosphate level
Test how the pool water values are in general
- Lastly, we test the phosphate levels in the water.
- On a memorial level, phosphate is a fertilizer that will promote algae growth. It can get into the water from garden runoff and bird droppings. If levels are too high, you could be contributing to the algae problem
- In this way, if it is not set to less than 100ppm we will repeat the process. Although, perhaps
11th step: POOL READY TO ENJOY
Pool filtration to lower phosphates in a pool
After circulation ends, you can start swimming because there are no more phosphates in the water.
- Keep your pool at phosphate levels between 100 and 125 ppm, but you should begin treatment if the level exceeds 500.
How to remove phosphates from the pool?
How to eliminate phosphates?
Pool antiphosphates
Ultra-concentrated phosphate remover in the pool
What chemicals are needed to remove phosphates from the pool?
To remove phosphates from your pool, you will need some special chemicals, such as an oxidizer, a flocculant, and a phosphate remover.
- All of these products are found in most pool stores.
Pool phosphate remover – How does it work?
Remove phosphates from the pool with a remover
Pool phosphate removers are made up of a synthetic resin that attracts and absorbs phosphates from the water.
- For one thing, this resin is woven into a matrix, which is hung on the edge of the pool or placed inside the pool filter.
- On the other hand. The resin has a limited ability to absorb phosphates, so it needs to be replaced periodically to maintain its effectiveness.
What is the function of the phosphate remover?
What is phosphate remover used for in the pool?
- This helps keep the water clean and clear by preventing the algae from feeding on phosphates.
- Pool phosphate removers also help protect pool equipment, such as pumps and filters, against corrosion caused by phosphates.
How to apply pool phosphate remover
Steps to use the pool phosphate remover
Procedure for adding pool antiphosphates
- To start, leave the pump running for at least 12 hours.
- With high temperatures or intensive use of the pool, it may be necessary to dose more product.
- Perform this treatment preferably in the evening, after the last bath of the day.
- It can be used as an algaecide and clarification treatment for water from fountains, decorative ponds and water jets.
- It is not indicated for ponds where animals drink or fish live.
- Finally, mention that if some product comes out when you open the cap, open the container above the pool water.
What is antiphosphate for swimming pools?
What are pool antiphosphates like?
Buy concentrate to eliminate pool phosphates
Pool phosphate remover price
Varieties of ultra-concentrated pool phosphate remover
Pool eliminators are effective but are not a permanent solution
Pool phosphate removers are effective at reducing phosphate levels in the water, but they are not a permanent solution.
Other actions that may be necessary to lower phosphates in the pool
Actions to lower high phosphate in pool water
- If phosphate levels in your water are high, you may also need to apply an algaecide and/or a flocculant to help control the problem.
- Additionally, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using any pool chemical, as some chemicals can interact with each other and cause harm.
Buy Algaecide to reduce pool phosphates
Algaecide price to reduce phosphates in the pool
How to measure the value of phosphates in the pool
What are phosphate strips for in the pool?
Characteristics of strips to measure the value of phosphates in the pool
- Analytical strips for determine phosphate level (algae foods) in pool water.
- Reads 0, 100, 200, 300, 500, 1000, and 2500 ppb phosphate levels in as little as 15 seconds.
- It allows analyzing the level of phosphates in the pool, for subsequent treatment with CTX PhosFree (see related products).
- 25 strips per bottle.
Features and benefits of strips to measure the phosphate level of the pool
Why measure the phosphate level of the pool?
- Insta-TEST Phosphate Test Strips for Pools and Spas provide fast, reliable water testing results.
- Phosphates contribute significantly to algae growth and can reduce the effectiveness of some automatic chlorination systems.
- This unique analysis allows the user to interpret low range test results by looking at the reagent sample tube.
- Analysis instructions are on the bottle along with a color chart.
- Keep the phosphate level below 300 ppb to avoid problems in your pool.
- This unique packaging includes a desiccant coating that protects the strips from moisture.
- It is important to keep unused strips free of moisture so that they can provide an accurate analysis and help protect swimmers and pool or spa equipment.
Tips for using phosphate strips in the pool
- Fill a small jar with about 2,5 inch of pool water.
- Take a strip from the jar. Close the bottle and insert the strip into the sample bottle with the pads facing the inside of the bottle, do not bend the strip. Close the sample bottle and turn it 5 times so that the water moves from bottom to top evenly throughout the strip.
- Remove the cap and take out the test strip.
- Place the base of the sample tube in the white box of the color chart until it is located in the color closest to the sample.
The advice for use is indicated for informational purposes and may vary due to changes in the formulation or modifications by the manufacturer. It is necessary to follow the instructions contained on the label that accompanies the product.