Pool Phosphate Remover – What Does It Do?

Phosphate Remover

Phosphates are chemical mixes holding phosphorous. Phosphorus is a nonmetal. It is needed for life and also helps plants. Algae need phosphates to grow. Phosphates remain after algaecides kill the algae. For this reason, it is important to kill all the algae first. They eat phosphates as a food source.

What is Phosphate Remover?

Phosphate removers for pools are made of natural, rare earth compounds. They usually contain lanthanum chloride. This compound binds to the phosphates in your pool water.

This makes the phosphates become tiny particles. They can be removed by your pool’s filter. But what are phosphates, and why would you want to remove them?

What Are Phosphates?

When talking about swimming pools, phosphates are compounds. They are left in your pool by organic waste. This organic waste can include leaves, twigs, and grass clippings. It can also include lawn runoff, urine, and sweat. Twigs and leaves sit in your pool. The longer they are seated, the more they break down and issue phosphates.

A pool with too many phosphates should be avoided since germs and algae can grow on them. Phosphates alone won’t cause algae (enough free chlorine stops this). But, if algae grow, it spreads fast with high phosphates.

How Do Phosphates Get Into a Pool?

Phosphate can get in your pool from detergents or soaps. Also from plant fertilizers, skin, source water, animals, soil, and plants. It can even come through the air from the dust of phosphate mines. A Pinch A Penny expert can fix the phosphate stages in your water, or you can use a Phosphate Test at home. From this, you may determine that you need to lower the level of phosphates in your pool.

Pool Phosphate Treatment

1.      Test for phosphate levels

2.      Vacuum any debris out of the pool before treating

3.      Backwash your pool filter

4.      Apply phosphate remover per label dosage rate specified

5.      Run the filter for 48 hours

6.      Backwash pool filter

7.      Retest for phosphate levels. If necessary, repeat steps 3-5

Pool Phosphate Removal Tips

1. Before testing for phosphates, balance the water. The chlorine level should be below 5 ppm.

2.      Algae should be treated and pool cleaned before testing and treating phosphates.

3.      Correct the source of the phosphate contamination, or use weekly maintenance dosage.

4.      After treatment with phosphate remover, filter pressure will rise. Backwash as needed.

5.      Small or ineffective pool filters may enjoy using a clarifier after treatment.

How To Use Phosphate Remover In Your Pool

Test Your Phosphate Levels

If you have not done so already, test the phosphate levels in your pool. Remember, organic debris can raise this number. So, you should net out leaves and similar items from your water as you work to lower it.

Choose A Phosphate Remover

The amount of phosphates in your pool varies. Choose a remover strength based on that amount. When shopping for a phosphate remover, look for its phosphate removal capacity.

Phosphate removers come in strengths that remove up to 6000 ppb or 6.0 ppm of phosphates. But, you don’t need such a strong product if you have lower levels.

Add And Circulate The Product

Follow the dosing instructions on your product packaging. They tell you how much product to add to your water. Most phosphate removers are sold premixed. You can add them to your pool’s skimmer box while the pump is running.

Phosphate removers can cause cloudy water. This happens when the phosphates leave the water and join the product. They form solid compounds. This cloudy water usually only lasts for up to 24 hours and should resolve itself as you run your filter. On some occasions, this cloudiness can last for a few days, but this is rare.

After circulating your water for at least 24 hours, retest your phosphate levels. You should find them much lower. Once you have reduced phosphates, you may choose to use a mild phosphate remover often. This will prevent a large buildup from happening again.

Recommended Phosphate Removers

We recommend Lo-Chlor’s phosphate removers. They come in many strengths. All the phosphate removers in this collection are made of nontoxic polymers. They also contain rare earth compounds. They are safe for your pool’s equipment and swimmers.

These products work in 24 hours. They don’t need vacuuming. They resist filter clogging, unlike other similar products.

Read Also: How To Add Soda Ash To a Swimming Pool

Conclusion

Phosphate removers are key for pool maintenance. But, many owners have never heard of them. These products do not kill algae. But, using them as directed can prevent algae from spreading too fast.

Also Read: What is Bioguard Smart Shock?