The Truth About Phosphates in Your Pool

[@colleentuckett9888]

This is so fantastic! My husband is a bit stubborn that Chlorine will kill everything- but we have a windscreen of foxtail palms right above our cage and we are 59 ft from a lake where the wind goes right over the cattails and such. I bought the pho’s free from this video and I am so pleased. Also as a resident of FL I am learning to leave my pump running all a day when my kids are in it in the summer- 90 degree days, sunscreen and rain plus phosphates makes for a high maintenance pool. Thanks!

[@SPL]

Glad it was helpful! 👍

[@socratesvela8285]

My pool store was like, you have 750ppb and I need a $50 bottle, I was like I have phosfree , so she is like use that, but man $50 is a lot for something I don't need. Thx. I joined your channel.

[@dianeb7438]

Great podcast! You cleared up a lot of confusion surrounding the use of phosphate remover.

[@daviddeleon9540]

This is my exact problem at my Palm Springs home. I’ve been thinking my pool guy has been negligent in maintaining the chlorine level. But he said he has a lot of chlorine and thinks the heat from the sun is diminishing the chlorine. But listening to this podcast tells me different. I have algae in the dead spots near my steps and corners of the pool. I will try this and report back later this week.

[@eug504ene]

I really enjoyed your explanation on this. I see I am listening to it three years later. So I will ask for an update do you still not use it on your pool? Or do you know use it to maintain stronger chlorine levels, since the price of chlorine has skyrocketed

[@SPL]

Using the maintenance does does help the chlorine level stay steady. Would recommend it.

[@bosborn1]

I’m a commercial pool builder and it drives me crazy that you can find just about any pool product on amazon for equal or better pricing. It makes you question if it’s worth dealing with a salesman or just ordering it on amazon. As you know most wholesalers want you to jump through hoops to prove your a business. You would think the pricing would be better.

[@SPL]

I couldn't agree more. The online price for the Phosfree is actually lower than SCP. It is unreal. Not sure how that can be since Natural Chemistry sells to the PoolCorp and then turns around and has an amazon store and undersells the distributor. Seriously?

[@bosborn1]

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To - SPL I’ve brought this up to my SCP rep and I get no answer. We have a local wholesaler who generally beats SCP’s prices...but there service is, well.....not the greatest. But it makes me wonder how my local wholesaler can get better pricing than SCP. The supply chain in the industry is getting really messed up. It’s a real problem when volume buyers are paying more than joehomeowner with a Prime account. It’s the same with builder supplies. I often find myself buying things from across the country and paying for overnight shipping, all the while having the largest wholesale pool supply warehouse in the southeast 30 minutes away from me.

[@frankwiddifield7520]

It's the price point Amazon demands with their "buying power". Just the way walmart sells things for cheaper. That's kinda the way business goes, so I don't have too much of an issue with that. My issue is when you tell a homeowner their pump needs replaced and you give them a installed price, then the next day they are showing you a Amazon printout saying that you are ripping them off. It's like a car mechanic saying your car is overheating cause it needs a new water pump, and you tell him it's cheaper on Amazon. Well, have Amazon come install it for you! Good luck.

[@SPL]

@@frankwiddifield7520 Exactly. A big issue for sure and one Jandy is addressing right now. The internet prices should match up with our retail pricing and not the wholesale pricing. Whos idea was that?

[@bosborn1]

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To - SPL Jandy has pulled some of their products off Amazon. From what I’ve been told the Levelor system will only be available from distributors. I try to explain to people that I have very little markup on equipment. In order to not lose money I have to markup a little. There are operational costs to moving products in and out of inventory. If you tell them they will have a hard time getting a qualified and licensed contractor to install a product that was purchased from a source that probably won’t offer support, that tends to help. I have people who ask about getting there own equipment, I tell them that I will install it, however I will not warranty it nor will I perform any service on it.

[@missingunknown6277]

Thank You for the videos! Opened my pool that hadn't been opened in 3 years! The old cover was torn to shreds, the pool was dark green, and had a thick layer of leaves and other dabrees at the bottom. We scooped as much of the leaves and dabrees off the bottom, shocked the pool and vacuumed. I used clarifier as directed for a couple weeks. Still cloudy. I used flock. Still cloudy. Made sure my chemistry was dead on. Still cloudy. I've been running my filter 24/7 for two weeks, back washing when needed and vacuuming. Still cloudy. Could Phosphates be my problem?

[@finned958]

Home Depot sell phosphate remover for $15 a bottle that treats 10,000 gallons. So I bought two bottles and it’s cheaper than any other phosphate remover. I have an algae problem so this is helpful.

[@SPL]

Thanks for the tip! Great price. 👍

[@len04856]

Phosphates actually neutralize chlorine. You don’t have to have algae present for phosphates to kill all chlorine. This is very important on salt systems that make a finite amount of chlorine in a given day. Metal removers that have phosphoric acid can introduce phosphates to your pool water. Also when Oak trees give off their annual bloom (yellow dust) . Within a week or so there is usually a phosphate spike in your pool water , if Oak trees are nearby. My threshold for phosphates is zero. Pool service in Orlando, Fl. 14 years experience

[@alann5003]

Are you saying that even if your pool is chemically balanced with no visible algae. phosphates still exist and renders chlorine in your pool ineffective?

[@faamecanic1970]

I know this is old but I have read just as many experts say that Phosphates are already in their oxidized state and do NOT contribute to chlorine demand as I have hear what you are saying. However the phosphates may allowed a huge explosion of algae and you have to have a high level of chlorine in pool to kill the quickly replicating algae (my thoughts on this). I have also heard if your Phos levels are at or below 1,000 ppb...and you maintain your pool chemistry...you will not have algae.

[@cardo1111]

Great info as always. Wish you had a vid on how to properly close an in-ground pool,. I know you are in an area where pools are open year round. Thanks for all the helpful vids!

[@SPL]

Thanks for the great feedback! Swim University has a good video on closing your pool. 👍

[@jacobk4290]

My phosphates are at like 300 but all my other levels are good. The pool store told me to do phosphate treatment but I'd have to run my system for 48 hours straight and then clean the cartridge filters. Pool seems fine so I'm gonna hold off on it

[@SPL]

300 ppb is on the low side.

[@lpattenaude1716]

@@SPL Leslies recommends adding when outside 0-100ppb, my level is at 396

[@lordgarth1]

If you have algae under control it doesn’t matter if it has food. Having said that I do think the car preventive maintenance comparison isn’t a good one as PM is a good thing in that case.

[@darinferreira4448]

David, are you still using Phos Free on your route to fight algae issues this summer (july-aug 2021)? I have found that algae problems have been especially difficult this year possibly due to the covid pandemic, and pools getting more use because more people are at home. It makes, either starve the algae or kill it with algaecide. Which way do you think is more cost effective considering the extremely high price of chlorine products lately

[@SPL]

Adding the phosphate and enzymes seem to be the way to go. Effective for me. I also like to add borates to the pools I can to bring the level to 50 ppm. I sell it to the customer as a Water Conditioner.

[@jeffrodriguez2374]

Hi FL Pool owner here. Went to pool store today to get chlorine and test water. Phosphates have been really high the last fees months but today they were at 2627 ppb and alkalinity was 18!! Chlorine was also low so I will add a jug of that but my question is what and how much phosphate remover should I use? Pool is about 12-15k gallons PS: No visible algae

[@SPL]

Would follow the directions on the bottle for a full phosphate treatment. If it is the PHOSefree stuff typically the entire bottle.

[@jeffrodriguez2374]

Thanks!

[@faamecanic1970]

Reading the PhosFree bottle you shouldnt add more than 48 oz at a time, then clean your filter (or backwash). Then add another 48 oz if neccessary....rinse repeat.

[@RockyStatue]

What happens if you don’t vacuum out phosphates after treatment? Will the eventually mix back into water and cause issues? Thank you and take care

[@SPL]

I believe algae will feed on it and reform.

[@RockyStatue]

@@SPL thanks for response. I’ve had pool pros tell me both. Many don’t vac to waste and let sand filter do the job. I did phos treat 1.5 months ago and worked great..but phos level back to 1000 and algae is back.

[@consuelozamora6082]

The pool company told me to use the Phos Free first. Do I really have to wait 48 hours to put chlorine in?

[@new002one]

My pool is at day 12th of the traditional startup with white plaster. The “Pro” just finished his work yesterday. I brought a sample of water to be tested at Leslie and the chemical balance is way off. pH is too high, alkalinity is too low, chlorine is too low. Phosphate is 1140. My pool water is clear and no algae noticed. Should I add some phosphate remover to bring that number down? Also wonder what makes it too high. I added a bottle if Beautec Easy Care last week on day 3. Thanks

[@SPL]

Add some phosphate remover. Not sure why it's so high but treat it before you get algae.

[@new002one]

@@SPL thank you

[@robvisola8890]

I saw your yellow trine video first, spent $$ on that…Yellow Algae keeps coming. Added Borax to 50 waiting to see if algae returns, but I may need this now. So now that you say phosfree works no more yellowtrine for u?

[@RicardoMachin-hn4hs]

Chlorine is at 15, my phosphates are at 2900, my calcium hardness is at 61, I was told to wait till the algae is gone before increasing the hardness, is this correct ?

[@SPL]

Pretty low hardness. Would raise it now

[@RicardoMachin-hn4hs]

thank you !@@SPL

[@rubenscott3972]

Had 600 phosphate the new and improved phosphate remover I got said half is good for 600 I used half in one week it went down 100 how long would I have to wait for it to lower it

[@SPL]

It should lower it down in the first week. Pour the rest in.

[@davidmackeracher3222]

What about low levels of Cyanuric acid possibly being the cause of rapid chlorine depletion and algae blooms?

[@SPL]

Yes, very low CYA levels is also not good.

[@aregee7121]

Iron staining problem. Algae bloom in past but none now. Will need to have chlorine very low. Phosphate level 2500. So I'd better reduce the phosphates unless I want another algae bloom?

[@SPL]

Yes, keep phosphates at as close to zero as you can.

[@jimbo5635]

Didn't know borates helped with algea. Thought it was just a pH stabilizer

[@SPL]

They do. They work great actually.

[@jasonborrelli3633]

Your videos are invaluable, thanks you so much for the content. I have high CL demand. CYA, PH, ALK all look good. Just the CL is 1.0 or less. SWG has been 100% output for a month (since opening). The weather in NJ has been mild, CL demand should not be that high now. My pool is crystal clear. Can algae be invisible? My phosphates were test by the pool store with spin master. They came in at 1800. I am going to give NoPhos (Leslie Brand) a try. Do you know if natural chemistry makes a non-Leslie brand NoPhos? I can only find Phosfree online. Thanks again

[@SPL]

Thanks for the great feedback. That could be your issue - the high phosphates. But it could also be the salt system is not producing chlorine. I would do the phosphate treatment - that version is made by Natural Chemistry for Leslie's. Would also suggest a 24 hr test of your salt system after the treatment. Run your pool for 24 hours and then take a chlorine reading. See if the cell on it's true output of 24 hours produced anything.

[@JuanSanchez-tk4vr]

Shouldn't we test the Phosphate level first, before adding Phosphate remover?

[@SPL]

Yes, the phosphate test strips work well.

[@chelleadkins8407]

if i keep getting yellow algea all over pool but chlorine stays stable what do i need to do? one more thing my steps had a terrible yellow line and i used a clorox wipe and it was coming off....nothing else has worked. is it because of phospates? any help is appreciated!

[@SPL]

I would test for phosphates. Then if that is the case treat the pool.

[@rovan26]

My pool has been cloudy teal green to dark green since I opened it a month ago. I've had numerous water samples done. At first my pH was high, chlorine and alkalinity were low, cya was nil. Pool store said add 10 lbs alkalinity, wait 3 hrs, then shock every 8 hrs. The pool hasn't improved. I got another sample, pH was good, chlorine was low, alkalinity was good, cya was low. Pool was green. They told me add 3lbs of shock every 8 hrs until water clears up. After 5 days of this, $$$ spent and zero improvement, I took a sample to another store. They said all of my chemicals were perfect. I told them my water is green. They said your phosphates are off the chart. I put phosphate remover in and ran in pool 24/7. They said pool might be cloudy at first, then clear up after 24 hrs. It's still green! The chlorine levels have been up to 10 ppm and by the next day, they're at 3-5 ppm, then 1 ppm etc. Please help! Last year, my cya was too high so I had to drain my pool. This year, cya it's always low, the chlorine won't stay in the pool, and I have a pond to swim in. Do I use super concentrated algaecide next? I think I've tried every chemical out there, and it's not improving. I can't afford to be spending $50 a week on Chlorine and shock and see no improvement.

[@SPL]

Is the pool losing water? Maybe you have a leak? I would also look at the filter as a possible issue.

[@rovan26]

@@SPL The pool isn't losing water. The filter has been running good. It's an older sand filter. I found your video on sand channeling and did that procedure- poking holes in the sand and rinsing it. It hasn't helped. Do I need new sand possible? The sand wasn't super dirty, it was a little dirty on top, that's it.

[@ridesharegold6659]

How old is your filter?

[@rovan26]

@@ridesharegold6659 As old as my pool- about 18 years old.

[@capturedmoments5024]

All my years off pool service never really worried about phosphates but it make sense now cause there was certain pools over the years that just couldn't get dialed in . I work with a new company an they are on top of phosphates an treating it ..

[@SPL]

Same here. Phosphates are now in every product and in the tap water so to me it is just an increasing issue.

[@ChrisShigas]

I’m going to try. My phosphate level is only 184ppb, but I am having trouble maintaining my chlorine level with some algae by the lights, steps and skimmer.

[@SPL]

Not super high but I would treat it in any case.

[@ChrisShigas]

It's working! I am halfway through my 48 hours of running the pump with the phosphate remover and I am finally maintaining my chlorine level. It has been scary when you shock the pool at night and there is zero chlorine by morning. Today, my chlorine level held and I am thrilled. @@SPL

[@danthony7531]

hey have a pool 16x32 w 8.5 deep end ,,uphill neighbour added topsoil to gardens on the other side of fence and then it thunderstormed which washed quite a bit of dirt/runoff into the pool that settled into deepend vacuumed a god portion of this on waste and the super chlorinated up to like 10ppm for days took water sample in and the phosphate reading is at 2511 ppb and remained in that range for 2weeks still running and bit hazy .i have also used 2 bottles of AZUR liquid clarifier and added 8kg of calcium over 2 weeks .the phosphate levels are still remaining high . ii have a 1 ltr of phos free which according to information will only reduce it by 300 parts per billion which means i would have to use at least 8 bottles at $30 ltr and then i am concerned about that much chemical concentration having an effect on bather health especially kids ..any recommendations thanks dave

[@SPL]

Try the Orenda PR-10000 in there or the SeaClear Phosphate remover.

[@MucaroBoricua]

Great advice. Gracias!

[@Rooksfish]

I'm struggling with my pool. It's clear, no visible algae, yet I can't keep chlorine levels even with a saltwater system. I lose 5 ppm free chlorine just at night and perhaps 8-10ppm over a full day. All of my readings are in proper range. I've been running really high free choline of 10-12ppm for the lasts few days to try and kill any hidden algae. I opened up and clean the DE filter. Still cannot keep chlorine. My phosphate is 5,000. I've gotten mixed messages that phosphate reduces free chlorine and others that say if you keep water balanced to just ignore phosphate.

[@SPL]

Would do a full phosphate treatment and then add Boric Acid to bring the borate level in your pool to 50 ppm. This should move the needle for you.

[@evelyneller9647]

I have a problem with algae in my pool. I put 2lbs of grandular shock and 1gallon of liquid shock, 3 bgs of yellow out, and 3lbs of low and slow. I have brushed the walls and the floor of the pool by standing on a step stool, I am short and it is hard to do it that way. We don't have a deck yet so would it be okay if I got in the pool to vacuum it even tho it is still green?

[@SPL]

Yes, algae is perfectly safe. Like swimming in a lake. As long as you don't go under the water.

[@alann5003]

Are phosphates removed by backwashing after treatment?

[@SPL]

They get trapped in the filter so backwashing or cleaning the filter after a larger dose is the way to go.

[@alann5003]

@@SPL Thank you.

[@alfredkulhanek1889]

Hello, I went to a pool store today and had following levels, Fclorine 3.84, Tclorine 3.97, Ph 8.2, Talkainity 89, Chardness 216, Cuanuric Acid 51,but my phosphates had reading of 1082, I have no algae (visible) they suggest I put in 104 oz. Of phosphates remover..any advice? Thanks

[@50kal44]

I know this is ten months old but if the pool is cloudy the phosfree will drop that to 0 and the pool will clear up.

[@ms.ms.9427]

Thank you for these videos! I'm starting to take care of my pool (18k gal/in ground plaster) after not being happy with several pool services. I plan on using a Taylor test kit and going to Leslie's for additional testing and supplies. Question though about phosphates... Leslie's said my levels are 1793 ppb and to treat it with 1gal 49oz of No Phos. I have no algae and it's a freshly refilled pool. Should I add all of that No Phos? Is it necessary? Thank you!!!!!

[@SPL]

Thanks for the great feedback. In your case if everything looks good I would just add the Perfect Weekly every week. This will lower the phosphates gradually and also add an enzyme which will keep the tile line looking good.

[@ms.ms.9427]

@@SPL Thank you so much! I'll definitely take your advise.

[@Znakla]

Hello when algae dies does phosphates level go up?

[@SPL]

Yes, I think it may in some cases.

[@robvisola8890]

I saw your yellow trine algae treatment video first, so I bought 2 pricey bottles. Yellow algae came back. Now I added 50 ppm of Borax crossing fingers because phospate remover is next but pricey$$ Do u not use yellowtrine anymore?

[@junior_4687]

Do you charge extra for phosphate remover, metal sequestering agent, algaecides ??

[@rubenscott3972]

I would but not the algaecide but metal removers and phosphate remover yes

[@SPL]

You would have to charge for the product since it is a cost to you. As far as doing the treatment, if it is a regular service account I just do it when servicing the pool.

[@get_stoney4208]

thanks for the info man this was great to know

[@Optix-Code]

PoolRx, Perfect Weekly, Shock once a week. Clean filters every 3 months!

[@j_jona]

Yellow treat

[@philgilmer4313]

Recent test results on my Tucson pool indicate very high (150 ppm) cya (was using dichlor puck chlorinator....) and very high phosphate (2000 ppb or 2 ppm), neither of which I ever seen in over 20 years maintaining this pool! So now I'm using sodium hypochlorite and cal-hypo shock and planning to drain this winter to fix cya... But am concerned the public water supply can contains substantial phosphate (I've read as much as 1 ppm) to control supply line corrosion. I'll obviously test and balance when I refill. Borate treatment sounds like a possibility and if I run into algae issues consider phosphate reducer if needed....

[@SPL]

Yeah, not a bad idea to add some Phosphate remover when you refill in your case.

[@philgilmer4313]

@@SPL Thx! I should have asked more directly, have you run into issues with phosphates in domestic makeup water supply?