How Do Phosphates Affect My Swimming Pool?

What are phosphates?

Without bringing too much chemistry into it, phosphates are natural compounds of salts, calcium and other minerals that are used in a variety of applications including personal care products, water treatment, industrial and institutional cleaning and building and construction.

How do phosphates get in my pool water?

Unfortunately, preventing phosphates from getting in your pool water is pretty much impossible because they do come from so many everyday outside sources.

What do phosphates do to my pool water?

Cloudy or green pool water is usually a good sign of having too many phosphates in your pool. In fact, phosphates are considered “algae food,” meaning algae digest phosphates, therefore, increasing the rate at which algae grows in your pool. The combination of a few hot days and low chlorine levels can easily result in an algae bloom—leaving you with cloudy, algae-ridden water.

How do I get rid of phosphates in pool water?

Although you will never prevent phosphates from entering your swimming pool, you can purchase phosphate removers or algaecide as a preventative tool.

According to a report by McGrayel Water Technologies, here are some suggestions on how to maintain low levels of phosphates in your pool water:

• Use a low or non-phosphate scale-stain product
• Maintain adequate chlorine levels
• Keep pool water pH within proper range
• Use an algaecide especially for pools with persistent algae blooms

The bottom line is: continue to test your pool water and keep it clean. Take the hassle out of regular pool maintenance services and give Rising Sun Pools a call at 919-851-9700. You can also learn more about our maintenance services here.