Phosphates in Pool Water

You really don't want or need phosphates in the pool water because they are the curse put on pool sanitation and cleanliness. Seriously. Phosphates can give rise to the growth of algae and moss and needless to say, that is not how a pool should be. The worst part is that even a small amount or a low concentration of phosphates in the water can lead to the growth of algae in pool water which not only makes the pool slippery but can also give rise to the growth of several organisms thereby making the swimming pool unhygienic and unsafe to swim in. There is therefore the need to understand how to eliminate phosphates from the pool water so that there is no impending threat to one's health. In the article that follows we shall study some of the ways in which we can dispel the phosphates from pool water. But before that, let's understand a little something more about the occurrence of phosphates in the water.

What Causes Phosphates in Water

How do these phosphates develop and invariably lead to algae growth? There are several reasons that can lead to the formation of these phosphates. Here are some of them:

• Unclean pool water
• Decaying matter (plant)
• Acid rain
• Fertilizers
• Ground water runoff
• Bird wastes
• Bodily waste like urine and sweat
• Bather waste
• Contaminated well water
• Mineral treatment chemicals
• Soil contamination
• Sprays
• Dead skin cells

Any of these factors could lead to phosphates in pool water and lend the pool a very cloudy appearance with algae that is either green algae, mustard or brownish in color. Along with that the pool bottom and sides will be slippery and extremely slimy to touch. It will also mean that the water will have to be changed faster.

Not only are conditions like these difficult to swim in, but are also dangerous and a virtual threat especially for children, that's why there is a need for eliminating these phosphates. Let us learn how to go about that in the remainder of this article.

Removing the Phosphates

The danger of having phosphates in the pool has already been conveyed to you and harping on that shall serve no purpose, so then let's get into the methods by which we can clear out the pool of phosphates.

Chlorine/Bromine Levels
Chlorine has always formed a very important part of pool water cleaning and maintaining the sanitation of the pool. Maintaining high levels of bromine or chlorine is therefore known to prevent the onset of algae. If the algae already exists and the phosphates need to be removed, then there is a need to carry out a pool shock treatment to rid the pool algae - which means that a sudden and large dosage of chlorine/bromine will be added to the pool water which will help to clear out the phosphates. This is done once every week to oxidize environmental and organic wastes.

Maintaining Pool Specifics
Maintaining a good pH and water balance will prevent the growth of phosphates. For this, the calcium hardness should be 200-250 ppm, the alkalinity of the pool should be 125-150 ppm and the pH balance should be 7.4-7.6.

Aluminum/Lanthanum Compounds
These are added to the swimming pool filter media or cartridge and they form a film over the filter media. Such that every time the phosphates pass over it they club together and can therefore be easily removed.

Along with these methods, it is also important to maintain high levels of hygiene and sanitation both in the pool and before entering it. Therefore taking a shower before and after a swim becomes extremely important.

Phosphates in pool water can cause tremendous problems and discomfort, not to mention the threat that they lead to. Therefore there is a need to clean the pool and rid it of the phosphate content. And now that you know how, make sure that your pool is always clean and clear.