Phosphate? What does it eat in winter?

Phosphate is present in living organisms and is essential for plant growth. It can come from all living organisms, rain, urine, plant waste, fertilizers used near the pool, dust and cleaning products.

The problem: phosphate in your swimming pool

Is your pool water green? Is algae constantly coming back even though all your water tests are correct? Once there is a certain amount of phosphate in your pool water, algae proliferate and it is difficult to get rid of it. Especially since algae release phosphate when they die.

Generally, when faced with algae problems, the classic recipe of shock treatment gives good results. However, while shock treatment eliminates algae, it does not affect phosphates. The same is true for algaecide.

If you are unable to permanently get rid of algae in your pool, or the pool turns green again a few days later even though all the standard tests are good, it may be due to a high phosphate level.

When is it a problem? 

When the amount dissolved in the pool water exceeds 0.3 ppm, or only 30 grams for a 100 m3 pool. Algae then manage to proliferate even in the presence of chlorine. The phosphate level can be analyzed at most pool masters.

In short, if a swimming pool contains phosphate and you do not eliminate it, your swimming pool will systematically regain a beautiful green color after a few days.

How to remedy excess phosphates?

By removing the phosphate from the water, of course! One solution is to drain the water from your pool…but this is definitely not the most feasible solution!

To eliminate these unwanted items, use an anti-phosphate product. In addition to eliminating them, it also has a clarifying action, and it helps improve water treatment.

Add the anti-phosphate product directly into the pool skimmer, while the filtration is running. This is an effective way to prevent algae from growing, by acting directly on the phosphate they feed on.

As before using any pool product, read the advice on the packaging regarding dosage, method of use, etc.

Have a good swim!