Does harness and phosphate matter at all ?

[Emile]

I'm pretty sure this is an old topic that has been discussed many times... I get contradictory advice from different sources.

I have a vinyl inground pool with a sand filter and no water heater, and my pool shop told me that I'd get algae if I don't reduce phosphates (currently over 2000 ppb) because "It's plant food". Also, they sold me 7 Kg of calcium carbonate to raise the hardness to around 250 ppm (from currently 77ppm) telling me that I would get disastrous consequences if I didn't.

I've attached my water test results. What's the best thing to do ? Return everything to the store or pour into pool ?

Thanks !

Pool specs:

• 32x16 inground pool with deep end
• Sand filter (Hayward)
• Not heated
• Hayward 1HP Super Pump

 

[ajw22]

Return everything to the store, get your own TF-100 or Taylor K2006C test kit, read Pool School, and stay out of pool stores.

Vinyl pools need little if any CH. Phosphates are not a problem if you maintain adequate chlorine levels so there is never anything to feed on the phosphates.

 

[mknauss]

Vinyl liner pools do not need calcium. Return that.
You need to get a proper test kit. We are hesitant to provide guidance based on pool store tests. You live fairly close to the US border. Order a test kit and have it shipped to a mail drop in a US border town.

Phosphates do not matter if you have no algae.