High phosphates question

[SCpoolgirl]

This may be a dumb question. I had a high copper level (over 1 ppm) and a copper stain (vinyl liner) from too much copper algaecide. I added various metal remover products and used a Culator bag and finally got rid of the stain and the copper level is now showing 0.1 ppm. My problem now is that the metal remover products I used have resulted in a phosphate level over 4000! Luckily, I don’t have any algae yet, so I want to use a phosphate remover. My question is: I know that any copper remaining in the pool over the 0.1 level showing is sequestered by the metal remover. If I get rid of the phosphates, will this cause the sequestered copper to “fall out” and stain my pool liner again?

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Phosphates do not chelate (sequester) metal ions. So if you remove phosphates, it won’t affect the metal ions. Metal sequestering agents are phosphonate compounds (HEDP) and those are unaffected by phosphate removers.

So the short answer is - you should be all good.

 

[SCpoolgirl]

Oh thank you so much! That makes sense. I appreciate the quick response. Going to add my phosphate remover tomorrow!

 

[TishTash]

I wouldn’t be so quick to use that phosphate remover. Phosphates (as food for algae) are irrelevant if you use enough chlorine to kill the algae.

ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry

There are several items things every pool owner should know about swimming pool water. We share details on the basics of Pool Water Chemistry.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[SCpoolgirl]

I’m just worried that, with a phosphate level over 4000, I’m one rainstorm away from an algae bloom.

 

[mknauss]

If you use one, use a quality one. Not a pool store watered down cheap version.
SeaKlear or Orenda.