Phosphate Remover to Prevent Algae Bloom?

[mike42]

Hi! I'm having some algae problems on my pool and someone suggested to me to buy phosphate remover.
This what I found so far from an online pool supplier: Phosphate Remover, Matrix Black Label, Measurable, 32oz
Will phosphate remover help in preventing further algae problems with my pool?

I read somewhere that I phosphate remover wont kill the algae.

 

[jblizzle]

Phosphates are not your problem. Lack of chlorine is the problem. You need to follow the SLAM process until you pass the 3 criteria to stop. Then always maintain adequate FC for your CYA level and it will not matter what your phosphate level is.

Trying to lower them can lessen the likelihood of algae, but easier and cheaper to just keep proper chlorine levels.

 

[Donldson]

Phosphate remover does not kill algae, it only removes the primary food source for algae. This does help slow the growth of algae and can help chlorine to control it, but the absolute best way to keep algae at bay is maintaining a proper FC level for your CYA level*. If you have an active algae bloom you need to correct that first before treating phosphates, and for that you need to SLAM**. After you clear the algae out you can treat if you choose to, but maintaining a proper FC level will make the process mostly unnecessary.

What is your phosphate level anyway? Does the person recommending that you need to use phosphate remover know what your phosphate level is?

* Pool School - Chlorine / CYA Chart
** Pool School - SLAM - Shock Level And Maintain

 

[mike42]

I think it was 500 ppb. The person who recommended it was also aware of it.
Anyways, thanks for advise jblizzle !
I'll do the SLAM process but still use the phosphate remover to prevent algae.

 

[Divin Dave]

jblizzle is right. If you keep the proper FC levels per TFP recommendations, the FC will kill the algae before it can ever even thing about blooming.
Much easier and cheaper to nip it in the bud up front. Algaecides do not kill algae, its intent is to remove the algae food source, but that in itself is almost impossible to do. Just ask any aquarium owner!

On top of that, almost all algaecides contain copper which if mismanaged, can leave ugly stains on plaster and turn blonde hair green.
The copper content over time can easily become a much bigger problem than the algae.

 

[Donldson]

500 ppb is not high in the least. Your money would be much better spent elsewhere than lowering that. Some people have fill water with higher phosphate levels than that.

 

[Richard320]

Read the label carefully. They usually warn against adding the phosphate remover if there is any visible algae.

If you've got a morbid sense of curiosity, use the search box for milky phos-free.

 

[pooldv]

Either return it for a refund, give it to a neighbor you don't like that much or just throw it away.