Opened to a super clear pool. Started with Tri-chlor and then switched to powder shock. Added a SWCG and then the pool store told me my phosphates were 4000. They sold me NoPhos without metals. (I know- don't trust pool stores). I used 16oz of the product and then two days later the store says my phosphates are 4200. My SWCG keeps my chlorine between 3 and 4- my water is super clear- I can only assume that the chlorine generator is keeping any algae in check- I am finding conflicting info about if phosphates at that level pose any health risk (my son has a genetic disorder that makes him very susceptible to respiratory issues). I know phosphates come from fertilizers etc. I got a phosphate test kit for myself (because I know- do not trust pool stores) its little strips I put in a vial of pool water and mix- and it turns blue and indicates either 1000- 2500 in phosphate levels. Any truth to health hazards for high phosphates? Do I spend the time treating, vacuuming, and cleaning the cartridge filter- or do I just keep my chlorine at the 3-5 level and let it keep the algae from growing?
Phosphates are apparently high and growing
- Thread starter joel walsh
- Start date
- May 3, 2014
- 62,706
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I am not sure on the health issues of phosphates -- lets see if @JoyfulNoise would have some info.
At that level, remove them. Get the Orenda product.
At that level, remove them. Get the Orenda product.
You didn't state what level your CYA is at. If it is 60 ppm or above, your FC level is below the minimum of 5 ppm. The phosphates will become a problem since you are not providing enough chlorine to prevent algae from growing.
- Feb 6, 2015
- 7,814
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Post a full set of current test results from you K-2006 (equivalent) test kit.
I see you have PoolMath linked to your forum account - so post and save the results there or post in the below format here.
FC
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA
Salt
Water temperature
Also - add your test kit(s) to your signature.
I see you have PoolMath linked to your forum account - so post and save the results there or post in the below format here.
FC
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA
Salt
Water temperature
Also - add your test kit(s) to your signature.
- May 23, 2015
- 25,709
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
There are no direct health risks of any kind with that minimal level in the water. Many phosphate salts are used as food additives at much higher concentrations and they are deemed generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
Treat them using a high quality phosphate remover (Orenda makes one) that uses lanthanum chloride as the chemical reactant. You’ll get some temporary cloudiness to the water that should clear within 24-48 hours.
Treat them using a high quality phosphate remover (Orenda makes one) that uses lanthanum chloride as the chemical reactant. You’ll get some temporary cloudiness to the water that should clear within 24-48 hours.
DrewLG
Gold Supporter
- May 31, 2022
- 674
- Pool Size
- 8000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-20
SeaKlear/HaloSource also makes an excellent phosphate remover. The formulation is probably the same as Orenda's, but I prefer the SeaKlear product because they actually say "lanthanum salt derivative" on their MSDS, while Orenda obfuscates with "proprietary, trade-secret aqueous solution of rare earth elements" on theirs.
SeaKlear's stuff: SeaKlear 90207 Halo Source 1040105 Commercial Strength Phosphate Remover
SeaKlear's stuff: SeaKlear 90207 Halo Source 1040105 Commercial Strength Phosphate Remover