Phosphates level of 2041 -- Need to treat?

GrandLSU

Active member
May 14, 2020
35
Baton Rouge, LA
I have the TF-100 Test Kit, which doesn't include a test for phosphates. I brought a sample of my pool water to the pool store (since I was going there anyway for other stuff), and they tested my water and told me my phosphate level was 2041. Should I add phosphate remover to get rid of it, or should I not worry about it at all? There seems to be conflicting information on this in this forum. For example, this article Phosphate Removers - Further Reading seems to indicate that although keeping your phosphate level low is certainly not required, it is kind of a best practice. Other threads on the forum seem to indicate that you should pay absolutely no attention whatsoever to your phosphate level as long as you maintain proper chlorine levels.

So should I try to reduce my phosphate levels or no?

Here are my test numbers from both my TF-100 test kit (first column) and the pool store test (second column) taken 45 minutes apart:

TF-100 /// Pool Store
FC: 5.5 /// 4.38
CC: 0.0 /// 0.39
pH: 7.8 /// 7.8
TA: 70 /// 98
CYA: 50 /// 57
CH: 350 /// 327
Salt: 4300 /// 3400
Phosphates: N/A /// 2041
 
Confirm any pool store phosphate readings with your own phosphate test kit before taking any actions.

If you have no water chemistry problems then phosphates do not matter.

If you keep your FC level following the FC/CYA Levels phosphates will never matter.

If you get sloppy and let your FC fall below the minimums then phosphates will feed your algae party.

Some SWG vendors like Pentair believe phosphates will accumulate on SWG plates and reduce cell chlorine output. Pentair requires eliminating phosphates before they will handle a warranty claim for low cell output.

For most people their phosphate levels cause no problems and it is a waste of money to buy expensive phosphate removers. Clearly pool stores feel differently.

Phosphate level of 2041 ppB (that is parts per Billion) is not high. If your level was in the tens of thousands then we might talk.

Clear as mud?
 
Last edited:
I have the TF-100 Test Kit, which doesn't include a test for phosphates. I brought a sample of my pool water to the pool store (since I was going there anyway for other stuff), and they tested my water and told me my phosphate level was 2041. Should I add phosphate remover to get rid of it, or should I not worry about it at all? There seems to be conflicting information on this in this forum. For example, this article Phosphate Removers - Further Reading seems to indicate that although keeping your phosphate level low is certainly not required, it is kind of a best practice. Other threads on the forum seem to indicate that you should pay absolutely no attention whatsoever to your phosphate level as long as you maintain proper chlorine levels.

So should I try to reduce my phosphate levels or no?

Here are my test numbers from both my TF-100 test kit (first column) and the pool store test (second column) taken 45 minutes apart:

TF-100 /// Pool Store
FC: 5.5 /// 4.38
CC: 0.0 /// 0.39
pH: 7.8 /// 7.8
TA: 70 /// 98
CYA: 50 /// 57
CH: 350 /// 327
Salt: 4300 /// 3400
Phosphates: N/A /// 2041
First off, GEAUX TIGERS.

I found TFP while researching for my pool build. I'm entering my 5th pool season. Know how many times I've had algae or something blooming...ZERO. My point is I've never tested for phosphates, have no idea what my phosphate level is and.........I don't care.

Keep your pool chemistry in line and it won't matter.
 
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