I've always battled phosphates. My pool store (just got my test TF-100 kit today!) knows when I come in to test me for phosphates. Is there a good reliable home test?
Phosphates
- Thread starter shawes
- Start date
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,342
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Taylor has the K-1106 phosphate test kit. The Taylor K-1106 test kit can test at phosphate levels of 0-1000 ppm or 0-6000 ppm. It has two different color comparator cards for the two tests.
We don't think phosphates matter if you maintain the proper CYA/FC ratio. See FC/CYA Levels
I suggest you read Phosphate Removers - Further Reading and ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry
We don't think phosphates matter if you maintain the proper CYA/FC ratio. See FC/CYA Levels
I suggest you read Phosphate Removers - Further Reading and ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry
If I told you that phosphate remover from a pool store is very dilute and extremely profitable for a pool store, does it suddenly seem a bit more sinister that they always knew you definitely need to test your phosphates every time? Every single time they saw you come in, "hey, make sure we test those phosphates for you. You always run so high, better bring some Phosfree up for you"...
Phosphates aren't really that important, that's why the TF-100 doesn't come with a test for them. If you follow TFPC you won't have algae in the pool and no need to worry about whether there is food for it. Unless they are in the several thousands of parts per billion, but that's pretty rare.
Phosphates aren't really that important, that's why the TF-100 doesn't come with a test for them. If you follow TFPC you won't have algae in the pool and no need to worry about whether there is food for it. Unless they are in the several thousands of parts per billion, but that's pretty rare.
S,
I really doubt that "phosphates" have anything to do with how well your pool works... In most cases it is just a way for Pool Stores to get customers to part with their money..
The main reason the TF-100 does not have a test for phosphates is because in most cases they just do not matter.
About 5 years ago I bought the Taylor K-1106, which worked well, as I was just curious what my phosphate levels were... I used it once or twice and have never used it again..
Thanks,
Jim R
I really doubt that "phosphates" have anything to do with how well your pool works... In most cases it is just a way for Pool Stores to get customers to part with their money..
The main reason the TF-100 does not have a test for phosphates is because in most cases they just do not matter.
About 5 years ago I bought the Taylor K-1106, which worked well, as I was just curious what my phosphate levels were... I used it once or twice and have never used it again..
Thanks,
Jim R
+1 what donldson (and others) have said. Simply pay attention to the parameters that TFP teaches and remove "phosphates" from your pool vocabulary.......they are virtually irrelevant.
As of yet I have not tested my pool water myself. I have been taking my water t be tested at my pool store. My water levels were great. Just needed it's maintenance chlorine added. Pool looked fine. I added my bleach in the evening and the next morning it was green. I had the same thing happen once last year.
Thank you!
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Wow. Thanks for making me feel welcome. I've just signed up....I haven't even tested my own water yet. I have no clue what I'm doing and thought this was a place I was supposed to ask questions. I've been reading and trying to learn, but now I feel super comfortable about asking questions. Thanks again for your help.
Balance really has nothing to do with it. When we talk about "balance" we are generally talking about a pool with pH, Alkalinity and Hardness within acceptable ranges.
You pool got algae for one reason, insufficient chlorine. We maintain our pools with chlorine sufficient to keep algae from growing. As the level of CYA/Stabilizer in the water inhibits the chlorine from doing it's job, we always keep the chlorine in proper ratio to CYA.
The Free Chlorine and Cyanuric Acid Relationship
Managing your cyanuric acid and Free Chlorine levels is key to stabilizing your pool. Learn how these two items affect each other.www.troublefreepool.com
Thanks Tim! The whole thing of taking this over is pretty intimidating! Thank you for the link! So much to learn!
My pools a mess and I'm trying to get it cleaned up. I was hoping to start this method with a nice clear pool with the help of the pool store I've always used. Unfortunately the owners sold out and the new people seem pretty clueless. I've used Back To Blue from them. That worked until I vacuumed all that Crud to waste. The next day it was green again. So, they had me put PhosFree. I seemed to be helping until it rained the next day. I'm at my wits end and have been trying to read here what to do but it is very overwhelming. My granddaughter wants to swim but I can't even see the bottom of the pool and I thought you were being ugly to me. Sorry for the snap.
Phosphates are not your problem. They are a made up "problem" to allow the pool store to sell you stuff to fix something that aint broke.My pools a mess and I'm trying to get it cleaned up. I was hoping to start this method with a nice clear pool with the help of the pool store I've always used. Unfortunately the owners sold out and the new people seem pretty clueless. I've used Back To Blue from them. That worked until I vacuumed all that Crud to waste. The next day it was green again. So, they had me put PhosFree. I seemed to be helping until it rained the next day. I'm at my wits end and have been trying to read here what to do but it is very overwhelming. My granddaughter wants to swim but I can't even see the bottom of the pool and I thought you were being ugly to me. Sorry for the snap.
My first suggestion is to stop going to the pool store. Their only response it to sell you something.
I will tell you, it didn't turn green overnight and it will take time to clear. But, we can teach you how to get it sparkling and keep it that way for a lot less money than the pool store.
Not much credence is given to pool store testing around here. While you would think that a "professional" would be the best, unfortunately in most cases it is quite the opposite. Between employees who blindly trust the word of chemical sales representatives and high school kids working in the pool store for the summer you end up with poor results from their testing. Plus, the results of their "testing" is used to convince you that you need to buy things. Why do you think that testing is free?
But, what can you do?? We base our pool care system on accurate testing and only adding what the pool needs, when it needs it. To do that you need your own accurate test kit. Order a TF-100 Test Kit ™ and at least include the XL Option . That will give you what you need while you are clearing the pool, and probably enough reagents for a couple of years normal use.
While you wait for it to get delivered, you have a homework reading assignment. Start with these:
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
Recommended Pool Chemicals
Which should I buy? TFP's recommended pool chemicals are cheap, easy, and won't unbalance your pool water.
www.troublefreepool.com
How to Chlorinate Your Pool
Before chlorinating your pool, you should know these simple tips. Learn the best way to add chlorine to your pool.
www.troublefreepool.com
If/when you have a test kit - buy liquid chlorine and complete teh SLAM process to teh end.
SLAM - Shock Level and Maintain
We’ve all had to deal with a green pool. Clear algae from your pool with a SLAM! Read here to use shock level and maintain to clear your pool.
www.troublefreepool.com
Phosphates are not your problem. They are a made up "problem" to allow the pool store to sell you stuff to fix something that aint broke.
My first suggestion is to stop going to the pool store. Their only response it to sell you something.
I will tell you, it didn't turn green overnight and it will take time to clear. But, we can teach you how to get it sparkling and keep it that way for a lot less money than the pool store.
Not much credence is given to pool store testing around here. While you would think that a "professional" would be the best, unfortunately in most cases it is quite the opposite. Between employees who blindly trust the word of chemical sales representatives and high school kids working in the pool store for the summer you end up with poor results from their testing. Plus, the results of their "testing" is used to convince you that you need to buy things. Why do you think that testing is free?
But, what can you do?? We base our pool care system on accurate testing and only adding what the pool needs, when it needs it. To do that you need your own accurate test kit. Order a TF-100 Test Kit ™ and at least include the XL Option . That will give you what you need while you are clearing the pool, and probably enough reagents for a couple of years normal use.
While you wait for it to get delivered, you have a homework reading assignment. Start with these:
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.
Recommended Pool Chemicals
Which should I buy? TFP's recommended pool chemicals are cheap, easy, and won't unbalance your pool water.
How to Chlorinate Your Pool
Before chlorinating your pool, you should know these simple tips. Learn the best way to add chlorine to your pool.
If/when you have a test kit - buy liquid chlorine and complete teh SLAM process to teh end.
SLAM - Shock Level and Maintain
We’ve all had to deal with a green pool. Clear algae from your pool with a SLAM! Read here to use shock level and maintain to clear your pool.
I actually just got my T-100 kit in yesterday...the regular size, not the XL. I'll order more and will get started on reading up immediatly. THANK YOU for linking me where to start!!
I would suggest you first read "The "ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry" up in Pool School. Then, use your kit and post a full set of test results.....include a pic of your pool water. if you can.
Can I just say that as a newbie here I'm already frustrated with the tone of some the comments? I see this on forums of all kinds -snarky responses to honest questions. There is no need for that. If someone doesn't know something, they don't know it. They're here to learn, not to be belittled.
David Carr,
you took Donldson's post out of context. Reviewing the entire thread, his post was to the point and appropriate.
Our method of pool care is based on provable science developed for over 15 years and we somewhat dismissive about anecdotal reports (from a 10-day member) that we know to be incorrect.
With only one post, I hope you stick around and learn how serious this forum is..........it's eye-opening if you decide to give it a try.
you took Donldson's post out of context. Reviewing the entire thread, his post was to the point and appropriate.
Our method of pool care is based on provable science developed for over 15 years and we somewhat dismissive about anecdotal reports (from a 10-day member) that we know to be incorrect.
With only one post, I hope you stick around and learn how serious this forum is..........it's eye-opening if you decide to give it a try.
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For sure! I'm still very new here and have learned so much! I came to this forum with a green pool and a pool store that had been throwing everything but the kitchen sink at it and it just kept getting greener. 10 days in now and I'm JUST about there! I'm still cloudy but I can see the bottom. And the experts that STARTED my journey with me, tag me and check on me regularly. Great bunch and I hate that my post got out of hand....should I remove it?
Absolutely not. All of your posts are just fine.
What many, many new members here do not understand is that we are not an arguing forum....we are a teaching forum that has developed a method that works so that is all we teach.
Do other methods work? Surely, some might but we don't teach them. I know we are not here for the purpose of the interminable arguments that ensue when anyone can say anything they want.....even if what they say has no validity.
Shawes, I am glad your efforts are working. Stay the course, keep your FC up and you will have sparkling pool water
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