Phosphates

[CamiS]

I have very high phosphates - I don't test these myself (yet) but got water tested in 3 different pool stores and all turned out 4000 (which I understand is the maximum their program prints - but my level is actually higher). New pool owner, first season with the pool (opened in May), I have no idea why they are so high ...
1) Do I trust the pool stores tests or order and wait to get my own?
2) Do I treat or not ? (I read in the pool school and my understanding is that over 1000 I kind of should ?)

 

[Texas Splash]

1) Do I trust the pool stores tests or order and wait to get my own?

No question - get your own TF-100 (link in my signature) or Taylor K-2006C.

2) Do I treat or not ? (I read in the pool school and my understanding is that over 1000 I kind of should ?)

Ignore phosphates. Phosphates are something that support algae growth, but if there is no algae it doesn't matter. You have to eradicate the root cause - algae. That's what we help you do with proper testing and the correct chemicals. It's easy, but it starts with the proper test kit. See the link below for more info and ask questions. Lots of folks here to help.

Pool Care Basics Archives

Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[ajw22]

Phosphate Removers - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[CamiS]

No question - get your own TF-100 (link in my signature) or Taylor K-2006C.

Ignore phosphates. Phosphates are something that support algae growth, but if there is no algae it doesn't matter. You have to eradicate the root cause - algae. That's what we help you do with proper testing and the correct chemicals. It's easy, but it starts with the proper test kit. See the link below for more info and ask questions. Lots of folks here to help.

Pool Care Basics Archives

Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!

www.troublefreepool.com

I just realized that I said "new pool owner " - I didn't mean to say the pool is new , but we are new owners - and based on the CYA we had (close to 200 probably - after we drained and replaced 1/3 of the pool to fix a liner issue, we were still at 130 when I tested last week ...) and the general condition of the pool I'd say the previous owner didn't bother at all to care for it (and the company he had hired for maintanance was a disaster ; we tried them for 1.5 mo - worthless...).

 

[duraleigh]

Keep reading and learning here at TFP. When you get ready order one of the good kits we suggest and post your test results here for help.

It sounds like a partial drain may be a benefit for you but post the test results first and we'll see.