What level is Phosphate too high? Do I need to be concerned?

[WBW]

Every month I go to the local pool store to check their numbers with mine. Just on a curious level. Since March, my phosphate level has been rising. Currently, it is around 530, from 200 in March, per the pool store. I currently use the K-2006 test kit and there is no testing for phosphate. Is there a need to buy a phosphate test kit yet and any recommendations? I read online that you don't really need to worry about phosphates level until it is over 1000.
The pool is only 6,000 gallons and has an automatic cover and the water is covered 20 out of 24 hrs per day. Some days we don't even use the pool. My FC is always at the required recommendation number per pool math. Currently, it's at 8 with CYA at 50. CC is always perfect. I tend to have the FC at the high end per Pool Math. Since the pool is small adding liquid chlorine is not an issue. My water is super clear and I'm pretty anal about brushing at about 2-3 times per year.

I did some reading online at TFP and there were some recommendations for phosphate remover. Do I wait until fall/winter and if its close to 1000 then go ahead and use a phosphate remover?

Thanks,

 

[kellyfair]

Why are you comparing your test kit to pool store numbers? It’s a useless exercise, especially if it gets you worried about stuff you don’t need to worry about. There is a reason your test kit doesn’t test for phosphate - because phosphate doesn’t matter If you are maintaining proper chlorine level.

 

[Newdude]

Never cheat off the dumbest kid in class. I don't care he got 3 right last time. I trust your A+ average, any day of the week.

You run high target (WELL done !!), covered, with little FC loss. Phosphates are irrelevant. If algae can't grow, it's food is a moot point.

 

[WBW]

Ok, one should only be concerned if the phosphate level is over 1000 and you're not maintaining the required FC and CC?
Per TFP,
"The threshold limit for phosphate removal is around 1000ppb (1ppm), there is no point in removing phosphates if your phosphate level is below a 1000ppb.[2]"

 

[Newdude]

Ok, one should only be concerned if the phosphate level is over 1000 and you're not maintaining the required FC and CC?

Correct. The pool store will have you do everything under the $un to prevent algae, except for properly chlorinating per your CYA level.

There are pools that need to treat phosphates, but it's rare.

 

[kellyfair]

There is no required CC. It’s required FC and CYA. If those are in proper ranges, algae doesn’t grow.

 

[DrewLG]

Is there a need to buy a phosphate test kit yet and any recommendations?

There's really no need, as everyone's been saying. But if you want a kit anyway, it's the Taylor K-1106; link is in my signature.

I read online that you don't really need to worry about phosphates level until it is over 1000.

You probably don't ever need to worry. But if you want to worry anyway, wait until your level exceeds 5000 ppb.

I'm pretty anal about brushing at about 2-3 times per year.

I'm super compulsive about brushing, too. I've already done it once this year.

 

[kellyfair]

Suddenly I don’t feel so guilty about brushing 2-3 times a month!

 

[ajw22]

Currently, it is around 530, from 200 in March, per the pool store.

Are you using a HEDP based sequestrant?

Sequestrant - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[SumOfOneInteger]

There's really no need, as everyone's been saying. But if you want a kit anyway, it's the Taylor K-1106; link is in my signature.



You probably don't ever need to worry. But if you want to worry anyway, wait until your level exceeds 5000 ppb.



I'm super compulsive about brushing, too. I've already done it once this year.

Wait. I’m supposed to brush?!