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Is Phosfree and similar products worth using?

Posted by Vicki Hammonds on February 8, 2009 at 1:30pm
In South Texas summers, algae growth is a big problem. Is the use of phosphate removers an effective preventative or is regular use of polyquat algaecide the way to go? We're new in the business and have been attending supplier seminars. We are hearing a lot about the advantage of using regular clarifier, prevention type products (i.e. Pooltec, Beautec, Jack's Magic, etc.) to prevent algae, stains, etc. Even reduce chlorine usage. Any advice on what works and what doesn't?

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Replies

  • cindy mills February 23, 2009 at 4:39pm
    I think that it would depend on the pool and if it has high phosphates some areas due to location or soruce are high. In that case a phos. remover is a must or salt and well water ., If the levels are ok a polyquat is cheaper but no swimming 24 hrs. If you have any vinyl or fiberglass pools I really perfer copper or silver as a prevent or remover and just use a phos. remover when needed. Many people who don't like hash chems. the phos. remover is a good fit. Sea Klear or Nat. Chem are the only ones I've used they or both good. As far as clarifiers goes I like emzyems and always use after shocking. Ther may also be a link between stain remover and high phos.The use of chorine is for santizer so if you use it for that and not as a alagacide and the emzy. shock with a oxidizer. will cut down on chorine and be a heathlier pool. this is my opinion You may still find techs that only belive in chlorine and soda ash.only.
  • Eric Watters February 13, 2009 at 10:15am
    Vicki,
    Due to the nature of phosphate in pools, you will never completely eliminate it.
    There are too many things that do introduce phophates into the pool water, just standard tap water will. Diphophonic acid is a sequestrant used in commercail water treatment and is light sensative, meaning after UV hit it it degrades and creates phosphates. Any time you use a phophate remover, you should get some sort of precipitate (cloudy water).
    THat means the product is working to precipitate phophates and other contaminants out of the water, if you do not see that it more that likely is not working. If you treat algae without boosting CL levels use a non CL shock follow that with a good poly 60. The monopersulphate will oxidize the algae and not use up the Cl.
  • Alan Schuster February 12, 2009 at 10:18am
    Hi Vicki,

    I see someone already sent you to my website: www.askalanaquestion.com

    Phosphate eliminators will help, if used properly, but are not all that is needed. By depriving the algae of abundate phosphates, their growth is slowed. The use of sodium bromide and shock treatment does seem to work well. The down side is that chlorine consumption will be increased, for an extended and long period of time. The bromides are converted to bromine, by the chlorine and this negates the protection offered by chlorine stabilizer. Still better to add more chlorine and have the problem solved. Using a copper algaecide can be effective. The important thing is not to exceed the label dosage, as this only encourages staining. Using ammonium sulfate products may work, but offer no lasting protection, against recurrence. A polyquat is a good addition as well, especially if bromides are used. It is broad spectrum and helps afford some sanitation, when bromine levels are low. I hope that this will be helpful.

    Regards,

    Alan Schuster
  • Hugo Diaz February 11, 2009 at 12:13am
    Hi Vicki:

    Please, go to:

    http://www.askalanaquestion.com/pool_navigation_page.htm

    Good Luck
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