Swimming Pool Phosphates

Phosphates can increase the likelihood growth of algae in swimming pool water and can enter the water from such sources as:  decaying plant matter, fertilizers, mineral treatment chemicals, contaminated well water, acid rain, contamination with soil, ground water runoff, bird droppings, bather wastes, urine and sweat.  Phosphate is a vital plant nutrient and the presence in swimming pool water, even at low concentrations, can cause accelerated algae growth in poorly maintained pools.  Pools, that are properly maintained, usually do not have unexpected difficulty controlling algae, even in the presence of phosphates.  Higher levels of phosphates can make algae control more difficult and increase the amount of sanitizer required to maintain satisfactory control of algae.  It is possible to remove modest levels of phosphates, by treating the pool water with a phosphate precipitating product.   Very high levels may require so much of the precipitating compound, as to render this approach impractical, unless there is no option of water replacement.   In order for phosphate reducing products to work the concentration of phosphates must be reduced to extremely low levels:  parts per billion.  The benefits of such product use is adding another layer of protection against algae growth.  Proper pool water maintenance is always the first line of defense.  Testing for phosphates is not universal, but in those cases where algae control is proving difficult, despite apparently ideal pool water conditions, testing for phosphates and nitrates might be advantageous. 

If your frustrated with your algae problem that continues to have you back at the pool store, it may be time to call a professional to help. We have the experience of servicing pools thousands of times and many different scenarios.

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How to eliminate Green ALgae in your Swimming Pool

Before Clean Up

Green algae is a common swimming pool problem, which may appear as a greenish growth on the floor and walls of a swimming pool, a green tint to the pool water, or greenish material suspended in the pool water. The only way  that to kill an algae growth is super chlorinating swimming pool  or commonly  called "shocking" the pool. Shocking can be done with  granular form of highly concentrated chlorine or using several jugs of liquid chlorine.  This can quickly raises the chlorine level of the swimming pool water. The elevated chlorine level makes the pool water conditions unlivable for anything organic, and algae quickly dies.
In many cases where we have found green algae present the pool has been left unmaintained for a period of time or something more serious can be the root of the problem.  Here is a photo of a swimming pool below as hard as it is to believe that had current pool service and was being cleaned by a pool company. The owner had the service company called back several times.  However lack of experience and expertise can lead to a more serious pool problem not being identified.  We came in and saved this one without draining the pool.  There was some issues with the pool having a leak which we were able to repair after the initial clean up.  Trust the experts when you have a persistent problem, it can save you time, money, and aggravation in the long run.

After Clean UP

Before Clean UP

After Clean up

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Swimming Pool Freeze Tips

The following are some tips for swimming pools located in warmer temperatures like central Florida.  When winter months only have an occasional freeze that briefly takes place (doesn't last longer than several hours in the night) like central Florida winterizing a pool isn't necessary. As a matter of fact it is more cost effective to simply maintain your pool.  The other benefit is that if you have a pool spa combo, you may still use your spa in the cooler months.  Many of our customers enjoy the use of their spa especially over the holidays like Christmas and New Years.

The best practices with a threat of frost are to let your pool run through the night.  You can adjust your timer if you like to run at night instead of daytime.  Many automated controls have a freeze alert setting so that they will come on when the temperature drops to a certain temperature close to freezing.  Keep in mind it is highly unlikely that you would have any threat of a freeze damaging any equipment if the freeze doesn't last.  The only thing that could be possible would be if you have a solar heating system that had water remaining in panels.  These systems are designed to drain when the equipment is shut down.
 
Any questions on freeze tips for warm climates feel free to contact us with any questions.  Check out our web page and on contacts tab you can email us

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