Phosphates? What are they?

Definition

Naturally present in our environment (rain, plants, insects, etc.), phosphates nourish the living organisms in your swimming pool water (in other words algae) and help them to proliferate.

How to detect the presence of phosphates in your swimming pool?

When your pool water turns green repeatedly even though the water parameters are correct, the presence of phosphates may be the cause of this green water.

Back to the concept of correct parameters:
• a balanced pH (between 7 and 7.4),
• a chlorine level equivalent to 1.5 ppm or mg/l,
• a check of the stabilizer level with your Desjoyaux store (the action of chlorine is reduced or even blocked when the stabilizer level is too high.

More information on water parameters and water treatment .

If shock chlorination and anti-algae treatments fail to eliminate green water, even though the water parameters are within best practices, phosphates are most likely the cause of the problem. A phosphate test can also confirm their presence.

Removing phosphate becomes essential to continue to fully enjoy your swimming pool .

How do phosphates develop in my pool?

In the presence of green water , the recommended treatments are shock chlorination or anti-algae to eliminate the algae present in the pool . However, before dying, the algae release phosphates which encourage the development of new algae since the latter feed on phosphates.

A real vicious circle! It is therefore absolutely essential to stop this proliferation of algae .

How to get rid of phosphates?

Phosphate level measurement

To find out if the algae growth in your pool is due to the presence of phosphates, you need to measure the phosphate level in your water. To do this, nothing could be simpler, just use the JD Phosphates test phosphate tester. It's very easy to use, as you simply pour the contents of the reagent sachet into the test tube filled with pool water. After sealing the test tube and shaking it to dissolve the powder, you can compare the color of the… Show more

The level of phosphates present in water must not exceed 100 ppb (parts per billion or micrograms/litre), or 10 g of phosphates per 100 m³ of water.

What product should I use to remove phosphates from my pool?

If the phosphate level is too high, we recommend the JD Anti-phosphates product to lower the phosphate level.

The dosage of liquid anti-phosphates is calculated according to the volume of the swimming pool and the quantity of phosphates, i.e.:
Volume to be added (in ml) = 0.015 X volume of the pool (in m3) X phosphate content (in ppb) .

For optimal use of the product, the pool should be free of algae. If necessary, it is recommended to treat the pool and clean the pool and filter media (filter bag or cartridge).
The anti-phosphate product is a curative but also preventive treatment.

Curative treatment:

• Wash the filters.
• Shake the liquid anti-phosphate and, in the absence of bathers, distribute the product in front of the discharge nozzles.
• Leave the filtration running for 24 hours and recheck the rate.

Preventive treatment:
• During the season, check your phosphate levels about once a month.
• Add 150ml per 100m³, to eliminate 100 ppb of phosphates (0.1mg/L).
• Shake the liquid anti-phosphate and, in the absence of bathers, distribute the product in front of the discharge nozzles.
• Leave the filtration running for 24 hours

Do not hesitate to visit the stores for further information.