Phosphate Removal Technology Basics
Will Orb-3 DropOut negatively impact (lower) the pH like the Lanthanum based products do?
Is Controlling algal growth as simple as removing phosphates?
What is the impact of the enzymes in our combination formula?
Why does the water get cloudy?
Will Orb-3 DropOut negatively impact (lower) the pH like the Lanthanum-based products do?
No. Lanthanum-based products draw their “energy” from pulling the OH radical from the water molecule and consequently lower the pH of the water. Orb-3 Phosphorus Reduction Products draw their energy from the very same OH radical, but most of what it needs in terms of its energy source is contained within the product and therefore they will not lower the pH of the pool water.
Is Controlling algal growth as simple as removing phosphates?
No. Nitrogen is the other key nutrient in the water that causes algae to grow. Controlling both components and breaking the Nitrogen Phosphate ratio of 5:1 will keep algae from growing. Enzymes are key to controlling the Nitrogen and therefore creating a nutrient imbalance that is unattractive to algae growth.
What is the impact of the enzymes in our combination formula?
While the active ingredients in Orb-3 DropOut are effective at removing phosphates, the enzymes target and breakdown the organics (Nitrogen) in the water thus causing an imbalance of the Nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratio.
In addition, the enzymes target the oils and grease in the water that cause many of the inorganics (phosphorus) to stay in suspension. The oils act almost like a “glue” suspending inorganics in the water. Therefore the enzymes in the “combo” formula break those bonds increasing the efficiency of the active ingredient in removing the phosphorus.
Why does the water get cloudy?
In most cases the use of Orb-3 phosphate reduction products will cause the pool water to become cloudy. This means the product is working properly. The active ingredient is binding with the phosphate causing the formation of a phosphate salt which in turn is removed via the filtration system.
Effective use of Orb-3 phosphate reduction products
Most phosphate removal technologies are being used as “slug dose” products including those from Orb-3. This approach leads to far more temporary water upset problems; especially with competing products that affect the pool's pH.
The faster you try to remove the phosphate, the more incidence of water upset you experience: cloudy or milky water, additional filter maintenance, and pH upsets.
Phosphate levels do not build up over night, so removal should be looked at as a long term “maintenance” issue. Minimize water upsets and back washing of filtration systems by adding only 4 to 8 ounces of the Orb-3 PRA & Enzyme Technology weekly into an average size pool.
Pay close attention to how the pool water reacts…does it become instantly cloudy? Does the pressure in the filter build rapidly to the point where greater backwashing is required?
If the answer to both questions is "No" then the weekly “maintenance dose” may be doubled.
Utilize the Orb-3 DropOut technology as a maintenance product by adding smaller amounts consistently over time. This will lead to far fewer water upset problems.
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 | Orb-3 DropOutTM is designed to reduce high levels of phosphate in pools, spas, and other recreational water bodies without affecting pH. Its active ingredients naturally bind phosphates, rendering them ineffective as a food source for algae. Best of all, DropOut is very cost-effective when compared with most other phosphate removal products. | MSDS
(22.25 KB PDF) | Available in 32 oz, 12x1-qt Case, 1-gal, 4x1-gal Case, 5-gal Pail, 15-gal Drum, 55-gal Drum |  |
 | Orb-3 PRA & Enzymes Maintenance preserves low phosphate levels and optimal water clarity for water bodies that are largely in proper balance. This product combines appropriate doses of Orb-3 DropOut and Orb-3 Pool Enzymes, making it ideal for use as part of the regular weekly maintenance performed on your pool or spa. | MSDS
(22.22 KB PDF) | Available in 32 oz, 12x1-qt Case, 1-gal, 4x1-gal Case, 5-gal Pail, 15-gal Drum, 55-gal Drum | |
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