|
Phosphorous Reduction in Swimming Pools
 Algae is a common source of frustration for pool owners, causing the water to be very unappealing & cloudy, clogged filters, high chlorine consumption, odors, and many other problems. Once established, algae become very difficult to control. Chlorine will kill algae but the amount required to deal with major blooms makes it a rather ineffective solution.
After shocking the pool with a large amount of chlorine, the water will often clear for a few days but then the green coloration and the slime will begin to return. The problem with treating algae with chlorine is that it poisons the algae without truly controlling it.
In order to truly control algae, it is most effective to control its food source. Phosphorous is one of the elements that is required by algae for survival. Therefore, controlling phosphorous in swimming pools has proven to be a highly successful means to controlling algae.
How Phosphorous Gets into Swimming Pools
Phosphorous finds its way into swimming pools through a number of sources.
Small amounts come via water supply companies - they introduce phosphorous in order to prevent corrosion of water pipes. Water softener additions will often introduce phosphorous. Chemicals and cleaners that contain phosphates or phosphoric acid, in particular fertilizer, are another common cause.
Bathers can contaminate swimming pools with phosphorous in urine. Bird droppings are another notable source and in certain areas, acid rain will contribute to increasing phosphate levels in your water. In some areas, phosphate levels in tap water are high enough to make algae control measures significantly more difficult for swimming pool owners.
With phosphorous entering the water from all of these sources, there is very little that can be done to prevent its introduction. Swimming pool covers can prevent some contamination as can deck areas around swimming pools. Bathers can exercise a little extra caution with regard to cleanliness.
In the end, however, the result is always the same. Phosphorous levels will build up unless specific steps are taken to cause its reduction.
Continue to Part 2 >>
|
