We’ve all seen it before; a nice sparkling blue pool one day has turned into a green pond the next! But how does this happen?

I know what you’re thinking-algae, it’s algae, right? Well, you’re partially correct in that answer. The true culprit in this debacle is phosphates. Having phosphates is just a simple fact when you have a pool. Phosphate material is deposited into pool water by fallen leaves, plant debris, landscape materials and fertilizers.  

So when you notice your pool turning green, that means phosphates are present and the algae is ready to party at the all-you-can-eat buffet that just opened up in your pool.   Your water may turn green, get cloudy, or even feel slimy. That’s no fun!

One way to help prevent high volumes of phosphates is to make sure the plants around your pool are kept clean and trimmed. If a lawn service is coming to fertilize your lawn, ask them to be careful around the pool or better yet, have the pool covered.

If phosphates are left unchecked, you’ll be constantly battling algae with all sorts of additional chemicals (which can get costly). But, if we lower the phosphate levels in your water before the algae starts, you won’t need to continually fight the algae in your pool.

It is vital that your pool tech checks your chemical balances weekly. If the presence of phosphates is found in the early stages it can be controlled quickly and reduce the amount of additional chemical treatments in the future.  And it will also mean that the buffet is closed for business!