Andrea Talks Phosphate Removers

The Hidden Chemistry Challenge Every Pool Pro Needs to Master

Picture this: you're staring at a crystal-clear pool one day, and the next morning it's turned into a green algae nightmare despite perfect chlorine levels. Sound familiar? If you're scratching your head wondering what went wrong, you might be dealing with one of the most misunderstood aspects of pool chemistry – phosphates. In a recent episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, pool expert Andrea Nene sat down with Joe Trusty from Pool Magazine to break down everything you need to know about these troublesome compounds that are wreaking havoc in pools across the country.

What Exactly Are Phosphates and Why Should You Care?

Let's start with the basics. Phosphates are salts of phosphoric acid that find their way into pool water from numerous sources. As Joe Trusty explains during the podcast:

It's basically debris right that comes off from like sweat, oil in the pool, organic matter stuff like that creates phosphates.

— Joe Trusty, Pool Magazine

But here's where it gets interesting – and frustrating for many pool professionals. Andrea points out a crucial fact that many old-school pool techs overlook:

They weren't adding phosphates to the city water, you know the municipalities they weren't adding phosphates to the water 50 years ago or 40 years ago or whatever. So that's why you didn't deal with it back then and that's why we're dealing with it now.

— Andrea Nene, Talking Pools Podcast

This reality check explains why some veteran pool professionals dismiss phosphate management as unnecessary – they simply weren't dealing with the same water conditions decades ago.

The Surprising Sources of Phosphates in Your Pool

While most pool pros know that organic debris and bather waste contribute to phosphate levels, there are several surprising sources that often fly under the radar:

• Municipal Water Supply: In some areas, tap water contains up to 1,500 parts per billion of phosphates right from the source
• Stain Removers and Metal Treatments: Many startup chemicals contain phosphates, which can spike levels during new pool commissioning
• Salt with Additives: Certain brands of pool salt, especially those marketed as "stain fighters," contain phosphates
• Wildlife: Birds and pets can significantly contribute to phosphate levels
• Algae Itself: Here's a mind-bending fact – algae actually consume and store phosphates, creating a vicious cycle

This last point is particularly important for testing accuracy, as Andrea discovered in her research: algae can give false readings during phosphate tests, showing lower levels than actually present in the water.

The Testing Controversy: Why Guesswork Doesn't Work

One of Andrea's biggest pet peeves in the industry is the practice of skipping actual phosphate testing in favor of a "cloud test" – simply adding phosphate remover to see if the water turns cloudy. She's not mincing words about this approach:

It's wild to me... Like I get it. Yeah, phosphate and... the chemical doesn't it's not necessarily reacting to the phosphates. That's why it gets cloudy. It's reacting also to carbonates in the water.

— Andrea Nene, Talking Pools Podcast

The problem with this method is multifaceted:

• Phosphate removers react to calcium, stabilizer, and sodium bicarbonate – not just phosphates
• You can't determine proper dosing without knowing actual phosphate levels
• You might be treating the wrong problem entirely
• It's impossible to track progress or verify treatment success

Instead, Andrea strongly advocates for proper testing using reliable test kits, preferably high-range versions that can detect levels beyond 1,500 ppb.

Treatment Strategies That Actually Work

When it comes to treating phosphates, timing and methodology are everything. The golden rule? Never treat phosphates while algae is present in the pool. As both Andrea and Joe emphasize, you need to eliminate all algae first, then test for phosphates, and finally treat if necessary.

Andrea's go-to treatment approach includes:

• Proper Testing: Always test source water and pool water separately
• Quality Products: She currently uses Lo-Phos Max and has had success with Natural Chemistry and Sea Clear brands
• Enzyme Integration: Combining enzymes with phosphate removers for enhanced effectiveness
• Commercial-Grade Solutions: For severely impacted pools, commercial-strength products may be necessary

The key is understanding that phosphate removal isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Different pools, different sources, and different contamination levels require tailored approaches.

The Heat Factor: Why Summer Makes Everything Worse

If you've noticed more phosphate problems during hot weather, you're not imagining things. As Andrea notes in the podcast:

If you have phosphates in the water at all the heat, the temperature is going to just make things 100 times worse.

— Andrea Nene, Talking Pools Podcast

High water temperatures create the perfect storm for phosphate-related issues. Pools reaching 96+ degrees (even without heaters running) become breeding grounds for problems, making phosphate management even more critical during peak summer months.

Practical Takeaways for Pool Professionals

The phosphate management landscape has evolved significantly, and staying current with best practices is essential for maintaining healthy pools. The old "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality simply doesn't work when dealing with modern water chemistry challenges.

Remember that phosphate management isn't about selling unnecessary chemicals – it's about understanding the complete chemical picture of today's pools. With municipal water sources containing higher phosphate levels and various pool products inadvertently adding to the problem, testing and treating phosphates has become a necessary part of comprehensive pool care.

The bottom line? Don't guess when you can test. Invest in proper testing equipment, understand your local water conditions, and develop a systematic approach to phosphate management. Your pools – and your customers – will thank you for it.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Hot Weather Pool Challenges
• 05:30 Phosphate Basics and Common Misconceptions
• 12:15 Sources of Phosphates in Pool Water
• 18:45 Testing Methods and Why Cloud Tests Don't Work
• 25:20 Treatment Strategies and Product Recommendations
• 32:10 Heat Impact and Seasonal Considerations