Phosphates? What are They?By Tropical Spas, January 30, 2016Phosphates are naturally occurring minerals that can come from fertilizers, lawn sprays dying plants, mineral treatment chemicals, bird droppings, groundwater runoff and even dead skin cells (so, they can come from a whole list of places.)They cause trouble in pool water sometimes because they act like food for algae, which, if left untreated, can create a big algae problem. Now, there happens to be a debate out there in the cyberspace pool community as to whether or not phosphates are that big of a problem, and if they are a problem, what is the level that they become a problem at. Is is 100 ppb (parts per billion) or is 1000 ppb? Well, my feeling is if you are having a hard time keeping your chlorine levels up and your phosphate levels are on the high side, you should try a phosphate remover. Using a weekly dose of phosphate remover, along with maintaining your chlorine levels and keeping the rest of your water in balance will probably be cheaper in the long run than having to try and clean up a huge algae problem.Another item to considering the debate about phosphates is our climate. We live in the desert, and the temperatures reach well into the 100's and stay that way for weeks at a time and the kids all pile in the pool for hours on end. This is murder on any chlorine residual and makes it hard to keep the levels up, whether you are using a salt chlorine generator or an inline 3-inch tablet feeder, both will be taxed. When you add phosphates (which are a plant...read algae...nutrient) to a pool that is struggling to keep sanitized, it can make it even harder to keep the chlorine up. The phosphates then feed any algae problem and make it worse, and then the algae starts to eat even more chlorine.You can add chemicals to remove some of the phosphates from your water, such as Bio-Dex Phosphate Remover, Bio-Dex Phosphate Remover Plus, or Natural Chemistry Phos Free. Since the phosphates are what the algae feeds on, removal of the phosphates will remove the algae because it won't have anything to eat.Recent Articles See All Pool & Spa Maintenance - Spend More Time Enjoying Your Pool or Spa Pool & Spa Maintenance Author:Tropical Spas Posted:April 7, 2022 Spend Less Time Worrying About Your Pool Are of taking care of your pool? Do you get frustrated with water chemistry because you can't seem to keep your alkalinity and cyanuric acid in balance during swimming season? Does it make you want to pull your hair out because you don't know (or want to know) […] Read More Top Ten Spring Start-Up Tips for Pool Owners Pool & Spa Maintenance Author:Tropical Spas Posted:April 7, 2022 Spring is here and it is time to open your pool!Especially if the weather is going to cooperate. We are having a nice warm swimmable spring. Let's hope it stays that way! It is definitely a good time to open your pool with some nice 80 degree temperatures on the horizon. If you open it […] Read More Bullfrog Spa JetPak Therapy Bullfrog SpasSpas Author:Tropical Spas Posted:March 1, 2022 The JetPak Therapy System Perfects Your Personal Hot Tub Experience Customize Your Hydrotherapy For Your Needs Bullfrog's patented JetPaks are not simply an enhanced feature or new kind of spa jet. The JetPak Therapy System is a completely new way to provide hydrotherapy that you choose. Your favorite JetPaks allow you to create the most […] Read More MAINTAINING YOUR SPA IS EASY AS ABC! Pool & Spa Maintenance Author:Tropical Spas Posted:February 17, 2022 The Easy Steps For Spa Care By keeping in mind the basic ABC's of spa water chemistry, you'll be assured a pleasant and healthy hot tub spa experience for yourself, your family and friends. Although similar in one way to bath tubs, hot tub spas are not drained after each use, so we must take […] Read More Enhance Wellness At Home Hot Water Therapy and Wellness Author:Tropical Spas Posted:January 3, 2022 Health and Wellness have never been so enjoyable! No need to go to day spas, resort spas, or exclusive hotel spa retreats. Wellness can be found right in your own backyard and it can be fun, entertaining, and relaxing. Your hot tub from Bullfrog Spas brings wellness to your home where you can enjoy it at the […] Read More What Is a Swim Spa? Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy Hot Water Therapy and WellnessSpasUncategorized Author:Tropical Spas Posted:December 9, 2021 Is your family looking for a great way to spend quality as well as healing time together? Would you like to swim or do water exercises in the privacy of your own back yard?What about boosting your overall health and well-being?How about a peaceful way to wind down and relax?These are just a few advantages […] Read More