How To Remove Nitrates From Pool Water

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Optimizing chemical science, improving circulation and dealing with nitrates!!!

When the water contains nitrates and the chemistry is out of balance, the likelihood of algae growth increases. Algae is always present, to some extent, waiting for the correct opportunity.  There is no practical way to remove nitrates, from pool water.  However, y'all can do the next best thing, which is to remove the phosphates.  H2o chemical science and proper sanitation are the first lines of defense.  A ColorQ, All-Digital H2o Tester can perform all of the common pool water tests, eliminates the colour-matching and guesswork.  In that location is a model, for every puddle testing need.  Improve Circulation helps make everything piece of work more effectively.  The Circulator is a return jet replacement fitting, that improves filtration, eliminates the dead zones that promote algae growth, improves sanitizer distribution. Phosphates and Nitrates tin increment the growth of algae and make treatment more than difficult, as both are vital plant nutrients.  Nitrate removal is not applied, but phosphate removal is easy enough to do.  Adding Pool Refresh Total Trap will allow yous to vacuum and filter out the phosphates and should make algae control more constructive.

If you lot have a puddle or spa water testing need, we should have the product. ► Scroll down to read through some Question & Answer information. ◄

Alternative Pool Water Sanitizers and Nitrate Testing

When nitrates are a frequent trouble, information technology is imperative to maintain proper sanitation.  Removing phosphates is a start, only adding some backup sanitizing is equally important.  Chlorine levels rise and fall, based on puddle usage and chemicals being added.  Well-nigh pools use some sort of chlorine.  A S alt Chlorine Generator is definitely a better manner to exercise chlorine.  Table salt chlorine generators are highly automated and requite yous amend command.  In-Line and no-installation-required models are available.Knowing if nitrates are nowadays tin assist determine, the causes and treatment of algae problems or high chlorine usage. Insta-Test Nitrates Test Strips are a convenient and simple style to exam for nitrates, from 0-200 PPM.

If yous have a pool or spa water testing demand, we should have the production. ► Scroll downwardly to read through some Question & Respond information. ◄

How to manage pools with high nitrate levels?

 Nitrates tin can promote the problem growth of algae in swimming puddle water and can enter the water from such sources as: decomposable establish affair, fertilizers, contaminated well water, acid rain, contamination with soil, footing water runoff, bird droppings, bather wastes, urine and sweat. Nitrate is a vital establish nutrient and the presence in swimming puddle water, above 10-25 PPM, tin cause accelerated algae growth in poorly maintained pools. Pools, that are properly maintained, commonly do not have unexpected difficulty decision-making algae, even in the presence of low levels of nitrates. Higher levels of nitrates tin make algae control more difficult and increase the amount of chlorine required to maintain satisfactory control of algae.  The well-nigh practical and mutual method is water replacement. This is applied only if the new water is most nitrate free. The nest all-time thing to nitrate removal is phosphate removal. Both are vital plant nutrients and, depriving algae of phosphates, an make nitrates potentially less of a problem. Pool Refresh is ane of the newest ways to eliminate phosphates, every bit well of problem minerals. Testing for nitrate is non common, only in those cases where algae command is proving difficult, despite plainly ideal pool water conditions, testing for nitrate and phosphate might exist advantageous. If problems ascend, refer to the Puddle Problems Page, as a source of problem-solving information, cleaved down into various categories.  Curlicue down the folio and click on the linked keywords , take hold of phrases or images, in the archived answers below, to access additional information, on that topic or production.

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► Nitrates Presence And The Chlorine Level?

I accept a 10000 gallon salt h2o pool. I am in Florida in the summertime I have nitrates in my pool and the common salt water system cannot make enough chlorine for the pool and then it is a constant boxing. But wintertime comes and my pool has chlorine over a x and I have to turn it well-nigh off because information technology has to much Chlorine. And so my question is practise nitrates but live in hot water and not cold water? If so then I will deal with information technology in the summer. Thank you.

Terry, Florida, one/25/2021

Nitrates are an inorganic chemical compound and are non some that "lives'" in puddle water.  Nitrates are a vital found food a nd its presence tin can increase the growth of algae.  There is no applied fashion to remove nitrates, from the water.  a level of 10-25 PPM is considered manageable.  Levels over 40 PPM are considered to be problematic.  What is your level?  While you lot may non be able to remove the nitrates, you tin still do something that should exist helpful.  Phosphates are another vital constitute nutrient and this i tin exist removed, the utilize of a phosphate remover, such as Pool Refresh.  The warmer water temperatures, during the summertime, as well increases algae growth.  Lower h2o temperatures wearisome the growth of algae.  Your high chlorine levels may only be due to the common salt chlorine generator prepare likewise high or running for besides many hours.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 1/25/2021

► Nitrate Testing and Considerations?

I have had a lot of problems trying to residue my pool, simply to notice that Nitrates were skyrocketed and information technology didn't affair how much chlorine I was adding, it disappeared next morning. So I had to empty it and tomorrow information technology will receive its acrid wash

This time I want to make things right and I want to sanitize as much equally possible. As well the weekly maintenance and making certain all chemicals are balanced, I already bought a new filter, replaced the salt chlorinator'south jail cell, and got your Circulator Jets (on their manner) to make sure chlorine reaches every unmarried corner of my rectangular pool, stairs, and swim-up. But I was thinking that maybe your Floating Solar UV Sanitizer would be a good addition to increase the killing power of bacteria and nasty potential algae. I'd like to know how actually efficient information technology is.  Thank you.

Reuben, Florida, 11/9/2019

There is no practical way to remove nitrates. Their presence may make maintaining a proper free chlorine level more challenging, but n ot incommunicable. You should make sure that the cyanuric acid never goes above 50 PPM. Having a table salt chlorine generator is a plus. Calculation the Circulators is a plus. Adding any type of supplemental backup sanitizer is another plus.  Nitrates can be a trouble. However, the concentration of nitrates has to exist considered. Levels under 10 PPM are manageable. ten-25 PPM bear some consideration of treatment. Over 25 PPM is a problem. Before doing anything, y'all should have the pool and replacement water tested. If nowadays, there is no means to remove, other than h2o replacement. In place of removing nitrates, you should remove the phosphates, equally this will deny the algae a vital nutrient and mitigate the presence of nitrates. A phosphate eliminator, such as Puddle REFRESH, tin can make a large deviation.  If you opt to remove water, talk over this with the puddle dealer or builder. Do information technology apace and don't drag it out!!! Want to test for nitrates or phosp hates?

I hope that I have been helpful. If then, please tell your friends and dealers near the website.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 11/8/2019

► Questionable Nitrate Testing and Advice?

How-do-you-do, we accept recently opened our pool. Have taken all the steps instructed to do including shock, Algaecide, alkalinity, pH decreaser. Pool had a dark-green tent merely articulate. Had water tested and was instructed to add baking soda, more Algicide and shock. Had water re tested and now we are being told nosotros have a very high (off the chart) reading of nitrates in our pool. The place testing out water instructed us to add vi lbs of shock every 24 hours until nosotros tin become a chlorine reading to hold for 24 hours on our exam strip. Said information technology could take 3 weeks or longer and that the pool is seriously dangerous at this point and nosotros should not fifty-fifty place a toe in the h2o. The pool is now clear and blue with Some algae present all the same aught significant. Nevertheless we are still getting no reading of chlorine on test strips after two days of treating. This amount of shock is costing us 75 dollars every 4 days. Does this sound accurate to you, and is in that location annihilation else nosotros could or should do?  I have a lot of people saying the pool place is trying to rip us off, but we don't want to have any chances with our 9 yr quondam or ourselves. Thanks in accelerate.

Rebecca D., five/iii/2018 Did they actually say nitrates??? I sell lots of test equipment, much of it to dealers, and I nearly never sell nitrate test strips. Inquire to see their nitrate examination kit.  Nitrates are a vital food for algae and its presence can accelerate growth. The is NO practical chemical method of removing nitrates, from puddle water, short of using a opposite osmosis water treatment apparatus and that might cost more that replacing the h2o. If yous tin't remove nitrates, you do the next all-time thing. You remove phosphates, which are as well a vital nutrient for algae. This is doable and phosphate removal chemicals, such every bit Pool Refresh are available, for this purpose. In that location are no treatment chemicals for nitrates. NONE!  Nitrates up to xl PPM are considered to exist manageable. Inquire to see the test results. If told it is too loftier to read, practise this. Mix ane part pool h2o with nine parts of distilled water (from a supermarket) and ask for that to exist tested. These results should exist multiplied past x.  Seriously unsafe sounds melodramatic. A pool should not exist used, unless the chemistry is right and there are no signs of visible algae.  What he is doing suggests the problem is high combined chlorine. If there are even so traces of algae, castor the walls down, add together chlorine to raise the complimentary chlorine to 5-x PPM. Mensurate the full chlorine. If information technology reads more than than i PPM higher than the free chlorine, you need to add more chlorine. The difference is combined chlorine and it is odorous and irritating. It takes 10 PPM of free chlorine to destroy one PPM of combined chlorine. To make the chlorine more effective, get the pH closer to 7.two. Don't drag this out. Test and add more chlorine, if needed, every few hours and go on the pump running 24/vii, until the goal is reached.  Nitrates and phosphates brand algae control more than challenging, but not impossible, by any means.

Have you always used a sodium bromide product or used bromine.  If and then, that could account for the high consumption of chlorine.  The chlorine is converting the bromides to bromine, which in plow gets destroyed, by the Sunday's UV rays.  If this is the case, in that location may be no simple solution, brusque of water replacement.  Here are some things to consider. Supervene upon the return jet fitting with The Puddle Circulator. It volition dramatically meliorate circulation, by creating a spiraling render flow. This helps eliminate the dead zones, that promote algae growth.   How you add chlorine matters. A salt chlorine generator does it more consistently and on an automatic basis. We accept some no-installation required models, that you might consider.  I hope that this will be helpful. Delight permit me know how it turns out.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 5/4/2018

► Nitrate Removal?

How-do-you-do Alan, I have read the archives near removing nitrates from pool water and the respond is removing a per centum of the water and refilling with clean water. On my enquiry of the trouble of Nitrate removal, I read the articles past the EPA on nitrate removal from sewage waste water. The process fabricated use of methanol, ethanol, or acerb acid, as a carbon source, to convert the nitrates to nitrogen gas, which is so removed by aeration. Why wouldn't this work with nitrates in pond pool water? Ethanol is obviously the safest choice simply I don't know if the nitrogen gas will escape, from the surface, without additional aeration. Your comments please.

Terry 1000., 9/7/2017

You have a swimming pool and you are referencing nitrate removal on an industrial calibration. In that location is no practical way to remove it from swimming pool water. If the level is nether 40 PPM, it should be manageable. When you lot tin can't remove nitrates, you do the next best affair. You lot remove phosphates. Both are vital constitute nutrients and eliminating phosphates makes nitrates less of a problem. Pool Refresh volition remove nitrates and heavy metals, at the same time. Do you have access to low nitrate water? I hope that this is helpful.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 9/vii/2017

► Nitrates In Pool Water? I've had some algae problems and have been told that it is due to nitrates in my puddle water. Is that possible and what can I practice near it? Thanks a lot.

Gloria B., 4/22/2014

Nitrates can certainly be a problem, especially above 10-25 PPM. They are a vital algae nutrient and literally act as fertilizer. If the nitrate level is low, you should be able to control the algae using standard shoc g, chlorine and algaecides.  The use of a phosphate eliminator, such equally Puddle REFRESH might be a good idea: it will aid deprive algae of vital phosphate nutrients. Nitrates can come from a variety of sources: agriculturally contaminated well water, fertilizer, surface runoff contagion, sweat, urine, decaying plant affair, acid rain and wind blown debris. Trying to determine the source might help in controlling the problem.  It is possible to lower nitrate level with the use of atomic number 26-substitution resins, merely is not really practical. The replacement, of all or part of the water, is the most mutual method to reduce nitrates.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, iv/22/2014

► Ion-Substitution Resins Are Not Applied?

Dear Alan, in one of your replies nigh nitrate problems, you remarked that one can use ion commutation resins to remove nitrates. Where does one get them? I have called a dozen pool supply stores, and not only do they not sell them, they haven't even heard of them. I have also chosen resin manufactures: Ecowater, Siemens, and Culligan, and they don't market or install their systems for swimming pools. I would really appreciate whatever information about how to obtain these resins.  Thanks.

Marcelle D., eleven/sixteen/2013

Unfortunately ion exchange resins are not practical, which is why they are not available. There is no uncomplicated style to remove nitrates. Under forty PPM should be manageable. Nitrates are a vital constitute food, as are phosphates. You lot may not exist able to remove the nitrates, merely you tin remove the phosphates, which is the next all-time affair. Phosphates can be removed, by treating the puddle water with Puddle Refresh. I hope that this data volition testify helpful.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 11/16/2013 ► Mistaken Notion? Howdy Alan! Thanks for taking the time to setup this website. I've found it very informative and answers a lot of the questions that I have as a pool possessor.  A couple of questions:

1-The pool store where I accept samples of my h2o have indicated that the reason I'm having bug with algae is the nitrate content in the water. I've tested information technology and it looks similar it is in the 10 PPM range which based on the FAQ is within the acceptable range. Now the question, I have an 80,000 litre pool and they accept indicated that I must put in l - lxxx litres of liquid chlorine (shock) to become rid of the nitrate. Is this accurate? Should I be concerned about the nitrate level?

 ii-Everybody seems to have a different reply to backwashing my sand filter. I usually backwash it when the force per unit area noticeably creeps higher than normal. I commonly turn the filter on waste for 30 seconds, backwash for 2 minutes and then rinse for 30 seconds. Is this the correct backwashing procedure? Thank you.

Rick Yard., 9/eighteen/2012

It is true that nitrates can add to the possibility of algae problems, but it is not inevitable. A ten PPM level is non excessively high and should not be

causing inevitable problems. The only way to lower the level would exist to supercede h2o and what is the nitr ate level of the new water? Adding chlorine - no affair how much - will not lower the nitrates level one flake! Adding that amount of c hlorine will have an effect on the algae, besides equally your wallet. It is mistaken to think that chlorine, at any level will reduce nitrates. If you are having algae problems, pay more attention to the Free Chlorine level, pH and try using algaecide and/or a phosphate eliminator, such equally POOL REFRESH. A level above 25 PPM is considered too loftier and should exist lowered by water replacement. A somewhat dirty sand filter is more efficient that a sparkling make clean filter. Aftermath when the pressure rises too high and/or the h2o flow is too low. Backwashing unnecessarily or as well oftentimes will reduce the effectiveness of the filter. To ameliorate the efficiency of your sand filter you might consider replacing the sand, with a zeolite sand replacement filter media, the next time the sand demand replacement. I hope that I have been helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 9/xviii/2012

There'southward no practical solution for a Nitrate Problem. Yet, Phosphate Removal tin be the next all-time solution. Nitrates are vital algae nutrients, every bit are phosphates.  You may non be able to remove nitrates, but you lot can remove phosphates and deprive algae of this vital nutrient.  This is the most practical solution. Use a Phosphate Removal Arrangement to lower an existing level. Consider using a salt chlorine generator, to help assure continuous chlorination. The Puddle Circulator improves circulation and eliminates dead zones, that promote algae growth!!! Monitor the phosphate level, so you lot can stay alee of the problem. Use a ane-micron Pre-Filter to remove mineral-rich sediments, from all additions of new h2o.
This unique, 2-part product removes phosphates, iron and other metals.	Salt Chlorinators are a better, more than effective way to utilize chlorine, in all types of pools.	The Pool Circulator eliminates dead zones and improves sanitizer activeness.	Use a Phosphate Test Kit to monitor progress and alert yous to a rising level.	Use a Pre-Filter to remove mineral sediments, from all new water.
Click on whatsoever epitome for complete product and ordering data.

► Low Chlorine Readings? I was just wondering if the free chlorine level would exist low (.ii) and the total chlorine level loftier (3.0) because we have traces of nitrates(12ppm) in our well water?  Nosotros started the season with good chlorine levels, only after we topped off the pool (and so information technology rained a LOT) the free chlorine level is very low.  The local pool store said to "triple shock" the pool, wait 3 hours, measure the free chlorine level and continue this process until we show complimentary chlorine for 24 hours. Nosotros accept already dumped 30 bags of shock into the pool and the free chlorine level is notwithstanding non-existent! Delight help! Thanks and then much!

Kiki, 6/27/2012

Nitrates do not consume chlorine. A concentration of 12 PPM is manageable and should non nowadays unusual problems. High is considered over 25

PPM. What nitrates exercise is stimulate algae growth by providing a necessary nutrient. In the presence of adequate Free Chlorine levels, the algae should exist under control, fifty-fifty with low levels of nitrates. You accept to add together enough chlorine to heave the Free Chlorine level into the optimum range of ane-3 PPM. While you have added a considerable corporeality, the non-existent readings point to the fact that not plenty has been added. Brand certain that the chlorine test materials are working properly, by having another source confirm the readings. For complimentary chlorine testing, I propose using one of the ColorQ all-digital Water Analyzers, as they provide the right kind of information. To better assure proper overall pool h2o chemical science, visit a pool store that has a very reliable, professional lab such as a WaterLink SpinTouch Lab, rather than a less accurate examination kit or strip reader.  I promise that I take been helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 6/27/2012

► Nitrates - Phosphates Relationship? I have a pool that is having problems with nitrates. My complimentary chlorine level is 0.v and I was told to add a phosphate eliminator to help reduce the nitrate level. I added ane cup for the past two weeks and it hasn't made a paring in the nitrates and I daze my pool every calendar week. Please help, whatever suggestions will exist greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Tom, v/30/2018

Someone is just a bit off the mark! Phosphate eliminators, such as Puddle REFRESH, will not reduce the nitrate levels, just the phosphate levels. What

you should have been told is that in that location is no practical fashion to eliminate the nitrates. Nitrates and phosphates are both vital plant (algae) nutrients. Being that you can't remove the nitrates, it becomes even more important to remove the phosphates. You're doing the right affair for the wrong reason. Take the h2o tested for phosphates and see how you're doing. I hope that this data proves helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/31/2018

► Is It Toxic? The level of nitrates in our pool is 25. Is that considered toxic? Practise we have to drain our puddle?

Chris D., vi/17/2006

At 25 PPM you at the limit. Information technology is not a matter of toxicity. Nitrates tin promote algae growth. Higher levels could lead to a constant boxing. You lot tin can't

keep nitrates from getting into the pool h2o from multiple sources. I would non do anything. If you attain a point that yous are encountering difficulty controlling algae, I would replace function of the water in the puddle. In the concurrently, proceed a good chlorine level, maintain the water chemistry and pool water clarity. You should  test for phosphates and treat, for that problem, with a product such equally POOL REFRESH.  Removing phosphates will make the presence of nitrates less of a trouble, equally it removes a vital establish nutrient.  Savor the summer.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 6/1/2005

► Dealing With Loftier Nitrates? Your site is very informative and I accept passed the link along to my friends. I take a twoscore 10 23' plaster puddle. I had the water tested and they are telling me that I am off the charts on my reading for nitrates. I thought I heard a guy say over lxxx but not sure. All I know is the exam they did should have taken 5 minutes and mine was already way up at about 30 seconds. They are telling me to replace the h2o in the pool. Here is my question. If the algae are feeding on the nitrates shouldn't they be decreasing the nitrates in my pool? Should I allow my pool go for a couple of days to allow the algae to dine on the nitrates and then practise a partial replacement of the water in my pool? I take 24,000 gallons then I could take out and replace 18,000 gallons and and so treat whatever algae is left with algaecide and shock. Does that make sense or am I way off the marker? I keep thinking well-nigh other replies you had on your site about how the algae like to dine on the nitrates and phosphates, and so if I allow them swallow the nitrates and remove the phosphates shouldn't they eat themselves out of food and dice on their ain? I think I am simplifying this too much but that seems similar it should work? Not sure how quickly they eat the nitrates though? I actually don't want to pull the pressure level plugs is what information technology comes down to so can I get abroad with a partial water change (3/4 of the water)? And would that 3/4 water modify be enough to bring down the nitrates so that I can become my pool dorsum to relative normalcy? Thanks for your time

Bob R., 5/xix/2008

Interesting question! If yous allow algae to grow and pump out algae and h2o, you lot will remove some of the phosphates and nit

rates. If you utilise chlorine to destroy the algae, these minerals will merely be recycled. I am non certain how muc h the nitrates can be lowered by this drastic measure. A nitrate test should take 5 minutes maximum. If they did it sooner, the true respond could be college. Ask for the actual number. This time mix one part of pool water with 9 parts of distilled water. Multiply their test effect by 10, to get the truthful reading. I would also have the tap water tested. If you lot are going to supplant any of the water, you demand to know if the new h2o is really going to make a difference. The nitrates only didn't happen overnight. While it is impractical to remove nitrates, if you lot remove the phosphates, yous will diminish the effects of the nitrates. That is what I suggest you do. Get the phosphates down to 100 PPB, by adding a phosphate eliminator, such as POOL REFRESH, maintain the gratis chlorine at ii-4 PPM and go along the pH closer to 7.two. Just monitor the free chlorine carefully. I propose using a exam strip, or fifty-fifty better, one of the all-digital ColorQ h2o analyzers, as they provide the right kind of information. I hope that this information proves helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/19/2008

► Low Nitrate Level? I accept a 38,000 gallon pool. The nitrate reading is 10ppm. I have been struggling to maintain a chlorine reading this season and recently started getting a bit of algae. The water looks amazing and the algae clears up with a bear upon of a three" dichlor tablet. I am however dumping more chlorine and shock into the pool so ever earlier. My pool company suggests a partial drain and refill...do you lot agree? As it is the beginning of summer and my chorine demand has been low I am worried the problems will just get worse as we use the puddle more and the temps ascent. Thanks.

Linda H., 6/12/2012

Nitrates tin can be a problem. However, the concentration of nitrates has to exist considered. Levels nether 10 PPM are manageable. x-25 deport some consideration of handling. Over 25 PPM is a problem. Before doing anything, you should have the pool and replacement water tested. If present, there is no applied means to remove, other than water replacement. In place of removing nitrates, yous should remove the phosphates, as this volition deny the algae another vital nutrient and mitigate the presence of nitrates. Phosphates and any copper and iron, tin can exist removed, past the addition of POOL REFRESH. If you opt to remove h2o, discuss this with the puddle dealer or builder. Do it quickly and don't drag it out! I hope that this data volition prove to be useful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, six/12/2012

► Dealing With High Nitrate Levels? I take a built in pool, 22,000 gallons. I opened it this spring, cleaned and shocked information technology. Information technology tested high for combined chlorine, then I was told to shock again, 15 lbs. shock. Tested once again, told to stupor again, 20 lbs. of shock, also told at this betoken nitrates were at 52 ppm. We had a lot of rain, most five" added to our pool. Took in another h2o sample, a different person did the testing this time, and said nitrates were at 47 (I guess the rain diluted them a bit) and not to bother putting any more than stupor in, that the pool needs to be drained. I was also told they cannot get accurate chlorine test readings when the nitrates are this high. This volition be a huge expense, since he said our 9 year old liner will not survive the draining, and will also have to be replaced. I guess this is our only option? I had our well h2o tested at the pool shop also, and it was high in nitrates, at 20 ppm. I am at present waiting on a second test on our well h2o from another lab, and recommendations on that. My questions are: Are there any other options for united states of america, besides draining the puddle? And, while we are waiting to take this work done, is the h2o unsafe for my teenage kids to swim in? The pool looks beautifully clean and clear, it's difficult to tell kids they can't go in information technology when it's ninety degrees outside! Assistance! Thanks.

Kathy R., half dozen/half dozen/2006

It is non the end of the world and it is not a thing of condom. The presence of loftier nitrates (over 25 PPM) makes algae control a bit less forgiving. If

y'all allow the free chlorine level to bottom out, it will grow sooner and faster. Therefore, continue better control of the gratis chlorine level and you lot should exist OK. You tin't remove nitrates, but y'all can dilute them down. Consider replacing 20% of t he h2o every calendar week for a few weeks. That will slowly drop the level.  While yous tin't remove nitrates, you can eliminate phosphates, by the addition of Puddle REFRESH. This is another vital algae nutrient and removing it is the next best thing to removing nitrates. Deprived of phosphates, algae growth will be impeded. If the h2o is articulate, there is no slime on the walls and the free chlorine is expert, there is no reason not to enjoy the puddle. Just monitor the free chlorine carefully. I suggest using a ColorQ All-Digital water Analyzer, which provides the right kind of information and eliminates all color-matching and guesswork. I hope that I accept been helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 6/7/2006

► Green Won't Get out? My pool water tests perfect, time and time again. But still I am seeing periods of green water, even though I am adding lots of chlorine. The dealer has mentioned nitrates as a possible cause. Is this a possibility? Thanks for the reply.

Fred C., viii/11/2004

Nitrates are a distinct possibility. They human activity as fertilizer for the algae and can increase chlorine consumption.  If the pool water shows a nitrate concentration of more that 25 PPM, replacement of h2o might be a skillful thought. Knowing the probable source of the nitrates is of import, in order to assist avoid or minimize a recurrence. There is no chemical means of nitrate removal. Endeavor removing the phosphates, using POOL REFRESH, which would be the next best option. I hope that I accept been helpful. Good luck.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 8/11/2004

► Partial Refill Is Not Best Option? Nosotros tried an open our pool a little early and have had a stormy bound. The result was I have just removed a ton of leaves in the endeavour to reopen. I adjusted the alkalinity and pH to proper levels and used a polymer algaecide, along with six lbs of rapid daze just three days ago. The pool has turned from green to a cloudy blue. I accept some remaining green on the walls. I tested the water today, and everything is right except for a 0 free chlorine reading and a minimal total chlorine reading. When the dealer tested the nitrates he said I was at four.5 ppm and that I was wasting my money by adding whatever more chlorine or shock and that I would demand to brainstorm a serial of waste material h2o removal below the skimmer and refills that could take upwards to nine or 10 cycles. I have begun this cycle tonight. Is this right? I have a vinyl liner puddle no lesser drain 30000 gallons.

Mike C., 5/24/2006

Levels under 10 PPM are considered manageable with proper chlorine levels. Y'all might desire to take the phosphate level tested. That you can do

something virtually. Eliminating phosphates make nitrates less of a problem, because this other vital nutrient has been removed. Pool REFRESH can help you filter and/or vacuum out phosphates, besides as metal such as copper and fe.  I would not drain the water. It y'all follow his recommendation, you will never get it to zero. Probably not even below ii PPM, even later on 8-ten replacement of 10% each. I would work on getting a stable gratuitous chlorine level. You want some free chlorine to last through the night. In one case done, there should be improvement in the water quality. Past maintaining a consequent 1-iii PPM level of free chlorine, the nitrates should not present an insurmountable problem. For testing, I suggest a ColorQ all-digital water analyzer, which performs tests without colour-matching of any sort.  Adept luck and I hope that I accept been helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/24/2006

► Doesn't Add together Up? Honey Alan, I take been reading different things about nitrates, and I'm nevertheless not sure what to practise. Our puddle was tested a month and one/2 ago for nitrates and phosphates and both tested over k ppm. We tried a chemical to remove Phosphates and it still reads over yard. Is the best thing to do to empty half the pool and refill it before nosotros close the pool for the winter ? Do we also add a bunch of chorine to the 1/2 of the water that remains before we refill ? We have had no sign of algae in all this time, and simply started putting more than chlorine in the pool since we've known of the trouble. It would be groovy to take your advice! Thanks.

Sue S., 9/5/2010

Something is not adding upwardly! Are those numbers really Parts Per One thousand thousand (PPM) and not Parts Per Billion (PPB)? With those phosphate and nitrate levels,

you should be having major problems. Adding some phosphate remover, just won't reduce a level over 1000 PPM. If you pool is ten,000 gallons that ways that in that location is more than 80 pounds of phosphates and fourscore pounds of nitrates in the h2o. Calculation a dose of a phosphate eliminator would barely make a paring. Unless your pool has been filled with water that has been agriculturally contaminated, I dubiety that the levels could exist that high. Replacing half the h2o would still leave the water unacceptable. What are the levels in the replacement water? I propose that you have the pool water and tap water tested again. You might even desire to have another dealer do the testing. If y'all are not having algae problems and not having difficulty maintaining an adequate level of Free Chlorine, you may not accept a trouble.  Winterizing the pool in the normal manner and revisiting the issue next bound, would exist my recommendation, unless a retest proves otherwise. Replacement of water is the only remedy for nitrates. A level over 25 PPM is considered problematic. I hope that I have been helpful. Allow me know what happens!

Sincerely, Alan Schuster, 9/v/2010

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