high phosphate levels

[NeedSOS]

Our pool store told us that our phosphte levels are high and the only way to get rid of phosphates is to "buy and use phosphate remover".....of course we have had to buy several bottles since the original two just did not do the trick.

I have done some research and some sites say that phosphate remover is just a ploy to get us to buy chemicals. What is your opinion? Our pool is still green and I have been changing the filter out and cleaning it for the past 3 days. I am seeing improvement but still a lot of green. They also told us not to top off our pool with our well water that goes through a softener. What is your opinion?

[aylad]

Yep, most of the time, phosphate remover is really good--for the pool store's profits, but not much else. In theory, phosphates are algae food, and you should eliminate them to keep algae from being able to grow. But in practice, the best way to control algae is to not let it grow in the pool in the first place!

If you will post a set of test results (taken with drop-based testing--no strips!!) here, especially your CYA level, then we can help you get the green cleared up. We're going to need to know some basic info about your pool, so if you'll put it here, it will save a lot of back and forth posting to get necessary info.
Pool Chart Entry Form
Pool Chart Results

Also, we need to know what chemicals you've put into the pool, and what type of chlorine you use normally (Ingredients, not generic names like "shock"). And you say well water--do you have iron, copper, or other metals in the well water?

[PoolDoc]

Sorry your post & membership got lost in the crush; not sure if you still need help, but your membership has been upgraded. -ben