Phosphate testing

[Big Splash]

Algae keeps trying to come back to my pool. I'm all over it with shock levels as needed and regular cleaning. No biggie really. The water is nice and clear (knocking on wood). But, I'd like to try keeping the phosphates low in hopes of not having to use as much bleach. I ordered the Clorox phosphate remover and was looking to get the K-1106 kit. The K-1106 is pricey for just one test type. Are there any good alternatives? Is testing really required if I'm just going to dose a small amount each week? I mean, if there's no more issues (no algae), there's no need right?

I probably already know the answer here. But, I'd figured it's still worth discussion.

Thanks,
Splash

[Big Splash]

I haven't yet ordered the K -1106, but I'm going to soon. I realize that lowering the phosphates isn't gonna do diddly squat without enough FC. But, since we have lots of trees near the pool, those little green algae monsters keep popping up in usual places.

Before finding this forum, I used the PhosFree product to help clear my spring swamp. It seemed like it helped tip the balance in my favor. So, I did try using about 1/2 bottle of the Clorox product. That + a good shock looks like the trick. One issue though I found. Both the PhosFree and Clorox tend to clog up my sand filter when adding to skimmer. Possibly it's not ever really getting in the pool but does its magic in filter. IDK??? So I can't apply a larger dose without it ending up wasted in a back wash.

Latest testing
FC 10.5
pH 7.8
TA 160
CH 160
CYA 50

Thanks for all the info and help on this. My latest pool dollars has gone towards a subscription. Easy the best pool dollars ever.

Splash

[Watermom]

Thanks for the subscription! Much appreciated!

[PoolDoc]

Turns out the Clorox phosphate remover is a seriously bad deal. A quart of the Kem-Tek predecessor product was labeled as removing 2 ppm PO4 from 10K gallons; the Clorox product is virtually the same price, but only removes 0.75 ppm from 10K gallons.

That means the Clorox product is actually 267% more expensive!

[Big Splash]

Turns out the Clorox phosphate remover is a seriously bad deal. A quart of the Kem-Tek predecessor product was labeled as removing 2 ppm PO4 from 10K gallons; the Clorox product is virtually the same price, but only removes 0.75 ppm from 10K gallons.

That means the Clorox product is actually 267% more expensive!

Well now... I did notice the "Clorox" brand is actually licensed by Easy 123 Pool Care LLC (whoever they are) on this stuff. I wonder if Clorox knows they're deluding their good name..

Any good alternatives? Is PhosFree a better deal?

[PoolDoc]

No, PhosFree is also over-priced.

I'm checking, this morning. I'll update later today.

[Big Splash]

Ok thank you.

My curiosity has gotten to me. Seems to be a case of brand re-engineering going on here. ..


KIK Introduces New Clorox Brand Pool Care Products (NYSE:CLX)

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...go_c31RIOtXKsg

Ah the games people play :-\

[PoolDoc]

I haven't heard from them; looks like they are taking a long weekend. Can't blame them: April, May & June are killer months for pool manufacturers.

The best confirmed deal is the Orenda PR-10000 product, but you'll have to find it yourself. Vendors are spotty and in-and-out of stock. I checked whole sale prices (for myself) and just ordered a 5 gal pail @ $441 (incl local sales tax). Wholesale to me for a quart was $29.88 before tax, but I had to order a case. From what I'm seeing, that may be the wholesale price pretty much everywhere. (On some products there's a S. Florida and S. Calif price, and an everywhere else price.)

Probably anything under $50/qt + shipping is a good price. If you can buy it for under $80 delivered, it's still cheaper ($/ppm PO4 removed) than the OLD Kem-Tek product, and MUCH cheaper than the Clorox or PhosFree products.

But, it's VERY concentrated and will cloud your pool. Best to use a little, repeatedly, than a big dose at once. Use of a clarifier at the same time will help avoid lingering cloudiness.

[Big Splash]

Thanks much Ben for the reply and attention. I'm not certain the extra cost and testing is worth it to me as I know more now than before. $50 per qt. will buy lots of bleach and that mankinni I've always wanted...

On 2nd thought, I might as well stick with the extra bleach and skip the mankinni too

Splash

[PoolDoc]

and that mankinni I've always wanted...

.

.



Around my household, I try to keep the 'kinis strictly in my wife's drawer. She's within 12 pounds of what she weighed when we married, and I'm, uh-h-h, well, NOT within 12 pounds.

(My sons both still wear Speedos when swimming Masters . . . but at 6' 1" or more and 180 or less, I don't think anyone is complaining. I think there's something about swimming 4,000 yards at a time that makes those things fit better )