Phosphates in Pools

Phosphates are everywhere—in your pool, your tap water, even your chemicals—and they’re feeding algae while making your chlorine work overtime. In this episode, we take a deep dive into what phosphates are, where they come from, why they matter, and how to get rid of them.

We’ll bust some myths, explain why test kits don’t tell the whole story, Oh—and yes, there are dad jokes. Because what’s a pool podcast without a little chlorine-soaked humor?

🔬 Topics Covered:

• What phosphates are (and why algae love them)
• Why phosphates increase chlorine demand
• The hidden phosphate sources in your pool:
  • Tap water
  • Leaves, pollen, soil, and swimmers
  • Certain pool chemicals
• The difference between orthophosphates, polyphosphates, and metaphosphates
• Why most test kits only tell part of the storyg
• Why “just add more chlorine” is not a real solution
• Real-world phosphate removal strategies
• Products that help reduce or eliminate phosphates
• Our favorite pool-related dad jokes (you’ve been warned)

🧴 Products & Tools Mentioned:

• PR-10,000 Phosphate Remover
• SC-1000 (phosphate-free scale/stain preventer)
• Natural Chemistry Pool Perfect
• Taylor K-1106 Phosphate Test Kit
• Clorox Pool&Spa Phosphate Remover
• And more available through AquaTech, Walmart, Amazon, and professional suppliers

🧠 Key Takeaway:

You can’t stop phosphates from getting in your pool—but you can kick them out. If you want predictable water and fewer green pool disasters, phosphate removal isn’t optional—it’s smart.

🤣 Dad Jokes of the Day:

• What do you call a pool tech who never removes phosphates?
  Algae’s favorite person.
• Why did the pool water go to therapy?
  Because it had too many underlying issues—and phosphates were just the surface tension.