What is?

Chlorine Demand:

Chlorine demand is the consistent inability to establish or maintain a free chlorine residual in a

swimming pool or spa due to elements that deplete chlorine. In a properly maintained pool or spa (one

that has a free chlorine residual ranging from 1 to 3 ppm), the presence of phosphates do nothing to add

to or eliminate this problem. Some experts have suggested that removing phosphate will decrease

chlorine demand. However, for this to be true, it would also suggest that the addition of phosphate will

increase chlorine demand. Scientific evaluation demonstrates that phosphates and chlorine do not

react to each other or that any depletion of chlorine occurs.

What Does Cause Chlorine Demand?

Inorganic material, such as ammonia, are fast-reacting with chlorine while organic material, such as the

proteins found in urine, sweat, other waste and beauty products, are slow-reacting but all contribute to

a demand situation. Algae and bacteria are also known contributors. These contaminants are introduced

from rain and source water, fertilizers, swimmers, animals or plants and leaves.

Phosphates:

Where do phosphates come from?

Phosphates are derived from phosphorous, the 11th most abundant mineral in the earth’s crust. It

makes its way into pool and spa water from a variety of sources, including fertilizers, industrial

discharge, swimmer waste (sweat and urine), detergents and even tap water (which contains

compounds used to treat corrosion).

Phosphates attach themselves to larger molecules such as proteins or eventually break down into

orthophosphates. Orthophosphates are the only form that will show up on water test kits and the only

form that will be affected by current phosphate remover products.

Algae in Swimming Pools:

What they are & How to Treat?

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Algae is a common problem in swimming pools.  What is it; what are the

different types & how is it successfully prevented and treated. First of all,

algae is a single-celled plant form. Some are aquatic (live in water), some are

not.  Algae utilizes the process of photosynthesis to manufacture its own food.

Algae comes in very wide variety of colors and forms making it adaptable to

almost any condition.