If you find yourself with an ongoing swimming pool algae problem, you are running your equipment the appropriate amount of time, have plenty of chlorine, and your pH and alkalinity levels are balanced your water should be tested for its level of phosphates in the water.

In the search for treatment of your recurring algae problem, you might find yourself wondering, “What are phosphates and how do they get in my pool?” Well they are compounds of the nonmetallic element phosphorous and are an essential nutrient for plant growth. Sound familiar? Well, according to the lake and pool industry, nitrates, phosphates and carbon are primary foods for algae growth. These phosphates enter your pool water in different ways but mainly through vegetation, rain or water run-off, tree bark and other organic matter.

In order to find out the concentration of phosphates in your swimming pool water you can use liquid tests, tabs, and test strips that will give you an accurate reading. If you find that you have above 5000ppb, parts per billion, in your swimming pool water you would need to drain and refill your pool. If your results are anywhere from 1000ppb to 5000ppb, your best option would be to give your swimming pool a phosphate treatment.

A phosphate treatment is the removal of phosphate nutrients in the pool water that algae likes to feed on. Phosphate treatments are based on lanthanum, a rare earth compound that reacts with the phosphates and precipitates them from solution. This drastically reduces the phosphate concentration in the water. Using a phosphate treatment in conjunction with your chlorine or other sanitizers will add another layer of algae control for your swimming pool.

Removal of phosphates from your swimming pool is important in maintaining a healthy water quality. Periodically, your swimming pool should be tested to make sure that the phosphate levels are depressed since swimmers and other sources are the source of new phosphates. Regular maintenance can reduce and aid in chlorine performance and efficiency, and best of all, no algae problems.

If you think you might have a phosphate problem, feel free to ask one of our qualified technicians to test your water and if a problem is found to treat it appropriately. Here are Pool Sharks we are happy to help all of our friends.

Backwashing a D.E. filter, or a Diatomaceous Earth filter, can be somewhat confusing for most people. Nevertheless, we are here to help.

The proper backwashing procedure is as follows:

1. Filter is ready to backwash when pressure on filter tank gauge goes up 10 psi above the normal setting.
2. Turn off time clocks on all pumps.
3. Rotate Dial Valve to “Backwash Position”. Always make sure the valve handle is in the slot.
4. Extend the flexible backwash hose to where you want the discharge to run.
5. Turn On the pool timer and allow water to run out from the backwash line.
6. Allow water to run until it runs clear, approximately 3-5 minutes.
7. Turn off power at time clock and rotate filter valve to Filter position.
8. Allow filter to run approximately 4-6 minutes in Filter position.
9. Repeat steps 2, 3, 5 and 6 or until discharged water is clean. This will usually take 3 times.
10. After final backwash, turn off power and rotate valve to Rinse position. Turn on filter time clock again. Allow to run in Rinse cycle for approximately one minute. Roll up the flexible backwash hose to original position; some systems may not require the backwash hose.
11. After final rinse, cut off filter at time clock, rotate valve to Filter position and turn On filter power again.
12. If your pool has more than one skimmer, plug up the skimmer which is farthest away from the filter system by placing the black plug, attached to the control plate, in the center port preventing any water to flow through this skimmer. This procedure is known as “Closing off the Skimmer”. Remove lid from skimmer closest to filter system. Empty any debris from the skimmer basket, which could restrict full water flow, and replace control plate.
13. In a 5 gallon plastic bucket, add 6 to 9 one pound coffee cans of diatomaceous powder to bucket and fill bucket. Fill bucket with water, stir to a milky, thick solution. Amount of D.E. will be determined by the size of filter.
14. Very slowly, pour solution into skimmer allowing skimmer to pull down D.E. mixture. Be cautious not to get any of this solution into the skimming pool water for this will surely cloud the water. When you are near bottom of bucket and solution is too think to pour, add more water to bucket to give the solution a free flow.
15. Once you have added all the solution to the skimmer, rinse the bucket and pour final liquid into skimmer and remember to unplug the other skimmer.

One thing to remember when backwashing the D.E. filter system for the first time, always make note of the beginning filter pressure gauge reading. This will help you to remember what your normal setting of pressure will be for the next backwashing cycle.

We very highly recommend that the Diatomaceous Earth filter system be dismantled and cleaned a minimum of three (3) times a year. This recommendation is made to ensure that the elements inside the tank be preserved to endure their full estimated life.

For ninety percent of our customers, this procedure is normally done by our service department due to the detailed reassembly of the grid system. However, if attempted, feel free to call our office prior to dismantling the filter tank so we may advise you of the correct backwashing procedure.