Swimming Pool Problem

[ijusluvit]

Because I'm not in TV full-time I have a company maintain my pool/spa. There have been some algae problems recently, made worse by the heat of course, but I'm told the chlorine which should take care of algae is being compromised by high levels of nitrates and phosphates. This is due to wind borne fertilizers from the adjoining golf course. Fertilizer on the lanai screen, rain washes it into the pool. Phosphates can be eliminated, nitrates cannot. The only solution: drain and refill the pool. My guy says he has had 19 customers with pools on golf courses who have had the same problem.

Anyone got any info or experience with this problem?
Thanx!

[k2at]

There is no reason for you to have a problem with your pool/spa other than the fact that your company is not paying enough attention to the problem. Changing weather/temperature is a concern, but if the company is on top of the problem, there would be no problem.

[Cassie325]

Call a few of the Pool and Spa stores....ask them if they have heard of this...explain your issue without naming the cleaning company....see what they have to say. If they think it is ridiculous....change pool cleaning companies.

You could also call your company as a potential new customer....do not give your name and explain the issue. State that your current cleaners are telling you this is a problem in the area and you are looking for a second opinion. See what they say when you are using reverse psychology on them!

[chacam]

Fertilizer on the lanai screen, rain washes it into the pool.

Rain, what's that ? ?

[l2ridehd]

Had a minor problem with mine, but the issue is the pool company, not the nitrates. We had a small "come to Jesus" meeting and everything has been fine sense then. I have found several usually reliable service providers that think it's OK to take advantage of people who are not there all the time. Also found several who provide excellent service regardless of weather your there or not. The pool problem is a care issue not a location issue. They is nothing short of a leak caused by a crack in the bottom of the pool that should require draining it. And even some of those can be handled without draining.

[MelZ]

I don't have a pool in TV but I did own a home with an in-ground pool for over 20 years. I never saw an algae problem that couldn't be resolved by an analysis of the water at the local pool supply store.

In 20 years I only drained the pool once to have a the pool liner replaced. If you have a friend or neighbor who can take a water sample to the local pool store you can get a great sanity check. The analysis of the pool water is usually free.

[Russ_Boston]

Not being familiar with Fla I do have a question:

Is there any $ benefit for this pool guy? Is he supplying the water at a cost? If not then what would be the reason why he'd say that if it weren't true?

I've never heard of the problem but here is a good article about why the guy may be correct:

http://www.aquachek.com/articles.asp?AID=5&l=1

[ijusluvit]

Russ,

BRILLIANT!

Amazing article. I have had confidence in my pool company and the earlier responses to my post made me fidgety. I'm thinking, yea, why should the pool have to be drained? Has this guy been staying on top of the problem?

Your article not only gives me the chemistry info I need about nitrates but it also means my pool guy might not be full of fertilizer.

Now a water test will prove who's right and for a change I'll actually know what I'm talking about.

Thanx!!!!!!

[l2ridehd]

Russ, as always great information. We all learn something new here every day it seems. And good suggestions on how to prevent it from hapopening in the first place. One other suggestion might help. When I pressure wash my lanai and cage, I do it from the inside out and also wash the screens. Most of the water ends up draining off the sides. Maybe this helps move the nitrogen particles on the screens away from getting in the pool. I guess I would try all other options before draining and refilling the pool as that is an expensive way to go.

[Russ_Boston]

I try to answer all puzzles by the old saying "Follow the money".

I like the idea of washing from the inside and staying on top of the chemical balance. I'm sure not everyone who has a pool on a course is having this issue.

[ijusluvit]

Russ and my pool guy were both right! My independent water test shows that the pool has been maintained well but that the free chlorine is being compromised by the high levels of nitrates and phosphates. I looked at internet sites and the clear consensus in these circumstances is that draining the pool partly or completely is the most effective and least expensive solution.

I think I will try to contact the maintenance people at Nancy Lopez simply to inform them of the possibility that their fertilizer is being blown into my pool. If I'm nice enough about it maybe they will avoid spreading fertilizer on windy days. Then we will have a perfect world.