Nitrates in the water are one of the major concerns for anyone swimming in a pool. They’re not good for you and can accumulate quickly causing health problems. Thankfully, there are some simple tips that you can follow to significantly reduce your nitrate levels! Let’s get to it.
Table of Contents
The Main Source Of Nitrates
The main source of nitrates in your pool water is the fertilizers that you use for your garden. The more plants that you have, the more fertilizer that you’re going to release into the environment which ultimately leads to more nitrates in the water. For that reason, it’s highly suggested that you try and reduce the amount of fertilizers that you use. You can switch to organic fertilizers if you so desire but that’s more expensive so it’s not necessarily a solution.
Fertilizer Recommendations
Depending on the size of your pool, the depth of the water, and how frequently you use it, you’re either going to need to change or adjust the amount of fertilizer that you add to the pool. In most cases, the best approach is to reduce the amount of fertilizer that you use and then after a period of time, you can readjust based on what your plants need. For example, if you notice that your algae is starting to grow faster than expected, it might be a good idea to increase the amount of fertilizer that you add to the pool. Alternatively, if you notice that your pH is getting low, it might be a good idea to reduce the amount of fertilizer that you use. A properly maintained pH level in your pool is important because it helps keep the water clean by preventing it from becoming too acidic or basic. Too much fertilizer can also cause algae to grow faster than expected as well as cause other problems. The point is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario and it’s always best to look at what your plants need instead of just going with the flow and adding more fertilizer than what’s recommended.
Frequent Testing
It’s important to test for nitrates in your pool water on a regular basis. Too often people think that their pH is okay because it hasn’t dropped too low or too high but that’s not necessarily the case. It’s best practice to test for nitrates on a regular basis to be on the safe side. Be sure to test for nitrates every three months and more often depending on how much fertilization is being done. Testing for chemicals in the water is also important for ensuring that your pool water is safe for swimming and also preventing any accidental contamination.
These are just a few tips to help reduce the nitrates in your pool. With some planning and forethought, you can avoid most of these issues and ensure that your pool is clean and healthy. This, of course, depends on you being committed to following through with what’s recommended.