Algae blooms can turn a perfect pool into a murky green mess in days. Many pool owners reach for chlorine shock after chlorine shock, but the results rarely last. What if the real solution was not more chlorine but less phosphate?
That is exactly what one pool owner discovered after using PhosLocker Max, and the results were dramatic.
What Is Algae and Why Does It Grow in Pools
Before diving into the test and results, it helps to understand what algae really are.
Algae are tiny plant-like organisms that thrive in warm, nutrient-rich water. Once they get enough sunlight and phosphates, they multiply quickly — turning pool water cloudy, green, or even black.
There are a few common types of pool algae:
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Green algae: The most common kind, which floats freely and turns water cloudy or bright green.
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Yellow or mustard algae: Clings to shady walls and often resists brushing.
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Black algae: Grows in cracks and grout lines, forming dark, stubborn spots.
Phosphates are their main food source. They enter your pool from rain, debris, swimmers, fertilizers, or even some cleaning products. So as long as phosphates are in the water, algae always find a way back — no matter how much chlorine you add.
That’s why phosphate removal is key to lasting water clarity.
But what happens when algae completely takes over a pool? That’s where this test began.
The Challenge: A Pool Overrun with Algae
An 11,000 gallon pebble pool was left untreated on purpose to test how well PhosLocker could perform under tough conditions. Within days, the pool turned green with a heavy algae bloom.
Normally, clearing a pool like this would require a massive dose of chlorine, at least 10 parts per million or more, to kill off the algae and restore clear water. But this time, the approach was different.
One kilogram of PhosLocker Max phosphate remover was placed directly into the skimmer. Then, 5 ppm of liquid chlorine, about 56 ounces of 12.5 percent, was added around the pool at dusk. After a quick brush to circulate everything, the pool was left overnight.
The Results: Clear Water by Morning
By the next morning, the pool looked completely different. The green tint was gone. No visible algae remained, and the chlorine level still read at 0.8 ppm.
That meant the chlorine didn’t have to work as hard — it was simply more effective. The secret was in the phosphate removal. PhosLocker continuously removes phosphates, which are the main food source for algae. Once the phosphates were gone, the algae weakened and disappeared faster than usual.
Why It Worked
When phosphates are present in pool water, algae can thrive even if you use chlorine. That’s why so many pool owners feel trapped in a cycle of algae growth, shocking, and cleaning.
PhosLocker breaks that cycle. Its long lasting formula keeps removing phosphates for up to two months, making it harder for algae to return.
Even better, PhosLocker’s solid formula does not cloud the water or overload the filter. Unlike liquid phosphate removers that can cause cloudy water and strain your system, PhosLocker keeps your pool crystal clear and your filtration system running efficiently.
The Takeaway
With PhosLocker Max, the pool owner used about half the usual amount of chlorine, avoided cloudy water, and woke up to a sparkling clean pool. The algae was gone — and so was the stress of overusing chemicals.
If your pool is always fighting algae, the real issue may not be chlorine at all. It may be phosphates.
PhosLocker makes it easy to remove phosphates from pool water and keep your pool clear, balanced, and algae free for weeks at a time.
FAQs
Is it safe to swim in a pool with algae?
While most pool algae aren’t toxic, they make water unsafe and unpleasant to swim in. Algae can cause slippery surfaces and provide a breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s best to treat it right away.
Why does algae keep coming back in my pool?
Algae thrive in warm, phosphate-rich water. Phosphates come from rain, debris, fertilizers, and even some pool chemicals. By removing phosphates with PhosLocker, you eliminate the algae’s food source, stopping it from coming back and keeping your water clear and balanced longer.
Does phosphate remover kill algae directly?
No. PhosLocker doesn’t kill algae itself—it removes the phosphates algae feed on. Once phosphates are gone, chlorine can work more effectively to eliminate existing algae.
How soon can you swim after adding PhosLocker?
You can swim immediately after using PhosLocker. The solid pouch design releases no harmful residues or clouding agents, so your water stays crystal clear and comfortable.
How does PhosLocker remove phosphates from pool water?
PhosLocker uses a solid binding technology that captures and removes phosphates as water passes through the skimmer or circulation system. It works continuously for up to two months, keeping phosphate levels low and algae under control.
How much phosphate remover should I use for my pool?
Unlike liquid phosphate removers that require frequent dosing, one PhosLocker pouch provides continuous phosphate removal for 1–2 months in an average residential pool. Simply place the pouch in your skimmer or water flow area and replace it after that period.
For larger or commercial pools, use PhosLocker Max which offers a stronger concentration with the same simple, no-measure application.