VINYL-LINER-POOL TECHNICAL BULLETIN:

Don’t underestimate nitrogen in your vinyl-liner-pool water.Let’s say your water is properly balanced and crystal clear but you cannot maintain a free chlorine residual, or algae plagues the water in your vinyl-liner-pool. These problems and others can be the result of nitrate nitrogen build-up in your water, and treating this problem may be a difficult task.

WHAT IS NITRATE NITROGEN?

It’s a compound that forms naturally in our soil and atmosphere. They can also be present in water. They cause problems and you want to get rid of them, but that isn’t easy to do. Nitrate, which consists of a single nitrogen atom connected to three oxygen atoms (NO3), is extremely stable. As a result, it can make its stay in your vinyl-liner-pool water an extended one.

HOW DID MY VINYL-LINER-POOL GET IT?

Fertilizer is the moist common source of nitrate intrusion. Many fertilizers contain a high level of nitrate nitrogen. It can leach out of the surrounding soil, be washed into the pool by rain or a sprinkling system. It can fall from trees or plants, etc. In addition overspray form neaby farms, gardens, or lawns can increase nitrate levels in your vinyl-liner-pool water. In fact, many city water sources contains contain a low level of nitrates. The EPA has set the maximum acceptable  nitrate level of 10 ppm in municipal water supplies. Therefore, the nitrate nitrogen may be at problematic levels from the beginning when you fill your pool with fresh water.

NITRATES WILL INCREASE THE SANITIZER (Chlorine) DEMAND IN POOL WATER.

Chlorine demand will be greatly increased. And algae loves nitrates, so algae will grow in the pool water. If your nitrate level is below 10ppm, you should be able to control algae with regular methods. Ideal chlorine levels may be ineffective in preventing algae when high nitrate levels are present. TEST YOUR VINYL-LINER-POOL WATER FOR NITRATE LEVELS.

WHAT’S THE TREATMENT?

Prevention is the best method. Find the source of the nitrates. Take steps to protect your vinyl-liner-pool from being invaded. Cover the pool when fertilizing, shower before entering the pool, keep animals out, remove leaves from the water.

The only way to lower the nitrate level once it is too high, is to partially drain the pool and refill. The nitrate level should not exceed 10ppm.

Questions call Rich at: 609-313-0300