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Pool Algaecides(110)
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Phos Free
Eliminate algae in a swimming pool by removing the food source and starving it. Phos Free pool chemical from Natural Chemistry removes the phosphates algae needs to grow in swimming pools.
Average Customer Rating:
(49 Reviews) 49
47 of 49(96%)reviewers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Phos Free
Review 1 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
UNBELIEVABLE!,
Date:March 24, 2013
By ibpepper
from Central California
from Central California
Pros: Works Fast and does what it says it will do. Comes with a test kit to make sure you need it and how much you should use.
Cons: None. I did not see a down side. Cost me less then replastering the pool.
"My pool suffered with stains for years. The time we spent sweeping it to get rid of the stains was in vain. I thought that eventually we would have to spent big bucks to have it re-plastered. I read reviews of this product and thought I'd give it a try. I ordered it and In The Swim shipped it out fast. Poured it in the pool, turned the pump on, and I couldn't believe my eyes. The next day when I looked at the pool it was clear, bright as the day it was built. No stains. Dead algae at the bottom...yes. But no stains! Ran the pumps again to clean up the dead algae and there it was. A beautiful pool with white bottom and sides. This stuff works."
Review 2 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
I always use PhosFree.,
Date:January 7, 2013
By CommonGreenDarner
from Durham, NC
from Durham, NC
Pros: This product can reduce the H2O problems inherent in your environment.
Cons: I have difficulty using the free phosphate testing kit. What about a test stick?
"My pool is surrounded by trees and plants. I fill my pool with well water. One thing that enables me to deal with water clarity in this environment is the use of PhosFree. I have used it every Summer for several years and don't like what happens when I skip this step in my maintenance."
Review 3 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
Good Product but read instructions carefully!,
Date:August 7, 2012
By Sharkey
from Marco Island, Florida
from Marco Island, Florida
"I live in southern Florida. I purchased this product in order to rid the persistant algea growth in my pool. I tried algeacides, clarifiers, etc. to no medium/long term results.
Upon doing some research I decided to test PhosFree. With the product came a simple test kit. I was surprised that my phosphorus level was well above 1000 parts per billion. The test kit only went up 1000 ppb. For all I know my phosphorus could have been well above the 2000 to 3000 ppb level. After going through a whole 3 litres of Phosfree my phosphorus level appears to be below 1000 ppb. The problem was that, it appears for my size pool, about 12000 gallons that was all that was obtainable using the regular PhosFree. My goal is to get the phosphorus level down to below 100 ppb. If I had read the label a bit better I would have seen that for my size pool the "most" the product would lower the phosphorus level would be 900 ppb. Since I seemed to have the level much higher than that using the regular PhosFree was a "shot in the dark". It did work, but not to the level I needed it to. I then purchased a 3 litre bottle of Commercial Phosfree. It supposed to be 3 times stronger than the regular and should reduce the phosphorus level in my pool 2500 to 3000 ppb. The reason that I purchased the commercial is that a lot less is needed to be used and it will last longer.
Another issue is that the drinking water in my city is about 1000 ppb to begin with. This is great for algea to bloom, but what do the pool stores try to sell you.....algeacide and more chlorine and clarifier. Not one of them told me about the phosporus level in the drinking water. TISSSK, TISSSK and that I should first get the phosphorus down to levels below 100 ppb.
First check you phosporus level. Next see what strength Phosfree should be used, make sure your filter is clean to begin with and finally good luck and happy swimming."
Review 4 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
Love this Stuff!,
Date:August 6, 2012
By cattledogmom
from MA
from MA
Pros: PhosFree lowers overall chemical usage saving money in the long run.
Cons: Phosphate level check is a pain. A tab needs to be dissolved and chemical reaction timed.
"This product is worth the money you spend on it as you can keep a cleaner pool and spend less money on Super shock, and algae killers. Both this year and last I have had no algae problems while using this product."
Review 5 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
Awesome, Just Awesome,
Date:July 2, 2012
By ElJay
from New England
from New England
Pros: This product works just as advertised. It cleaned our pool in 7 days, and we made mistakes along the way.
Cons: Cost is high (but it works). Have to stir the product (not just shake), and those with DE filters will cycle a lot more
"We had a green algae problem from middle of last year onward. I would get algae along the bottom of our walls even though my Free Chlorine, PH, and Alkalinity were all perfect. I would by some Green to Clean, which would get rid of it for a bit, but then it would come right back days later. Eventually, I just closed the pool and blamed it on something wrong with our DE filter.
This year, our filter broke so we got a new one (DE again). Same freakin' problem with Algae. Spent another $100 on Green to Clean and Chrlorine, and the algae was still coming back along the bottom edges first - and then up the walls and along the floor.
After reading a ton of reviews everywhere, I bought 2 bottles of this product. The pool was a pretty bad color of green about now, but we tested and poured the right amount noted this in anyway. We tested the next day, and emptied/refilled the DE in our filter (no bumping, as that would release a lot of algae back into the pool). We kept doing this ~ 3 or 4 times over the course of a week (test, pour, cycle DE) and we are back on track!
It did cost me ~1 bag of DE, some chlorine, and some time scrubbing the pool to loosen up the algae, but it worked! The phosphate level is below 100 now, and the pool is crystal blue. I turned our pump down so it is only on 8hrs per day (energy savings), as well as not having to dump 2 lbs of chrloine in every few days just to stay ahead.
We only used up 1 bottle getting our 27' round pool in shape, but we will definitely be checking and using the 2nd bottle thru the summer, closing, and next year. Must have this stuff on hand at all times!
NOTES:
- If you have a DE filter, expect to cycle the DE at least every day until the pool gets clean.
- Don't forget to stir. This is a milky white product, and we thought it was clear for the longest time because the white stuff was on the bottom.
- If you have a DE filter, expect to cycle the DE at least every day until the pool gets clean.
- Don't forget to stir. This is a milky white product, and we thought it was clear for the longest time because the white stuff was on the bottom.
Thanks for all the reviews - a huge help!"
Review 6 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
Problem Solver,
Date:August 19, 2011
By n2eio
from Ladys Island, SC
from Ladys Island, SC
"My pool environment is challenging: sun, rain, heat, lots of organics. My well-known algaecide was working, but not at the recommended maintenance dose. With Phos Free, no more problem. No more expensive high dose of algaecide for "visible algae". One more product, but less expensive, more effective overall maintenance. If you have any questions or concerns, simply call the 1-800 number on the container."
Review 7 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
Effective phosphate killer,
Date:July 13, 2011
By blueswede
from Minnesota
from Minnesota
Pros: This will stop phosphates fast and keep your pool algae free.
Cons: Need to add incrementally to sand filters or psi will ramp up.
"Phos Free has been my go to product for the past two years. It will take water with over 1000 ppb phosphate to less than 100 ppb in about five days or less. Used consistently it has kept our pool clear and algae free."
Review 8 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
Date:July 8, 2011
By Holiday
from Kentland, IN
from Kentland, IN
Cons: This product will clog your filter in no time flat
"I purchased this product in the Ultimate start up package. The moment I dumped this into the filter it shut down. ( I have a DE filter ) I had to pull the filter apart and wash all the product out. It hasn't worked the same since. I would not suggest the use of this product to anyone."
Review 9 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
Great Customer Service,
Date:June 18, 2010
By capnmo
from Northern VA
from Northern VA
Pros: Great Customer Service
Cons: Filter Clog
"Similar to another poster, I followed the instructions and it clogged my DE Filter. I tried to bump it (it's not bump capable). I wound up having to completely backwash the product out. HOWEVER, I was still pegging a 1000+ p/bb on Phosphates - so I thought I'd give it another try. I called their customer service department to ask how to proceed. Not only did they offer a solution - they provided some free maintenance product after I bring the phosphates down. It always help to call! I'll try and do a follow-up post after my next batch. Therefore, if you have problems - definitely call the vendor; they appear to stand strongly behind this product."
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review 10 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
PhosFree Believer,
Date:June 8, 2010
By Algaeeater
from WV
from WV
Pros: Crystal clear water, no harsh algaecides & sooo easy
Cons: Cost
"9 year user. Got first sample from my pool builder. I hate the dangerous chemicals in algaecides, and don't like the foamy water, algaecide taste or water ring from dead algae.
Open pool with shock & algaecide. Vaccuum and clean the waste. Balance pH, test phosphate. Use phosfree if elevated, then weekly phosfree + pool perfect. Keeps water sparkling with no foam, no water ring and no algae, even through August. Will occaisonally add a dose for unusually hot weather or a lot of rain.
(I don't find the spring / fall treatment to be useful. Even with use at recommended dose, still need algaecide to open.)"
Open pool with shock & algaecide. Vaccuum and clean the waste. Balance pH, test phosphate. Use phosfree if elevated, then weekly phosfree + pool perfect. Keeps water sparkling with no foam, no water ring and no algae, even through August. Will occaisonally add a dose for unusually hot weather or a lot of rain.
(I don't find the spring / fall treatment to be useful. Even with use at recommended dose, still need algaecide to open.)"
Review 11 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
Not for Cartridge System!,
Date:June 7, 2010
By hsmurf13
from Portland, TN
from Portland, TN
"This product clogged my cartridge filter so bad I had to replace it. It was so full of goo & drastically reduced my flow! I researched it before I bought it & said it would work with all filters. NOT SO! Cost me $100 bucks for a replacement cartridge. Not happy at all!"
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review 12 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
This stuff really works!,
Date:May 30, 2010
By wiz28
from PA
from PA
Pros: Really works as claimed!
Cons: none!
"I had a very large problem with mustard algae last year and tried to fight it off with just chlorine which was a failure. Proceeded to go to all pool stores around town for advice and chemicals. I was given all kinds of chemicals to kill this stuff including but not limited to copper. Copper is excellent at killing algae but get too much in your pool and you will have problems. It got so bad with the algae (phosphates were above 1500) that I gave up at the end of the season and just closed it. Upon opening this year, it was just as I expected, a big mess. Phosphates were above above 1500 again and thats when I decided to try this product along with a lot of chlorine (6lbs for 17,500 gal. pool) to kill the algae. This product does NOT kill algae and keep that in mind. It will however keep it from coming back once you do kill it. You have to keep the chlorine levels very high to kill it and also put this product in as well. I went through 2 bottles of this product and my chlorine level is at 43 which is way high but it eliminated my problem. Word of advice....go to the pool store and have them test everything including the phosphates. If they do not test for phosphates, go somewhere else that does. It will pay off in the long run."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 13 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
Amazing!,
Date:August 27, 2009
By Flyguy
from Long Island
from Long Island
Pros: It works excellent
"Phos-free works great. As soon as I put it in our pool we stopped having problems with algae & the water turned so crystal-clear that the water looked shinier than it has ever been. This is a big must-have."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 14 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
Finally!,
Date:August 7, 2009
By ihatealgae
from Harrisburg, Pa
from Harrisburg, Pa
Pros: Easy to use, the missing link to algae control
"With arthritis, we keep our pool warmer than the average pool. This results in a struggle with algae. Our pool has been either green or cloudy most of the summer- yuk...and we have spent hundreds of dollars on chemicals. This would have been tolerable if it had resulted in clear water. I even replaced fairly new filters, thinking this may be the answer. I saw this product and thought the mechanism of action seemed logical. Well, we now have the clearest water we've had in 7 years! I anticipate a great decrease in the cost of operating our pool....and it is beautiful now."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 15 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
my best purchase ever!!!,
Date:August 7, 2009
By elisa
from Hephzibah, GA
from Hephzibah, GA
"I have been reading the reviews for Phos free for 2 year now, and thinking to myself " right, I bet it doesn't work on my pool". Boy was I wrong! It works like a charm! After fighting algae so long, you start to wonder if it is even worth opening your pool for the summer. Thanks Phos Free for letting us enjoy our pool and our summer again"
Review 16 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
Best Purchase Ever,
Date:August 3, 2009
By jacos
from Overland Park, Ks.
from Overland Park, Ks.
Pros: Keeps pool completely Algae free
Cons: None.
"I have owned a pool for 24 years and this year was the easiest year I have had. Some years I have had to fight Algae no matter how perfectly balanced I kept the pool.
This year I started using PhosFree and I haven't had one bit of Algae and my chemical usage has been cut in half.
This year I started using PhosFree and I haven't had one bit of Algae and my chemical usage has been cut in half.
Great Product."
Review 17 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
easy to use and works great,
Date:August 1, 2009
By cat952
from columbia,sc
from columbia,sc
Pros: cleared up algae is just 2 days
"My pool had a very bad algae problem it looked like a pound. Tried everthing the pool stores advised nothing worked. Use Phosfree in in just 2 days algae was gone. I wish I would have used this first I would have saved alot of money."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 18 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
Worth the money,
Date:August 1, 2009
By Polly
Pros: Works great and is easy to use
Cons: none
"Our water would turn green and those little carnivorous bugs would appear. We were fighting a losing battle. Finally we asked a friend what he used and he recommended PhosFree. He also said if the water was clean, the bugs would leave. We used PhosFree and he was absolutely right. Now we just use the weekly maintenance dose and we have crystal clear water, no algae and NO bugs!"
Review 19 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
Solved our algae problems,
Date:July 26, 2009
By krev
from Mesa, AZ
from Mesa, AZ
Pros: Easy to use and very effective
Cons: don't forget to shake it before using!
"We had an ongoing algae problem that we couldn't seem to overcome. We would get rid of the algae for a while, but it kept coming back. Someone recommended we try Phos Free. You have to get rid of the algae first, and then start using Phos Free to prevent the algae from returning. Well, this has really helped us to keep our algae in check. Hooray for Phos Free!"
Review 20 for Phos Free
Overall Rating:
best product, best deal,
Date:July 19, 2009
By srg79
from North Carolina
from North Carolina
Pros: works like a charm
Cons: none
"It is now a known fact that algae cannot survive without phosphates, and Phos-Free easily brings your pool's phosphate level to zero. Since using this, I have never had even a hint of algae (and it was a significant fight before then). Plus, the 3 liter bottle from In The Swim costs about the same as what my local store charges for a 2 liter bottle. I usually get 2 bottles (which meets the free shipping level) and I'm good for the season. Not only that but a free test kit is included so you know it's working. All around, my favorite item from In The Swim."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.