When Nitrate levels are too high, excess demand for chlorine and rapid algae growth can occur. Common sources of Nitrate contamination include bird droppings, lightning, and fertilizer from nearby yards.

AquaChek Nitrate/Nitrite makes it easy to monitor and control the levels of Nitrite and Nitrate in pool water.

25 strips per bottle.

Nitrate nitrogen is a common contaminant in swimming pools, and to a lesser extent in spas. Nitrates are often introduced by fertilizer overspray, by human and animal feces (such as bird droppings), and also by leaves and other plants falling into the water. These are not the only sources, but they are the most common ones. High nitrate levels promote bacteria growth and will increase chlorine demand. In fact, some pools have required 200 ppm (mg/L) of chlorine demand in order to eliminate all the nitrates from the water and establish a free chlorine reading.

You can reduce nitrates by shocking or superchlorination. Again, you may need to use a greater amount of chlorine as a sanitizer in order to establish a residual (continuous level). In extreme cases, partially draining and refilling may work better than spending a fortune eliminating nitrates with chemicals.