REVIVE! is a dual-purpose pool treatment that removes phosphates (algae food) and helps eliminate algae. Add 1 liter per 20,000 gallons, run pump 48 hours, clean filter. Works quickly to remove phosphates and restore water clarity. This guide covers complete application procedures and best practices for phosphate removal and algae treatment.
Table of Contents
What is REVIVE! Phosphate and Algae Remover?
REVIVE! is a dual-purpose pool treatment designed to remove phosphates and help eliminate algae from swimming pools. This powerful formula addresses both the root cause of algae (phosphates) and existing algae growth, making it ideal for pools experiencing persistent algae problems. REVIVE! removes the nutrients that feed algae while simultaneously helping to clear algae from pool water.
Key Features of REVIVE!
- Dual-purpose formula: Removes phosphates and helps eliminate algae
- Phosphate remover: Eliminates algae food source
- Algae treatment: Helps clear existing algae
- Fast acting: Visible results within 24 to 48 hours
- Easy to use: Simple one-step application
- Works with all sanitizers: Compatible with chlorine, salt, bromine, and mineral systems
- Safe for all surfaces: Compatible with vinyl, fiberglass, plaster, and tile
- Professional strength: Used by pool service professionals
Understanding Phosphates in Pool Water
Phosphates are nutrients that feed algae growth. They enter pools through rainwater, fertilizer runoff, leaves, and other organic debris. High phosphate levels make it difficult to control algae, even with proper chlorine levels. Removing phosphates eliminates the food source that allows algae to thrive, making algae prevention much easier.
Why Use REVIVE! for Pool Care?
Benefits of Dual-Purpose Treatment
- Removes phosphates to prevent algae
- Helps eliminate existing algae
- Addresses root cause of algae problems
- Restores water clarity quickly
- Reduces need for multiple products
- Works with existing sanitizer
- Prevents future algae growth
- Cost effective multi-purpose solution
How REVIVE! Works
REVIVE! works through a two-pronged approach: it binds phosphates for removal through filtration while simultaneously helping to eliminate existing algae. This comprehensive treatment addresses both symptoms (algae) and root causes (phosphates) of pool water problems, providing more effective and longer-lasting results than treating algae alone.
When to Use REVIVE!
Ideal Situations for REVIVE!
Algae Problems:
- Green tint to water
- Algae spots on surfaces
- Recurring algae issues
- High phosphate levels feeding algae
For severe algae, see how to fix green pool quickly and learn about whether solar pool ionizer is effective against mustard algae.
High Phosphate Levels:
- Test shows phosphates above 100 ppb
- Algae keeps returning despite proper chlorine
- Difficulty maintaining clear water
- After heavy rain or storms
Multiple Pool Issues:
- Cloudy water with algae present
- High phosphates and poor clarity
- Pool with multiple water quality problems
- After heavy use or neglect
Preventative Treatment:
- After pool opening
- Following heavy rain
- When phosphates are detected
- As part of regular maintenance
Step by Step Application Guide
Step 1: Test and Balance Water Chemistry
Before treating, test and adjust water:
- pH: 7.2 to 7.6
- Total Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
- Free Chlorine: 1 to 3 ppm (minimum)
- Calcium Hardness: 200 to 400 ppm
- Test phosphate levels if possible
Learn about how to maintain your pool's pH balance, how to manage pool water hardness, and how solar ionizers support balanced pool water.
Step 2: Calculate Pool Volume
Accurate dosage depends on knowing your pool's water volume:
Rectangular Pools:
Length (ft) Ă Width (ft) Ă Average Depth (ft) Ă 7.5 = Gallons
Round Pools:
Diameter (ft) Ă Diameter (ft) Ă Average Depth (ft) Ă 5.9 = Gallons
Oval Pools:
Length (ft) Ă Width (ft) Ă Average Depth (ft) Ă 6.7 = Gallons
Step 3: Determine REVIVE! Dosage
REVIVE! dosage guidelines:
Standard Treatment Dosage
1 liter per 20,000 gallons
Dosage Examples:
- 10,000 gallon pool: 0.5 liter (16 oz)
- 15,000 gallon pool: 0.75 liter (24 oz)
- 20,000 gallon pool: 1 liter (32 oz)
- 25,000 gallon pool: 1.25 liters (40 oz)
- 30,000 gallon pool: 1.5 liters (48 oz)
High Phosphate Levels
For very high phosphate levels (above 500 ppb), may need to double dose or repeat treatment after 48 hours.
Step 4: Clean Pool Before Treatment
Prepare pool for best results:
- Skim surface to remove floating debris
- Brush pool walls and floor
- Vacuum pool if heavily soiled
- Empty skimmer baskets
- Clean or backwash filter before treatment
Use the best pool brushes for effective cleaning and learn about dealing with leaves and debris in your pool.
Step 5: Add REVIVE! to Pool
Apply treatment to pool water:
- Shake REVIVE! bottle well before using
- Measure correct amount based on pool size
- Pour REVIVE! slowly around pool perimeter
- Walk around entire pool while pouring
- Distribute evenly for best results
- Pour near return jets for better mixing
- Do not add directly to skimmer
Step 6: Run Pump Continuously
Critical step for treatment effectiveness:
- Run pump continuously for 48 hours
- Do not turn off pump during treatment
- Allows REVIVE! to work throughout pool
- Filters out bound phosphates and dead algae
- Monitor filter pressure during treatment
Learn about how pool circulation supports proper maintenance.
Step 7: Clean Filter After 48 Hours
Essential step for removing captured phosphates and debris:
Sand or DE Filters:
- Backwash filter thoroughly
- May need to backwash 2 to 3 times
- Run until water runs clear
Cartridge Filters:
- Remove and clean cartridge thoroughly
- Rinse with hose until water runs clear
- May need chemical cleaning if heavily soiled
Step 8: Test and Adjust Chemistry
After treatment:
- Test all water parameters
- Adjust pH and alkalinity as needed
- Verify chlorine is at proper level
- Test phosphate levels if possible
- Water should be clear and sparkling
- Resume normal pool maintenance
Post Treatment Maintenance
Immediate Follow Up (First Week)
Daily Tasks:
- Test water chemistry daily
- Maintain proper chlorine levels (1 to 3 ppm)
- Monitor water clarity
- Brush pool surfaces
- Check filter pressure
After 48 Hours:
- Clean filter thoroughly (essential)
- Vacuum pool if needed
- Test all water parameters
- Add algaecide for prevention if desired
Follow a comprehensive pool cleaning checklist for beginners and weekly pool cleaning routines for clear water.
Ongoing Prevention
Weekly Maintenance:
- Test water chemistry 2 to 3 times per week
- Maintain proper chlorine levels
- Add weekly algaecide for prevention
- Brush pool surfaces weekly
- Vacuum pool weekly
- Clean filter monthly
- Test phosphates monthly
For ongoing algae prevention, see how to use preventative algaecides and how to use Pool RX algaecide.
Pro Tips for Maximum Effectiveness
Expert Tips from Pool Professionals
- Clean first: Remove debris before treating for best results
- Run pump 48 hours: Don't skip this critical step
- Clean filter after: Essential for removing captured phosphates
- Maintain chlorine: Keep at 1 to 3 ppm minimum during treatment
- Balance pH first: Proper pH ensures treatment effectiveness
- Be patient: Complete treatment takes 48 to 72 hours
- Brush pool: Helps dislodge algae and debris
- Monitor filter pressure: Clean if pressure rises significantly
- Test phosphates: Monthly testing helps prevent problems
- Practice eco-friendly methods: Learn eco-friendly pool cleaning practices
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Not running pump 48 hours: Reduces effectiveness significantly
- Not cleaning filter after: Leaves phosphates in filter
- Treating dirty pool: Clean pool first for best results
- Low chlorine levels: Maintain adequate sanitizer during treatment
- Turning off pump: Needs continuous circulation
- Swimming too soon: Wait until treatment is complete
- Not maintaining prevention: Problems return without proper maintenance
- Ignoring water balance: Poor chemistry reduces effectiveness
Maximizing REVIVE! Effectiveness
Proper Preparation: Clean pool thoroughly before treatment for optimal results.
Continuous Circulation: Run pump 48 hours without interruption to allow REVIVE! to work.
Filter Cleaning: Thoroughly clean filter after 48 hours to remove captured phosphates and debris.
Prevention: Use weekly algaecide and maintain proper chemistry to prevent phosphates and algae from returning.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Water Still Cloudy After 48 Hours
Solutions:
- Verify pump ran continuously for 48 hours
- Clean filter thoroughly
- Test and balance pH to 7.2 to 7.6
- Verify chlorine is at 1 to 3 ppm
- May need second treatment for very high phosphates
- Add clarifier if cloudiness persists
- Continue running pump for another 24 hours
See how to handle cloudy water in swimming pools and learn about how to use pool clarifiers.
Problem: Algae Still Present
Solutions:
- REVIVE! helps with algae but may need shock for heavy algae
- Shock pool to kill remaining algae
- Brush pool surfaces vigorously
- Maintain chlorine at 3 to 5 ppm
- Clean filter frequently
- May need second REVIVE! treatment
- Add algaecide for prevention
Problem: Filter Pressure Very High
Cause: Filter capturing phosphates and debris
Solutions:
- This is normal during treatment
- Clean or backwash filter if pressure rises 8 to 10 PSI
- May need to clean filter multiple times
- Continue running pump for full 48 hours
- Clean filter thoroughly after treatment
Problem: Water Turned Milky White
Cause: Normal reaction as phosphates are being bound
Solutions:
- Continue running pump for full 48 hours
- Cloudiness should clear within 48 to 72 hours
- Clean filter after 48 hours
- Don't add more chemicals
- Be patient and let treatment work
Problem: Phosphates Return
Solutions:
- Identify phosphate source (fertilizer, leaves, debris)
- Keep pool covered when not in use
- Remove leaves and debris promptly
- Test phosphates monthly
- Treat when phosphates exceed 100 ppb
- Maintain proper filtration
Frequently Asked Questions
How much REVIVE! should I use?
Use 1 liter per 20,000 gallons for standard treatment. For a 20,000 gallon pool, use 1 liter. For a 10,000 gallon pool, use 0.5 liter (16 oz).
How long does it take REVIVE! to work?
REVIVE! typically clears water within 48 to 72 hours when pump runs continuously. You should see improvement within 24 hours with complete clarity by 48 to 72 hours.
Can I swim after adding REVIVE!?
You can swim after adding REVIVE!, but it's best to wait until treatment is complete (48 hours) and water is clear for the best swimming experience.
Do I need to clean my filter after using REVIVE!?
Yes! Cleaning your filter after 48 hours is essential. The filter captures phosphates and debris that must be removed through backwashing or cartridge cleaning.
Will REVIVE! kill algae?
REVIVE! helps eliminate algae by removing phosphates (algae food) and has algae-fighting properties. For heavy algae, shock pool first, then use REVIVE! to remove phosphates and prevent recurrence.
Can I use REVIVE! with chlorine?
Yes! REVIVE! works with all sanitizers including chlorine, salt, bromine, and mineral systems. Maintain proper chlorine levels (1 to 3 ppm) during treatment.
How often can I use REVIVE!?
Use REVIVE! as needed when phosphate levels are high or algae problems arise. For prevention, test phosphates monthly and treat when levels exceed 100 ppb.
What are phosphates and why should I remove them?
Phosphates are nutrients that feed algae growth. High phosphate levels make algae control difficult even with proper chlorine. Removing phosphates eliminates the food source that allows algae to thrive.
Can I use REVIVE! in a saltwater pool?
Yes! REVIVE! is compatible with all pool types including saltwater, chlorine, bromine, and mineral systems.
Learn about cleaning and maintaining saltwater pools.
Why is my pool cloudy after adding REVIVE!?
Initial cloudiness is normal as REVIVE! binds phosphates and treats algae. Continue running pump for 48 hours, then clean filter. Water should clear within 48 to 72 hours.
Can I use REVIVE! with a solar pool ionizer?
Yes! REVIVE! treats existing phosphate and algae problems while solar pool ionizers prevent future algae growth. They work well together for comprehensive pool care.
Explore what does a pool ionizer do, what is solar pool ionizer, how to choose solar pool ionizer, pool ionizer pros and cons, and the advantages of solar pool ionizers for residential pools.
Conclusion
REVIVE! Swimming Pool Phosphate and Algae Remover provides a comprehensive dual-purpose solution for pools experiencing phosphate and algae problems. By following proper application procedures (1 liter per 20,000 gallons, run pump 48 hours continuously, clean filter thoroughly after treatment), you can remove phosphates that feed algae growth while simultaneously helping to eliminate existing algae, restoring water clarity and preventing future algae problems.
For long term pool clarity and algae prevention that reduces the need for problem treatments, consider adding a solar pool ionizer which uses solar power to release copper and silver ions continuously, reducing chlorine needs by up to 85% while providing season long algae and bacteria prevention that helps maintain crystal clear water and prevents the phosphate and algae problems that require treatments like REVIVE!.
