What is Nitrate Nitrogen?

Nitrate is a nitrogen compound that forms naturally in our soil and atmosphere. Nitrate compounds can also be present in water, which is why we may have to deal with them. Unfortunately, nitrate is like a rude in-law during the holidays. They cause problems and you want to get rid of them, but that won’t be 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 pool (or spa) waters an extended one. How Do I Get It? (Not that I Want It) Fertilizer is the most common source of nitrate intrusion. Many fertilizers contain a high level of nitrate nitrogen. Nitrogen can leach out of the soil; any nitrogen not used by the plants can be washed away by rain, a sprinkler or another water source. The nitrate can then wash into the pool or find its way into the water source that you use to fill the pool. This can be a serious problem if you live in an agricultural area, especially if you ...  more