Lo-Chlor is Australia's most trusted specialist pool and spa chemical manufacturer globally recognised and exporting to 25+ countries. Their range covers algaecides, clarifiers, phosphate removers, stain treatments, stabilisers, spa care, equipment aids and more, every product formulated for Australian water chemistry and climate.
Lo-Chlor — Phosphate Removers
Starver M — Monthly Maintenance
Maintenance formulaMonthly dosingAll pool typesLow ongoing cost
📋 How it works▾
Lo-Chlor Starver M is the maintenance phosphate remover in the Starver range — formulated for regular monthly dosing to keep phosphate levels consistently low once they've been brought under control.
Phosphates are algae's primary food source. While Starver X handles high concentrations and phosphate spikes, Starver M is designed to pick up where it leaves off — preventing phosphates from creeping back up between service visits or seasonal changes.
Lo-Chlor Starver M details
Maintenance-strength phosphate remover — designed for regular monthly use
Prevents phosphate levels from building between treatments
More economical than Starver X for ongoing use at low phosphate levels
Compatible with all pool types and sanitiser systems
Available in four sizes to suit any pool or usage: 1L, 2.5L, 5L and 20L
Choosing your size: The 1L provides around 10 monthly treatments for a 50,000L pool — ideal if you're just starting a maintenance routine. The 2.5L or 5L suit larger pools or properties with heavier bather loads needing fortnightly dosing. The 20L drum is for service professionals or commercial pools requiring bulk supply.
If your phosphate levels are currently high (above 600 ppb), start with Lo-Chlor Starver X first — Starver M is designed for maintenance, not initial knockdown. After bringing phosphates under control, combine monthly Starver M with Lo-Chlor Pool Algaecide dosing for comprehensive algae prevention.
🔍 Does it suit my pool?▾
Phosphate removers are compatible with all pool types. Select yours for specific guidance.
🧂Salt chlorinated▾
✓ Compatible — salt pools often have higher phosphates
Salt pool owners frequently see elevated phosphate levels from swimwear, sunscreen and body products. Regular phosphate removal prevents these building to levels that encourage algae growth even when chlorinator output is reduced.
💧Traditional chlorine▾
✓ Compatible — works with all chlorine systems
Add phosphate remover separately from chlorine. Allow the pool to circulate for 2 hours after adding chlorine before dosing. Run the filter for at least 8 hours after application.
🪨Mineral / magnesium▾
✓ Compatible — works with all mineral systems
Mineral pool systems are fully compatible with phosphate removers. Apply with the pump running and run the filter for at least 8 hours after dosing.
⚡Ionised / Nature2▾
✓ Compatible — safe for ionised pools
Starver phosphate removers contain no copper and do not interact with copper ionisation systems. They are the preferred algae-prevention companion for ionised pools where copper-based algaecides should be avoided.
🏊Fibreglass▾
✓ Compatible — may cause brief cloudiness
Phosphate removers can create a temporary white haze as particles bind and settle — normal and clears within 12–48 hours. Run the filter continuously during this period.
🧱Concrete / pebblecrete▾
✓ Compatible — important for black spot prevention
High phosphate levels are a key factor in black spot algae return in pebblecrete pools. Regular phosphate removal removes the food source that allows black spot to re-establish after treatment.
💊 Dosage guide▾
Test with the Starver Test Kit before dosing. Starver M is most effective when phosphate levels are already below 300 ppb — use Starver X first if levels are higher.
🛡 Monthly maintenance (under 300 ppb)
100 ml
per 50,000 L
Standard monthly dose. Add with pump running and filter for 8+ hours after.
⬆ Elevated levels (300–600 ppb)
200 ml
per 50,000 L
Higher dose for moderately elevated phosphates. Retest after 48 hours. If levels remain above 300 ppb, switch to Starver X.
💧 Small pool / spa (under 20,000 L)
25–50 ml
per 20,000 L
Scale dose to pool size. Use the lower end for routine maintenance.
📦 Large pool (5L or 20L drum)
500 ml–1 L
per 50,000 L
Apply evenly around the pool with the pump running. Backwash filter 48 hours after.
❓ FAQ▾
How often should I use Starver M?▾
Monthly is the standard recommendation. In pools with heavy bather loads, significant runoff from gardens or lawns, or in summer when evaporation is high, dosing every 2–3 weeks may be needed. Test your levels to confirm.
Can I use Starver M instead of Starver X?▾
Starver M is designed for maintenance, not initial treatment of high phosphate levels. If your reading is above 600 ppb, use Lo-Chlor Starver X first to bring levels down, then switch to Starver M for ongoing maintenance.
Will Starver M cloud my water?▾
It may create a mild temporary cloudiness as phosphate particles bind and settle — normal and clears within 12–24 hours. Run the filter continuously during this time and backwash once the cloudiness has settled.
Which size should I buy?▾
The 1L is the best starting point for most pool owners — it's enough for around 10 monthly treatments on a 50,000L pool. The 2.5L is good value for larger pools or more frequent dosing. The 5L and 20L are for ongoing bulk supply if you've established Starver M as a regular part of your routine.
Do I still need to use algaecide with Starver M?▾
Yes — phosphate removal reduces algae's food supply but doesn't replace algaecide. The most effective approach combines monthly Starver M with monthly Lo-Chlor Pool Algaecide. Removing the food source and maintaining an algaecide barrier gives you two layers of protection.