[verum ago]

The phosphates in detergent do NOT cause the algae to bloom because the algae can't break down the trisodium phosphates.

They don't need to break down an orthophosphate like trisodium phosphate. The basic phosphorus containing unit in every living thing is orthophosphate (PO₄^3-). Trisodium phosphate dissolves to directly give the orthophosphate anion.

I think you're thinking of sodium tripolyphosphate (also called sodium triphosphate sometimes). I don't know if algae can break it down directly, but they don't need to. It breaks down on its own over a matter of hours in solution.

Both trisodium phosphate and sodium triphosphate really do encourage algal growth where phosphate is a limiting nutrient because they both result in highly bioavailable phosphate. Please note, however, that I am not endorsing the Greens' stance of banning highly effective phosphate based cleaners from use.

Most of the studies on free phosphate concentration have until recently used methods which overestimate its concentration grossly (we're talking overestimation by entire orders of magnitude). In other words, yeah the stuff can cause problems in sufficient concentration, but the prevalence of such concentrations has historically been vastly overestimated. Of course, since letting the truth get out would damage their arguments and reputations, the Greens have knowingly stuck to outdated information to advance their anti-civilization/progress agenda. Never underestimate their ability to distort the truth or lie convincingly. Bastards.

[radioone]

Had to have the pump replaced in our 15 year old dishwasher recently. We asked the fellow who was installing the pump his opinion on getting dishes clean. His recommendation was to use granular dishwasher detergent in one of the “holders” and granular Lemi-Shine in the other one. We already use the Cascade with phosphates, and this half and half mix works very well.