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spN AUG 2010 WaterTesting
includes ‘Flowmore’ Calcium Hypochlorite Tablets, also available in 10kg and 25kg packs. All Swimmer Chemicals are supported by a
complete package of marketing and point-of-sale material, including product display stands, posters and carrier bags, all of which are available from stock for immediate despatch throughout the UK by Golden Coast. Some further examples of water treatment
products and filtration systems include: • Ionisation Systems • Digital Water Test Kits • Ozone Generators • Water Test Meters • Microbiological Testing • Mineral Purifiers
Many product names and variations and types but all are basically designed to ensure ease of use and clarity of instructions. Achieving clear water is critical but
maintaining a strong testing regime which ensures that it stays that way is turning out to be big business. To ensure sales, ease of use is high on the list
of requirements. An affordable unit is the portable pH PAL tester which is available from a multitude of suppliers and is ideal for monitoring pH levels in swimming pools and spas without the need of litmus paper. Recommended levels are around:
• pH: 7.2 - 7.8 • Chlorine: 1.0 - 2.0ppm • Total Alkalinity: 80 - 120ppm • Calcium Hardness: 180 - 220ppm (though some say 200 - 400)
• Cyanuric Acid: 25 - 50ppm • Total Dissolved Solids: 500 - 5,000ppm
Automated systems reduce pool down time, maintenance and give a measurable cost saving on chemicals. All good savings which are vital in today’s market. Significant ‘strokes’ have been made over the
years when it comes to pool testing products, specifically in terms of sophistication and accuracy. Today’s solutions meet all applications and budgets and continue to evolve. Regular, careful pool water testing is essential:
routinely checking the levels of various parameters is crucial for bather safety and comfort, supporting pool plant maintenance and controlling the usage of pool chemicals. Half a century has passed since Tom Palin
pioneered the DPD method for measuring chlorine levels yet this remains the mainstay in testing today. The methods of testing, however, have progressed enormously. Traditionally, measurements were made using
a colour comparison system, such as the Lovibond 2000+, which is still widely used today. Indeed, the ‘fixed colour’ glass Comparator still
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk THE THREE MAJOR WATER QUALITY “TESTS”
pH – pH is a measure of how acidic or basic the water is. pH has a scale from 0-14, with 7 being neutral. Below 7 and a substance is defined as being acidic, while levels above 7 are said to be basic or alkaline. Everything that enters a pool has a pH value. To have pH in balance we adjust the water with additions of pH increasers (bases) or pH de-creasers (acids) to achieve the range of 7.2 - 7.8. If water shows a pH value below 7.2 the water is in a corrosive (acidic) condition and you will need to add a base to bring the pH into a more basic range to prevent corrosion. If the pH is above 7.8, we are in a scaling (basic) condition and must add an acid to bring down the pH to prevent the formation of scale.
Total Alkalinity – A close cousin of pH, the level of alkalinity in the water is a measurement of all carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides, and other alkaline substances found in the pool water. pH is alkaline dependent; that is, alkalinity is defined as the ability of the water to resist changes in pH. Also known as the buffering capacity of the water, alkalinity keeps the pH from “bouncing” all over the place. Low alkalinity is raised by the addition of a base (similar to pH); sodium bicarbonate is commonly used. High levels of alkalinity are lowered by the addition of an acid (similar to pH). Experts recommend “pooling” the acid in a small area of low current for a greater effect on alkalinity. That is, adding an acid will lower both pH and alkalinity. Levels should be tested weekly.
Calcium Hardness – When we speak of scale, we are talking about calcium carbonate which has come out of solution and deposited itself on surfaces. It is a combination of carbonate ions, a part of total alkalinity and calcium, and a part of the Calcium Hardness level. The test for Calcium Hardness is a measure of how “hard” or “soft” the water is testing. “Hard” water can have high levels of calcium and magnesium. If these levels are too high the water becomes saturated and will throw off excess particles out of solution which then seeks to deposit themselves on almost any surface inside the pool. This is calcium carbonate scale; a “white-ish”, crystallised rough spot. If the levels are too low, the water is under-saturated. If under-saturated, the water will become aggressive as it attempts to obtain the calcium it needs. Such “soft-water” will actually corrode surfaces inside the pool which contain calcium and other minerals to maintain its hardness demand. Recommended range for calcium hardness is 200-400ppm. Calcium Hardness levels should be tested weekly.
offers accurate and reliable testing even in today’s high-tech environment. However, the popularity of public pools drove
the need for more accurate, objective systems. The photometer was born and today offers features such as single button operation, full waterproofing; memory and download, and cover all the essential pool water tests. The vast and sometimes confusing array of
chemicals, solutions, processes and treatments can be dazzling for the new pool or spa owner so with that in mind some companies produce free guides to assist with maintaining and treating pool or spa water to keep it within a safe and comfortable level. A pool or hot tub is a major investment and it needs to be kept in the best condition possible and having the correct products to monitor and dose as and when required is paramount. Staying ahead of the game and keeping up
to date with the best products and treatments can be half the battle in today’s busy world. The water testing industry is constantly developing and creating new systems and methods and as the requirements and needs
change and grow, so the industry changes with it. Each year brings new equipment and products and as suppliers and providers of pools and spas we must ensure we are at the forefront with the knowledge and expertise to move with the changing market. spn
i for fUrTHEr INforMATIoN
F CErTIkIN ( 01993 778855 :
www.certikin.co.uk
F goldEN CoAsT ( 01271 378100 :
www.goldenc.com
F HANNA INsTrUMENTs ( 01525 850855 :
www.hannainst.co.uk
F lovIboNd / TINToMETEr lTd ( 01980 664800 :
www.tintometer.com
F pool-Id ( 01722 322566 :
www.pool-id.co.uk
Contact
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