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SPN DEC 2011 WaterTesting


www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 50 YEARS AND TESTING!


The last 50 years has seen many advancements in the water leisure industry. With milestones taking place for leading trade organisations SPATA and ISPE, the Lovibond® team is well positioned to analyse how chemistry, technology and legislation have affected the pool leisure business


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ndustry magazines dating from the early 1950s clearly suggest that the main parameter tests used on public and private pools were for chlorine and pH. Chlorine was measured using the Orthotolidine method which was generally considered to be accurate but not ideal. The mid 60’s saw many technical papers arguing the benefits of Orthotolidine against a new procedure put forward by Dr Palin, the DPD tablet. While the DPD tablet method might well have won the battle anyway, it was the realisation that Orthotolidine contained carcinogenic properties that sealed its fate and DPD remains today the preferred method for chlorine analysis. The WHO and the European Commission continue to influence the development and supply of chemical reagents. As recently as last year, the European veto on the use of boric acid had suppliers and chemists reformulating reagents for use in the market. Rest assured, however, this has all now been addressed and suppliers are adhering to the new regulations. pH indicators have also undergone regeneration. Formerly, the method


of choice was Diphenol Purple and the ideal level was considered to be between 7.4 and 7.8. However, it was then realised that a high pH level negates the effectiveness of the chlorine so the recommended level is now 7 – 7.4. Phenol Red is also perceived to be far more accurate and is widely accepted as the de- facto test method today.


Whereas chlorine and pH testing still comprise some of the main tests carried out by pool managers, today more emphasis is being put on balanced water (or the Langelier Saturation Index) with tests including: chlorine, pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, tds and temperature. Full details of this test can be seen in the October edition of SPN, page 72. A further evolution in the supply of reagents is the packaging. Riding on the developments and success of the pharmaceutical industry, suppliers are now introducing new aluminium foil blister packs, bringing added convenience and guaranteeing product performance. The electronics revolution of the 70s and 80s brought circuitry to the industry. Previously, pool attendants relied on visual comparison for analysis. The Comparator Method is


very reliable with easy-to-use colour match systems enabling economic yet consistent testing and is still very much in use today. However there are some disadvantages: the readings are, by their nature, subjective and results must be manually recorded. Electronic developments enabled the introduction of the photometer which is now extensively used in the industry since they provide a direct digital reading of the test being carried out, thereby removing any subjectivity. Furthermore, most photometers can also be battery operated so still appropriate for in situ use and any lighting environment. Most importantly, however, photometers have memory data storage, enabling results to be stored automatically for review and historic reporting. The first photometers were introduced in 1982 and continue to be enhanced to provide even more accurate readings.


Swimming as an activity has grown extensively over the years and today proves to be one of the most popular recreational activities. As more pools were being built throughout the country, industry organisations were established to encourage good- practice both in the construction and maintenance of the pools.


ISPE (the Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers) was set up over 30 years ago to be the training arm of the Swimming Pool Industry – initiated, in fact, by the then Lovibond® Chemist, Geoff Shute, who held workshops in Salisbury on water testing. It holds seminars on a variety of topics to encourage good maintenance of the pool and water. Its 100th Seminar was celebrated on 26 October. SPATA – the Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association – is now 50 years old. Its mandate is to set standards governing the construction and operation of pools, spas, saunas and steam rooms. The organisation also produces Standards for pool design and maintenance and monitors international activities for the benefit of its members.


No one knows what the next 50 years will bring in terms of advancements in maintaining swimming pools and spas or what new discovery might revolutionise the industry further. spn


i FOR FURTHER INFORMATION


F LOVIBOND TINTOMETER ( 01980 664800 : www.lovibondwater.com


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