Water testing and analysis
Every pool has characteristics that can be measured and adjusted. One most important task in swimming pool is to maintain water balance. Test the pool water two to three times a week to ensure optimum swimming environment.
| Test | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.2 – 7.6 |
| Total Alkalinity | 120 – 150 ppm |
| Calcium Hardness (Concrete Pools) | 200 – 250 ppm |
| Calcium Hardness (Vinyl Pools) | 175 – 225 ppm |
| Free Chlorine | 1 – 3 ppm |
| Free Bromine | 3 – 5 ppm |
| Metals : Copper | 0 ppm |
| Metals : Iron | 0 ppm |
pH is the measurement of acid and base in the pool water. If the pH shifts to the acidic side of scale, there may occur corrosion of pool surface and equipment. If the pH shifts to the base side of scale, there may occur scaling deposits and cloudiness of water.
These situations will be tackle by using pH increaser and pH decreaser
It denotes the amount of dissolved calcium present in pool water. The low level of calcium can causes the etching of plaster finish and shorten the life of vinyl liners. The high calcium levels results in the calcium deposit on pool surface and the equipment.
Total AlkalinityIt refers to the alkaline material dissolves in the pool water. The low alkalinity can cause the variation in pH and high alkaline levels makes it difficult to adjust the pH as needed.
MetalsThere should not be any metals present in pool water as these can cause staining and makes the pool water to change colors. It is necessary to determine the source of metal contamination and remove it permanently.
Sanitize With ChlorineChlorine serves as most important factor used in the treatment of pool water. It quickly dissolves in water and kills the bacteria and virus so that these cannot multiply and cause infection.
Stabilized ChlorineThe stabilized chlorine products kills bacteria and sanitize the pool water. These products are to be protected from sunlight degradation and helps in keeping the pool clean and clear.
There available two forms of stabilized chlorine products, which includesTrichloro isocyanuric acid and chlorine granules.
The trichloro isocyanuric acid is available as 200 gram tablets and chlorine granules are used as water sanitizer and stabilizer.
Shocking the pool on regular basis is important for keeping the pool clean and clear. The added waste to the water by swimmers and environment has to be eliminated regularly in order to prevent cloudy water and algae.