It is important to regularly test the water chemistry and to adjust it as needed to ensure that it is within the optimal range. This can help to maintain the quality of the swimming pool water and the overall swimming experience.
For all water testing needs call Conquest Pools Albury Wodonga.
Chlorine
Chlorine is a chemical that is used to kill harmful bacteria and germs in swimming pools. When added to the water, it forms a compound called hypochlorous acid, which is able to kill these contaminants. The amount of chlorine added to the water must be carefully balanced, as too little chlorine will not be effective at killing bacteria, but too much can be harmful to swimmers and can cause skin and eye irritation. Chlorine is typically added to swimming pools in the form of tablets, granules, or liquid, which are placed in a special device called a chlorinator or feeder. This device releases small amounts of chlorine into the water on a regular basis to keep the water clean and safe for swimming.
Ideal range : 1-3 ppm (parts per million)
- Too low: Can allow bacteria and other contaminants to grow, leading to poor water quality.
- Too high: Can cause irritation to swimmers' eyes and skin and can damage pool equipment.
Total chlorine
Free chlorine is the portion of the total chlorine in pool water that is available to kill bacteria and other contaminants. It is the active form of chlorine that is most effective at killing germs. Total chlorine is the sum of the free chlorine and any combined chlorine in the water. Combined chlorine is the portion of the total chlorine that has already reacted with contaminants or other substances in the water and is no longer available to kill germs. It is not as effective at killing bacteria as free chlorine. It is important to regularly test for both free and total chlorine in pool water to ensure that there is enough free chlorine available to kill contaminants and maintain water quality. If the level of combined chlorine becomes too high, it may be necessary to use a chlorine shock treatment to break it down and convert it back into free chlorine.
pH
pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a substance. In swimming pools, pH is important because it affects the effectiveness of chlorine. Chlorine is most effective at killing bacteria and other contaminants when the pH of the water is between 7.2 and 7.8, which is slightly basic. If the pH of the pool water is too low (too acidic), the chlorine will not be as effective at killing bacteria. On the other hand, if the pH is too high (too basic), the chlorine will become less effective over time and may cause irritation to swimmers' eyes and skin. It is important to regularly test and adjust the pH of pool water to ensure that it is within the ideal range for chlorine to work effectively.
Ideal range: 7.2-7.6
- Too low: Can cause chlorine to be less effective and can irritate swimmers' eyes and skin.
- Too high: Can cause chlorine to become less effective over time and can irritate swimmers' eyes and skin.
Alkalinity
Alkalinity is a measure of the water's ability to resist changes in pH. In other words, it is a measure of the water's ability to buffer against changes in acidity or basicity. In swimming pools, alkalinity is important because it helps to stabilise the pH of the water. If the alkalinity of the water is too low, the pH can become unstable and fluctuate easily. This can make it difficult to maintain the proper pH level, which is necessary for the chlorine to work effectively. On the other hand, if the alkalinity is too high, it can cause the pH to rise, making the water too basic and causing irritation to swimmers' eyes and skin. It is important to regularly test and adjust the alkalinity of pool water to ensure that it is within the proper range.
Ideal range: 80-120 ppm
- Too low: Can cause pH to become unstable and fluctuate easily.
- Too high: Can cause pH to rise, making the water too basic and causing irritation to swimmers' eyes and skin.
Stabiliser (Cyanuric acid, UV blockout)
Cyanuric acid (CYA) is a chemical that is added to swimming pool water to help protect chlorine from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Chlorine can be broken down and become less effective over time when exposed to UV radiation, which is why it is important to add CYA to the water. CYA works by forming a protective layer around the chlorine molecules, which helps to prevent them from being broken down by the sun. This allows the chlorine to remain effective at killing bacteria and other contaminants for a longer period of time. It is important to maintain the proper level of CYA in the pool water, as too little can lead to rapid chlorine loss, while too much can reduce the effectiveness of the chlorine.
Ideal ranges : 30-90ppm
- Too low: Can allow chlorine burns off too fast.
- Too high: Can slow chlorine react and reduce efficiency.
Phosphate
Phosphates are naturally occurring chemicals that can be found in pool water. They can come from a variety of sources, such as lawn fertilisers, detergents, and even from the bodies of swimmers themselves. Phosphates can cause problems in pool water because they can act as a food source for algae, allowing it to grow and thrive. This can lead to cloudy, green water and other problems. In addition, phosphates can also interfere with the effectiveness of chlorine by consuming it, which can make it more difficult to maintain proper chlorine levels in the water. It is important to regularly test for phosphates in pool water and to use a phosphate remover to lower their levels if necessary. This can help to keep the water clear and free of algae and other contaminants.
Ideal range : <200 ppb (parts per billion)
- Optimal range: It is generally recommended to keep the phosphate level in a fibreglass pool below 200 ppb.
- Too low: A low phosphate level is not typically a problem and does not need to be adjusted.
- Too high: A high phosphate level can cause algae growth and can make it more difficult to maintain proper chlorine levels. It can also cause staining and scaling on pool surfaces and equipment.
Calcium
Calcium is a naturally occurring chemical that can be found in pool water. It is typically introduced to the water through the fill water or through the use of calcium-based pool chemicals. Calcium is important for maintaining the proper balance of water chemistry in a pool. However, too much calcium can cause problems. High levels of calcium can lead to scaling on pool surfaces and equipment, which can cause damage and make it more difficult to maintain the pool. In addition, high levels of calcium can also make the water more alkaline, which can cause irritation to swimmers' eyes and skin. It is important to regularly test for calcium levels in pool water and to use a calcium reducer or sequestering agent to lower them if necessary. This can help to prevent scaling and keep the water safe and comfortable for swimmers.
Calcium hardness: 200-400 ppm
- Too low: Can cause corrosion and etching on pool surfaces and equipment.
- Too high: Can cause scaling on pool surfaces and equipment and can make the water more alkaline, causing irritation to swimmers' eyes and skin.
Salt (Total dissolved solids - TDS)
A salt chlorinator is a device that is used to produce chlorine for a swimming pool. It works by passing a low voltage electric current through a saltwater solution, which breaks down the salt into its two component parts: sodium and chlorine. The chlorine gas that is produced is then dissolved into the pool water, where it helps to kill bacteria and other contaminants. The advantage of using a salt chlorinator is that it produces a constant supply of chlorine, which means that pool owners do not have to manually add chlorine to the water. In addition, the chlorine produced by a salt chlorinator is generally gentler on the skin and eyes than traditional chlorine products, which can cause irritation. It is important to regularly test the water to ensure that the proper level of chlorine is maintained and to adjust the salt chlorinator as needed.
Ideal range: 3000-4000 ppm
- Too high: Can cause scaling on pool surfaces and equipment and can make the water feel heavy and uncomfortable for swimmers.
- Too low: Can decrease the efficiency of chlorine production in the chlorinator cell resulting in excessive pump running times and low chlorine levels
Mineral Salt
Mineral pool salt is a type of salt that contains additional minerals, such as magnesium and potassium. These minerals can have a number of benefits for pool water, such as:
- Improving water clarity: The minerals in mineral pool salt can help to improve the clarity of the water, making it appear more sparkling and inviting.
- Softening the water: The minerals in mineral pool salt can help to soften the water, making it feel more comfortable and less drying on the skin and eyes making mineral salt a great option for those with skin conditions.
- Reducing chlorine odours: The minerals in mineral pool salt can help to reduce the typical chlorine odours that are often associated with traditional pool water.
- Enhancing the overall swimming experience: The combination of improved clarity, softer water, and reduced chlorine odours can help to enhance the overall swimming experience and make it more enjoyable for pool users.
However, mineral pool salt is generally more expensive than standard pool salt and may not be as widely available.
For all water testing needs call Conquest Pools Albury Wodonga
Phone: 0260592405
www.conquestpoolsalburywodonga.com