POOLPAK Technical Library

Pool Water Testing:

PoolPak Technical Library Series
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Devices and Methods
INTRO TO POOL CHEMISTRY
For a chemical to be used for disinfection the chemical must impart a residual into the pool water and that residual must be
measurable. Chlorine continues to be the approved primary disinfectant for swimming pools for this reason. When chlorine is
first added to pool water, it takes the form of free chlorine. Upon introduction of contaminants to the pool, chlorine reacts
quickly to sanitize and disinfect. This reaction uses up free chlorine and more chlorine must be added to maintain the same level
of disinfection.

Proper water chemistry management is important to maintain a safe healthy pool environment for patrons. Several testing kits
are available that work based on different chemistry aspects. Despite the reported accuracy and precision of certain tests, a group
of people can perform the same test at the same time and find variable results. This creates a great deal of anxiety for pool
owners.

For guidelines on proper chemistry management, local regulations often have sections dedicated to water testing. For example,
the Pennsylvania state code mandates that “testing kits shall be provided for making the necessary tests for residual disinfection
and pH.” The state code also references the required accuracy of the measurements for chlorine within 0.1 mg/L and for pH
within 0.2 pH. Commercial pools also require more frequent testing compared to residential pools due to the larger variance in
pool conditions due to bather load. For Pennsylvania, a minimum of two tests must be completed each day the pool is in use.

This paper will include a description of pool water testing basics, a comparison of chemical test equipment, and a review of
appropriate sampling techniques.

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FREQUENTLY USED TERMS

Chlorine (Free, Combined, Total) Titration
Chlorine is the common disinfectant for swimming pools. A chemical assay done by adding drops to a solution to reach
Free chlorine is the form of chlorine available to sanitize and an end-point. The end-point is visualized by a change in color
oxidize the water. Combined chlorine is the result of used up or a change from color to colorless. The number of drops to
free chlorine when it reacts with contaminants. Total chlorine reach end-point is multiplied by a given factor to acquire the
is the sum of the free chlorine and combined chlorine. measurement.

Cyanuric Acid (CYA) Reagents

Chemical used mostly in outdoor pools as a stabilizer for free Solutions or compounds used with testing equipment as
chlorine. It prevents the degradation of chlorine by ultraviolet chemical indicators to provide measurement of certain
light. parameters.

Ppm OTO (or OT)

Abbreviation for parts per million, a common measure of the Abbreviation for the chemical reagent orthotolidine originally
concentration of a substance in solution. Assume 1ppm= used for determining chlorine levels. OTO can only measure
1mg/L. the total chlorine level and turns the pool water yellow upon
addition.
pH
pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution. pH DPD
ranges from 0-14 with a pH~7 as neutral. pH greater than 7 is Abbreviation for the chemical reagent N, N-diethyl-p-
characterized as basic (alkaline) and pH less than 7 is acidic. phenylenediamine that is used in drop tests to determine both
total and free chlorine levels. The pool water sample turns
ORP pink upon addition of DPD.
ORP or oxidation-reduction potential is a measure of the
tendency of a solution to gain or lose electrons when DPD-FAS
encountering another chemical. A properly treated and This term refers to a variation of a DPD test that uses titration
balanced pool should have an ORP of atleast 700 millivolts. to determine the measure of free and combined chlorine down
to 0.2ppm. FAS, ferrous ammonium sulfate, is the reagent
Alkalinity added by titration until the solution changes from pink to
Alkalinity is a measure of the buffering ability of water to colorless signaling the endpoint of the reaction.
changes in pH. Higher alkalinity means the water is more
resistant to changes in pH. Phenol Red
The most common reagent used to determine pH, phenol red
Hardness works on a range from 6.8-8.2.
A parameter of water that measures the quantity of scale-
forming ions in solution. Total hardness is the sum of calcium Photometer
and magnesium ions whereas calcium hardness refers only to A portable electronic device used to measure light intensity of
calcium ions. a solution. A colorimeter is a type of photometer that limits
the wavelength range to 400-700 nm.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
A measure of all solids dissolved in water. TDS includes salt Amperometer
in the case of salt-water pools. A handheld or wired device used to detect ions in solution
based on changes in electric current.
Drop Tests
This refers to any of the tests requiring liquid reagents to
measure parameters (e.g. OTO, DPD, DPD-FAS)

Colorimetric Tests
A test method where a reagent reacts with a specific analyte
in the sample to produce a color in proportion to the
concentration of the analyte (e.g. strips, OTO, DPD)

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Pool Water Testing: Devices and Methods

BASICS OF POOL CHEMISTRY MAINTENANCE

Maintaining a disinfectant residual in the pool is the main goal of any sanitation plan of the pool facility. However, attaining a
suitable chemistry balance for the pool water is equally important. Whereas an appropriate chlorine level will provide a safe
environment, a chemically balanced pool will provide a comfortable environment while reducing incidence of scale, corrosion,
and other negative effects of unbalanced water. Water balance depends on the following factors: pH, hardness, alkalinity, and
total dissolved solids.

The Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) is one way to determine water balance. It is an equilibrium model of the saturation of
water with respect to calcium carbonate. The equation factors in calcium hardness, total alkalinity, pH, and temperature to
determine this water balance. The pool manager can use the parameters measured from test results to determine the tendency of
scaling in the pool. The test results can also be compared to the pre-determined ideal levels available through the NSPF
(National Swimming Pool Foundation). The below chart from the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) handbook contains this pool
chemistry information. (Table 1.)

The test results of the chemical test kit are compared against these ideal levels and corrective actions are taken depending on the
differences between the measured and ideal values. The amount of a specific chemical to add depends on this difference. A
summary of corrective actions is found in Table 2. One note to consider is the water quality of the fill water. Most fill water
contains minerals and even a moderate amount of chloramines for disinfection of drinking water.Multiple tools to calculate the
quantity of chemicals to add are available with little operator time. An example of one of these is the online pool chemistry
calculator at www.poolcalculator.com. When the size of the pool and the test data is added, it calculates the quantity of each
chemical to add to balance the pool chemistry. Free iphone apps are also available that do the same and may also have a feature
to log pool data.

Table 1. Commonly accepted chemical parameters for pool maintenance. (CPO Handbook 2005)
Parameter Minimum Ideal Maximum Who
1.0 2.0 - 4.0 5.0 Pools, Waterparks
Free Chlorine, ppm
2.0 3.0 - 5.0 10.0 Spas
0 0 0.2 Pools, Waterparks
Combined Chlorine, ppm
0 0 0.5 Spas
Total Bromine, ppm 2.0 4.0 - 6.0 10.0 All types
PHMB, ppm 30 30 - 50 50 All types
pH 7.2 7.4 - 7.6 7.8 All types
Total Alkalinity, ppm 60 80 - 100* / 100 - 120** 180 All types
Total Dissolved Solids, ppm NA NA 1,500 over start-up All types
Calcium Hardness, ppm 150 200 - 400 1,000 Pools, Waterparks
as CaCO3 100 150 - 250 800 Spas
Heavy Metals None None None All types
Visible Algae None None None All types
Bacteria None None Local Code All types
Cyanuric Acid, ppm 0 30 - 50 *** All types
78˚F 80.5˚F 82˚F Competition Pools
Temperature ˚F - Personal Preference 104˚F Other Pools
- - 104˚F Spas
0.1 over 8-hour time wtd.
Ozone, ppm - - All types
avg.
ORP Calibrate to Disinfectant Level**** All types

† These commonly accepted chemical parameters do not supercede product label directions or local or state codes and regulations.
* For calcium hypochlorite, lithium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite.
** For sodium dichlor, trichlor, chlorine gas, BCDMH.
*** Dictated by state or local codes. Typically 100 ppm. (Some codes are higher, some are lower).
**** Some state or local codes may dictate a minimum and maximum.

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Pool Water Testing: Devices and Methods

Table 2. Corrective actions to restore water balance.

Parameter High Low

Free Chlorine None Add chlorine
pH Add soda ash Add muriatic acid
Lower pH to 7.0-7.2 then aerate to
Total Alkalinity Add baking soda
increase pH
Calcium Hardness Dilution with fresh water Add calcium chloride
Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer) Dilution with fresh water Add cyanuric acid
Total Dissolved Solids Dilution with fresh water N/A

As a general rule of operation, the certified pool operator handbook recommends shocking the pool when the combined chlorine
level exceeds 0.5ppm. The commonly used rule for super-chlorination is to add free chlorine in the amount of 10 times the
combined chlorine level. For example, if the combined chlorine level is 0.5ppm, the equivalent amount of free chlorine to result
in 5ppm of free chlorine is added.

CHEMICAL TEST KIT TYPES

Test Strips

Test strips are the cheapest option for qualitative pool water
chemistry testing. Each strip contains one or more indicator-
impregnated test pads for each test. A quick dip and color
comparison is all that is required for a quick result.

Several issues affecting reliability include storage concerns,

strip aging, and sampling errors. Hand-held digital strip
readers (~$50) can improve the color comparing aspect yet Figure 1. Image of AquaChek 7 test strips and AquaChek TruTest®
errors with test strip sampling are not eliminated. digital strip reader. (www.aquachek.com)

Basic Test Kits - Drops Drawbacks of the basic test kit using color comparison
include:
Basic test kits use DPD-drop reagents for pool water testing. • Poor accuracy +/- 0.5 ppm
The test kit typically includes sample vials, a color chart, • Decreasing reliability above 5ppm
color wheel, or color comparator, and manufacturer directions. • Do not work above chlorine levels of 10ppm (at this
The DPD reagent is often packaged with phenol red reagent level, the test may bleach out and may give the false
for pH as well as other reagents for hardness and alkalinity. reading that no chlorine is present)
An example of this kit is Taylor’s K-2005 High DPD test kit.
The estimated cost of this kit is $40-50. One improvement to the basic kit is to include DPD-FAS
titration. These kits more accurately determine chlorine levels
by including the FAS reagent bottle. As with the basic kit, a
pink color change indicates the total chlorine in the sample.
Then, FAS is added to the sample drop-wise until the sample
changes from pink to clear. FAS binds the free chlorine and
leaves combined chlorine.

By counting drops, this test offers more precision up to +/-

0.2ppm and is reliable from 0.2 to 20ppm total chlorine.
Reader error is also reduced as an absence of color is more
discernable than comparing subtle shades of color. However,
titration tests take more time (~15-20 min) and higher
Figure 2. Image of Taylor K-2005C service kit. The kit includes DPD
operator skill to perform. There is a higher incidence of user
testing, turbidimetry, and pH. (http://www.taylortechnologies.com) error that can skew results and make repeatability difficult.

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Pool Water Testing: Devices and Methods

The DPD-FAS can be purchased as a stand-alone kit for about

$20 but typically it is provided as part of another kit that also
contains reagents to measure hardness, alkalinity, and pH. The
complete kits cost about $60-100.

Spectrophotometry

Spectrophotometry is the quantitative measurement of the

reflection or transmission of a material as a function of
wavelength. In pool testing terms, these are electrical devices
that do the color comparing for the operator. What was
previously only available in a chemistry lab is now available Figure 3. Image of Lamotte’s ColorQ Pro 7 colorimeter test kit.
in a more portable, more reliable pool-side device known as a (http://lamotte.com)
Photometer.

Photometers provide precise results of colorimetric tests thus

eliminating most of the operator error. As with similar
electronic devices, these meters may require regular
re-calibration with a factory provided solution. Fouling of the
vial or chamber can also skew results and so special care must
be taken to avoid scratches while cleaning after each use.

This pool testing method appears to be the most reliable

option short of more advanced lab testing that can cost more
than $1,000. Boasting very good precision of atleast +/- 0.1 Figure 4. Image of new eXact iDip photometer testing.
(http://www.sensafe.com)
ppm on free chlorine and +/- 0.1 pH units, these units cost
about $150-300 and are able to measure multiple parameters.

One example is Lamotte's ColorQ Pro 7 (Figure 3) that reads

seven test parameters on a digital display. This meter uses a
sample vial and liquid reagent drops similar to the basic test
kit to perform the test. Other models are available from
Lamotte that instead use TesTabs, solid reagent tabs, instead
of drops.

Sensafe photometers (Figure 4) use reagent strips similar to

test strips that deliver a controlled quantity of reagent.
Doubling as a mixer, the reagent strip is single use for a
certain parameter. These meters also feature a built-in
chamber and waterproof design such that the sample is loaded
directly to the meter by dipping the device into the pool.
Figure 5. Image of Hanna Instruments HI98121 Combination pH and
Amperometry ORP Meter. (http://www.hannainst.com)

Amperometry is the detection of ions in a solution based on on the meter is the difference in potential between positive
changes in electric current. In the pool testing world, and reference electrodes.
amperometers can be seen as single hand-held devices or as
part of a continuous monitoring system. Typically, each probe Generally, ORP meters can relate the effectiveness of the
can only measure one parameter at a time. oxidizer, free chlorine. However, other factors have an effect
on the degree of ORP that makes this answer less precise. As
ORP meters measure the difference in electrical potential the pH increases in a chlorine pool, the oxidation reduction
between a reference and the pool water. The reading displayed potential decreases since there is less hypochlorous acid in the

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pool. For this reason, ORP meters are often coupled with a pH calibration of the pH probe however the ORP probe is
probe. Other chemicals in the pool can also skew an ORP generally factory calibrated.
reading including chloramines.
The cost for the meter is comparable to other photometers.
Amperometers are simpler to use and operate than other test The approximate cost of one of these meters that include both
methods. There are no reagents to add and no counting of ORP and pH is about $200-300. An example is the Hanna
drops. The probe is inserted into the sample and allowed to Instruments HI 98121 Combination pH and ORP tester. This
stabilize to provide a reading. This stabilization time can be as unit has a removable pH electrode for easy replacement and
long as 10-12 minutes. Some probes may require priming also comes with a 6 month warranty. The unit has an accuracy
with solution to reduce the time it takes to get a stable of +/- 0.05 pH and +/- 2 mV. Calibration of the pH is required
reading. Cleaning of the probe after each use and proper every month of use. After the warranty period, it may be
storage is important to maintain a reliable testing device. easier and more cost-effective to simply buy new rather than
Manufacturers’ often provide solutions with known pH for repair.

SAMPLING TECHNIQUE
Sampling technique and especially operator error is often the Storage
greatest obstacle to achieving accurate repeatable results.
Reading the manufacturers instructions for the specific Reagents will naturally degrade over time as they are exposed
equipment used is of the utmost importance. While it can be to the environment. Since they cannot feasibly be stored in a
expected that different testing methods have different vacuum, certain considerations need to be realized to get the
instructions for proper testing, it cannot be assumed that most out of the chemical’s limited shelf-life.
similar test kits from different manufacturers will have the
same instructions. • Store reagents at a consistent temperature in the range
from 36-85°F. Avoid extremes such as storing them in a
car or refridgerator.
Here are general tips to follow when water testing as • Keep reagent bottles tightly capped to protect against
follows: moisture and other contaminants. Replace defective or
broken caps immediately.
Sample
• Keep reagents separate from pool chemicals as much as
possible.
For consistency, it is recommended that a representative
• Keep reagents out of direct sunlight as the sunrays may
sample be collected first prior to testing. Representative
degrade certain light-sensitive reagents.
means that the sample is taken from an area of the pool that is
well-mixed. To collect the sample, use the following
Dilution
guidelines:
Where applicable, it may be possible to read levels above the
• Use a clean sample bottle that is large enough to produce
limit of the test employed. Dilution is one method to continue
2-3 times the water necessary to perform the test. A bottle
in this case without having to change testing methods. There
that is closeable is preferred. Glass is recommended over
are some specific tips regarding dilution however:
plastic since the plastic has chlorine demand.
• Rinse the bottle three times with the pool water.
• Always dilute the sample before adding the reagent.
• Choose a location that is away from chemical injection
• Use only distilled water to dilute the sample not tap
inlets or the shallow end. A location that is midway
water.
between shallow and deep ends of the pool is preferable.
• Always fill to the fill line on the test vial. If doing a 2x
• Insert the bottle upside down into the water atleast two
dilution, fill half with pool water sample then fill to line
feet down below the water surface.
with deionized water.
• Invert the bottle to fill it with the sample.
• Understand that with dilution will sacrifice some
• Remove the bottle from the water and quickly cap it
accuracy. As a rule of thumb, multiply the resolution by
unless the water is tested immediately.
the dilution factor as well to get the new precision of the
test.

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Pool Water Testing: Devices and Methods

Here are other kit-specific tips that are useful RESEARCH:

knowledge for testing:
1. “The Pool Calculator.” Thepoolcalculator.com. 3
Strips: February 2010. 19 May 2011. http://www.poolcalculator.
com/.
• Prior to testing, limit exposure of the strip to air. Keep the
strip container tightly sealed. 2. “Chapter 18: Public Swimming and Bathing Places.” PA
• Collect a representative pool water sample in a sample Sanitation Code. 8 March 2005. 22 May 2014. http://
vial. Then use the strip on this sample rather than dipping www.pacode.com/secure/data/028/chapter18/028_0018.
directly into the pool. pdf.
• After dipping, hold the strip horizontal with respect to the
ground so that chemicals do not run between pads. 3. Brown, Nicholas. “Aquatics – People Using Pool
• Allow the correct amount of time to pass before reading Chemistry Testing Equipment Most Responsible for False
the strips. Readings.” AthleticBusiness.com. March 2008. 22 May
2014. http://www.athleticbusiness.com/aquatic/people-
Liquid Kits: using-pool-chemistry-testing-equipment-most-
responsible-for-false-readings.html.
• Keep the reagent bottles tightly capped when not in use
• Always hold the dropper bottle vertical when 4. Webb, Scott. “Get the Correct Water Testing Results.”
administering drops. Holding the bottle on a diagonal will AquaMagazine.com. 22 July 2008. 22 May 2014.
“kip” the drops resulting in smaller drops and will skew http://aquamagazine.com/content/post/Get-the-correct-
results. water-testing-results.aspx.
• Use a damp cloth to clean the tip of the dropper bottle.
Over time, static may build on the tip resulting in smaller 5. Webb, Scott. “Colorimeter Removes Guesswork When
or inconsistent drops. Removing this static will make Testing Pool Water.” AquaMagazine.com. 22 December
drop size more consistent. 2008. 22 May 2014. http://aquamagazine.com/content/
post/Colorimeter-removes-guesswork-when-testing-pool-
Portable Electronic Instruments: water.aspx.

• These instruments require more care and maintenance to 6. Sweazy, Joe and Chuppe, Drew. “Pool and Spa 101.”
extend life and should be calibrated regularly against Wcponline.com. Water Conditioning & Purification.
reliable standards. November 2005. 22 May 2014. http://www.wcponline.
• Do not allow probes to dry in storage. Probe should be com/pdf/1105%20sweazy.pdf.
stored wet with the solution provided by the manufacturer
and not with deionized nor distilled water. 7. “Learn More: Chemistry Topics.” TaylorTechnologies.
• Limit the performance of the calibration task to only one com. 2011. 22 May 2014. http://www.taylortechnologies.
operator. com/learnmore_chemistry.asp.
• After each use, cleaning of the instrument is required to
keep it in working order for the next test. 8. Steininger, Jacques and Pareja, Catherine. “ORP Sensor
• Follow additional guidelines by the manufacturer for Response in Chlorinated Water.” NSPI Water Chemistry
handling and use to optimize the life of the unit. Syposium. 2 July 2001. 22 May 2014. http://www.
sbcontrol.com/orppaper.pdf.
CONCLUSION
9. Williams, Kent. “ORP and Oxidation.” Professional Pool
Several factors need to be considered when purchasing a pool Operators of America. Ppoa.org. 19 May 2011. 22 May
water quality testing device. These should include primarily 2014. http://ppoa.org/?p=572.
the cost per test and types of tests required and also the
reliability, accuracy, and durability of the selected test. Local 10. McPherson, Lori. "Amperometric vs. Colorimetric
codes often set limits for minimum accuracy of pool tests. Methods for Online Measurement of Chlorine."
This paper provides a survey of the testing available. By WaterWorld.com. 22 May 2014.
attaining a grasp of pool water chemistry and understanding
the various testing methods, a cost-effective testing regimen
can be better developed to meet local regulations.

7 MKW00-TLPWTEST-20140523
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Pool Water Testing: Devices and Methods

LEARN MORE ABOUT POOL WATER CHEMISTRY AT

THE POOLPAK TECHNICAL LIBRARY:

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PoolPak Technical Library Series PoolPak Technical Library Series PoolPak Technical Library Series
www.poolpak.com Bromine Pools www.poolpak.com Dehumidification Considerations & options www.poolpak.com New Free Chlorine Standards for
Indoor Pools and water Parks
AN INTRO TO TREATING SWIMMING POOLS WITH BROMINE
Chlorine remains the #1 used and approved chemical treatment for indoor pools. However, we continue to find out more about the NEw FREE ChloRINE STaNdaRdS aRE ouT.
corrosive and deleterious health impacts of airborne chloramines and the more than 600 other Disinfection ByProducts (DBP) of a aRE You FamIlIaR wITh ThE ChaNgES IN FREE ChloRINE lEVElS?
chlorine pool. As a result, the search for alternatives to chlorine or supplementary treatments to minimize chlorine use is ongoing.

The only other EPA approved chemical for indoor pools is bromine. A halogen in the same group as chlorine,
Many public and private indoor pool owners are just becoming aware that the free chlorine levels are on the rise. This is due primarily to outbreaks of serious health
bromine occurs naturally in ocean water as a salt. For swimming pools, bromine performs similarly on issues such as E. coli where swimmers have become gravely ill because of improperly sanitized pool water.
bacteria and viruses at a slightly higher residual (3-4ppm) than chlorine. Because of its increased resistance
to degradation from higher temperatures, it is the preferred chemical treatment for spas and hot-tubs. Contaminants introduced by swimmers can dramatically influence the operation of indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Sources include micro-organisms from infected
swimmers and body oils including sweat, cosmetics, suntan lotion, urine, saliva and fecal matter. In addition, the interaction between disinfectants and pool water
The main benefit to bromine is that the chloramine-equivalent, bromamine, is a non-issue for bromine pools. In fact, bromamine contaminants can produce a mixture of chloramines and other disinfection by-products.
is as effective for disinfection as both free chlorine and bromine. Bromamine is also a lot less likely to gas off from the water. See
the below comparative list with respect to chlorine. Pathogenic contaminants are of greatest concern in swimming pools as they have been associated with numerous recreational water illnesses (RWIs). Public health
pathogens can be present in swimming pools as viruses, bacteria, protozoa and fungi. Diarrhea is the most commonly reported illness associated with pathogenic
contaminants, while other diseases associated with untreated pools are Cryptosporidiosis and Giardiasis. Other illnesses commonly occurring in poorly maintained
The Good The Bad swimming pools include otitis externa, commonly called swimmers ear, skin rashes and respiratory infections.
• Bromamine is as effective at disinfecting as free bromine • More expensive in annual chemical costs
• No similar airborne chloramine issues (odor, respiratory • A weak oxidizer, bromine may require occasional oxidizer
irritation, and metal surface corrosion) shock to rid the water of organic wastes
• Bromine can be regenerated from bromide ions by adding • Does not wash off in the shower as well as chlorine
oxidizer (chlorine, or non-chlorine shock) • Not suitable for outdoor pools, bromine degrades rapidly
• Bromine can be automatically generated or fed similar to with sunlight and cannot be stabilized with cyanuric acid
chlorine: electrolytic generation, erosion feed, or other • Allergic skin reactions more likely (ie. “hot tub rash”)
• Carcinogenic DBP’s still form (ie. bromoform)
Sorting through Pool room DehumiDifiCation oPtionS
Whether you are building a new indoor pool facility, refurbishing an older one or wishing to optimize an existing operation, there are a number of
considerations that should be examined before committing to an expensive decision on choosing a dehumidification system. Balancing comfort, cost
and appearance all have trade-offs, and it’s important to establishing your priorities in advance.

Indoor pool rooms are complex environments that need constant care and maintenance. There is an ongoing relationship between internal and
external temperatures, humidity level, structure type, ventilation, pool water chemistry and equipment. When all are working in harmony, the facility
will provide a comfortable, healthy environment that is cost effective. When the variables begin to change, comfort, operating cost and/or maintenance
can suffer greatly.

Indoor pool designers and owners need to control and balance five crucial variables: 1) pool water chemistry, 2) indoor air quality (IAQ), 3) occupant
comfort, 4) energy cost and 5) asset protection. The interrelationship between the variables is complex, and changing one or more may affect the
others.

Small variations in the pool environment may result in discomfort; large imbalances in the pool environment can result in very high operating cost,
destruction of equipment and structure and even occupant injury.

It is important to clearly understand and identify your goals for the facility. Typical conditions for general purpose pools are normally considered to be
82° for water temperature, 84° for air temperature and 50% to 60% relative humidity. Athletic pools hosting swim meets generally operate with cooler
water/air temperatures and health/therapy facilities tend to have higher water/air temperatures.

Today’s even larger indoor waterparks are a breed unto their own. These facilities with their great expanses of space, sprays, slides and water cannons
generate huge volumes of evaporated water, and ideal conditions can be difficult as well as expensive to maintain.

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UV Light Respiratory & ocular symptoms volatile Chlorine-based Pool Water

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supplementary swimming Pool Treatment Among employees of A Hotel IndooR wAteRpARk ResoRt disinfection byproducts
MainTaining good PooL WaTeR cheMisTRy The importance of proper pool chemistry in an indoor pool facility can never be overstated. Chemicals such as chlorine are used to sanitize the pool water from organic Throughout many indoor pool facilities, the issue of pool water chemistry has been regarded as a necessary evil that requires little understanding of its use. This problem
matter introduced by bathers. Off-gassing of these same chemicals can cause other problems such as skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems and even catastrophic is compounded when poor pool water chemistry management leads to problems with both the occupants and the facility.
Swimming pool disinfection is necessary to create a healthy and safe environment for indoor pool recreation. The most common swimming pool treatments continue to failure of certain building materials.
revolve around chlorine. When most chlorine treatments are first added to pool water, they produce free chlorine as hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion residuals. To the contrary, chlorine-based sanitizers can be quite detrimental to both swimmers and occupants causing asthmatic-like condition, skin and eye irritation. Generally
These chemicals react very quickly to both oxidize and disinfect the contaminants introduced by both swimmers and the environment. This residual mechanism is In this case study published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR Weekly), it was found that increased bather load has been associated with increased it’s known that chlorination is used primarily to prevent pathogenic micro organisms from growing. In this article published in the Perdue Alumnus, it describes how
advantageous due to the continuous addition of debris and germs by patrons requiring immediate treatment. Due to its relative low cost and high effectiveness in this trichloramine levels, most likely because of increased nitrogen compounds from bathers. Trichloramine is the main chloramine compound present above chlorinated water new research is detecting and analyzing how chlorine reacts with organic materials like sweat and urine but also with other contaminants like personal care products
role, chlorine continues to be used prominently around the world. surfaces and has been suspected as the cause of outbreaks of eye and respiratory irritation at indoor pools. Other factors affecting airborne trichloramine concentration and deodorants.
include water chemistry, air recirculation, and aerosolization of water contaminants from splashing and spraying.
Unfortunately, chlorine chemistry is often difficult to manage and can have undesirable effects on both swimmers and the environment. The addition of chlorine to pool PoolPak is recognized as a leading manufacturer of indoor pool dehumidification equipment for commercial facilities, natatoriums and waterpark facilities. PoolPak
water typically requires additional chemicals to maintain a comfortable pH around 7.4-7.6. Therefore, not only are more chemicals entering the pool but additional costs PoolPak is recognized as a leading manufacturer of indoor pool dehumidification equipment for commercial facilities, natatoriums and waterpark facilities. PoolPak provides to its customers and the indoor pool industry in general important information on designing and maintaining an indoor pool environment. PoolPak developed
for the chemicals, storage, and maintenance are added. Improper management of pH can result in bleached swimming suits, skin and eye irritation, and pitting of pool provides to its customers and the indoor pool industry in general important information on designing and maintaining an indoor pool environment. PoolPak developed its Technical Library to include original articles as well as articles by noted authors on technical aspects, design, comfort, safety and health concerns.
surfaces. its Technical Library that includes original and available articles on technical, comfort, safety and health concerns.
This article was reprinted from the Perdue Alumnus May/June 2008 Breakthroughs section and written by Emil Venere.
Recent research has also discovered several microbes that are particularly resistant to chlorine disinfection. Two of these protozoan pathogens are Cryptosporidium and
Giardia. Even with good maintenance of chlorine residual, cryptosporidium may remain active in pool water for more than a week. If an outbreak is expected, pools need
to be closed for a day or two with excess levels of chlorine to kill off the germs. Prevention is often the best cure by scheduling periodic superchlorination of the pool.
Obviously, this adds considerable cost for chemicals, maintenance, and pool down-time.

Managing the quantity of free chlorine residual in the pool is also difficult as chlorine is quickly depleted by reactions with contaminants in the pool. When chlorine
reacts with organic compounds, it may only partially oxidize the compounds resulting in intermediate products known as disinfection by-products (DBPs). A very strong
“chlorine” smell is caused by DBPs and may be indicative of poor pool water chemistry. Chloramines, the most common DBPs, are directly attributable to swimmers
complaints of skin irritation and eye burn. The long term effect of chloramines can also have devastating effects to dehumidifying equipment and metallic supports as
condensate laden with chloramines are extremely corrosive.

Due to the above issues, there is a large demand for alternative disinfection methods to replace chlorine or atleast minimize its deleterious effects. This research paper
attempts to define UV treatment as a possible solution to this issue.

MK2_PTL_UV_Rev-20110414 MK2_PTL_RESOC_REV-20110113 MK2_PTL_PURD_REV-20110113

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visit bradyservices.com
or call us at (800) 3491 Industrial Drive . York, PA 17402 . USA . 800-959-7725 . Fax 717-757-5085
849-1915. for more information: www.poolpak.com

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