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If the chlorine level is low, give it a jump by adding shock. Ph measures the acidity/alkalinity of pool water and determines the effectiveness of the chlorine. Above 7.6 = cloudy water (scale forms), sting eyes, sore throat, and skin irritation. Below 7.2 = skin irritation, corrosion of ladders and metal pipes, can cause blond or tinted hair to turn green To raise the pH: add soda ash To lower the pH: add muriatic acid Alkalinity measures the hardness of the water Low alkalinity can make it difficult to maintain the pH. High alkalinity can lead to cloudy water or scale on the surfaces. To raise the alkalinity: add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) To lower the alkalinity: add dry acid (sodium bisulphate) There are a number of factors that affect the rate at which chlorine is consumed in a swimming pool. Chlorine dissipates more rapidly in warm water. Ultra violet rays (sunlight) cause an increase in the rate of consumption, as does the presence of organic matter such as perspiration and bacteria that is carried in from swimmers skin. For these reasons, it will be necessary to add more chlorine on sunny hot days and when there are more people in the pool. Algae are very tiny plants that grow in untreated water. Our atmosphere contains algae spores that settle into the water (especially when it rains). Once present in water they can be recognized by the formation of slime on the sides and floor of the pool developing cloudiness in the body of the water accompanied by a sudden increase in the pH. In the advanced stages of growth, they take on a green color and, if allowed to progress further, will take on a brownish color and emit fish type odors. Sunlight accelerates algae growth by causing increased water temperatures and more rapid loss of residual chlorine. In most cases, algae growth will not develop where the proper chlorine residual is maintained. A shock treatment is the best method to remove the growth. This consists of applying five to ten times the usual amount of chlorine. Algae require much higher concentrations of chlorine to kill than bacteria. There are many types of algaecides. The most popular of which are the quaternary ammonium compounds and copper based products. Copper based products require only a single application in a given volume of water. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14. A pH reading between 0 and 7 is on the acid side. A pH of 7 is neutral, and pH readings between 7 and 14 are alkaline. The pH of swimming pool water should be controlled within the range of 7.2 to 7.8. Water that is acidic or alkaline is uncomfortable to the swimmers. Irritation to eyes and mucous membranes, vague skin discomfort, and bleaching of hair and swimsuits is usually caused by improper pH. Human beings feel comfortable in a relatively narrow pH zone (7.2 to 7.8) and it is fortunate that the effectiveness of chlorine is greatest in this same range. Pool water that is acidic (pH below 7) is corrosive to filters, heaters, pipes and other metal fixtures and will result in excessive chlorine consumption. Overly alkaline water (pH above7) tends to form unsightly whitish deposits called "scale" which adhere to pool fixtures. In this alkaline range, the effectiveness of chlorine is greatly reduced. Adjusting the pH of water is a simple matter. To raise a pH that is below 7.2, add soda ash. To reduce a pH that is above 7.8, muriatic acid or pH negative powder must be added. Swimming pool water is considered hard when it contains dissolved solids (Usually calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese). The presence of calcium and magnesium contribute to white cloudy water while iron and manganese usually cause colored water. Most hard water conditions can be alleviated through the addition of water softening agents. Cloudy water conditions caused by calcium and magnesium are usually the result of too high a pH and may be easily corrected by adjusting the pH to between 7.2 and 7.8. Fresh hose water is the most common reason for hard water. |