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Swimming Pool Care Do It Yourself Guide; Clickable Index Swimming Pool and Spa Volume Calculator Swimming Pool Filtration/Circulation Pool Filter Media Rate Formula Spa and Hot Tub Water Replacement Formula D.E. Filter Grid Area Requirement Formula Chlorine Breakpoint Formula (for chlorine lock)
Range 7.2 to 7.6
Recommended Dosage of pH Plus
Recommended Dosage of pH Minus
Range 80-120 ppm Total Alkalinity is the measure of the pH buffering capacity or the water’s ability to resist change in the pH. Pool owners must realize that Total Alkalinity, or T.A., is completely different from the alkaline or basic side of the pH scale. They are, however, related to one another for proper pH balance. As mentioned earlier, a desirable pH range is between 7.2 and 7.6. Total Alkalinity plays a major role in stabilizing the pH. When T.A. values are within the proper range, the pH becomes stable. In other words, the pH will remain strong or consistent without great fluctuation. When T.A. values fall below the recommended range, the pH is easily effected. Even a small amount of high or low pH material introduced into the water can result in large swings in pH values. Generally when T.A. is low, the pH remains low as well, causing your pool water to be corrosive and irritating to swimmers. At high T.A. levels, small additions of calcium can produce scale. The pH tends to remain high and attempts to lower pH are short lived. Total Alkalinity is measured with a pool test kit, and for all practical purposes is equal to the measure of carbonates dissolved in the pool water. To adjust T.A., you must adjust the amount of carbonates. To raise T.A. values, you will need to add Alkalinity Plus (sodium bicarbonate). Sodium bicarbonate (with pH of only8.2) will raise T.A, but has a moderate effect on the pH of the pool. To raise the Total Alkalinity level, either broadcast the Alkalinity Plus over the pool, or pre-dissolve it in water and pour the mixture evenly around the water’s edge.
Recommended Dosage of Alkalinity Plus
Recommended Dosage of pH Minus
Calcium Hardness
Recommended Dosage of Calcium Plus Adjuster
All chlorine, regardless of whether it is introduced as a gas, a dry compound or a liquid compound, does exactly the same thing when added to water. It forms Hypochlorous Acid and Hypochlorite Ions. Hypochlorous acid is the stronger form of chlorine, also referred to as a good chlorine. The hypochlorite ion is about 25 times less effective as a sanitizer but combines with the hypochlorous acid to give us Free Available Chlorine. Free available chlorine is the measure of chlorine’s active disinfecting power. Assuming the pool water is properly balanced, there is no need to have large amounts of chlorine dissolved in your pool for normal sanitation. A residual of 1 to 3 ppm of free available chlorine is sufficient to destroy algae and bacteria. Chlorinating Granules- This type of chlorine is great for above ground or smaller pools that need a little more control over the amount of chlorine being dissolved into the pool. With Chlorinating Granules, you can put in as much or as little as you need to keep your pool safely sanitized at all times. 1" Tablets- The small tablets are terrific for automatic chlorinators. They are slow dissolving and easy to handle. Chlorine Sticks- Just like the 3' tablets, the sticks are superb for the skimmer. All Protech chlorine tablet products are stabilized for maximum sunlight protection and cost efficiency. OXIDATION/SHOCK/SUPERCHLORINATION
There are two things needed to maintain a clean, clear pool: Filtration and Sanitation. The use of chlorine is supplemental to filtration. When working properly, it will remove dirt and debris from the water. The filter is limited, however, to suspend particles. Even the best filter cannot remove dissolved impurities because they are not physically separate from the water. As mentioned earlier, hypochlorous acid is the form of chlorine that provides sanitation. Hypochlorous acid is very active and will react with ammonia and other nitrogen-containing organic compounds (ie, perspiration, urine, etc.) and form chloramines. This “combined chlorine” is 40 to 60 times less effective than free available chlorine. Combined chlorine, in addition to reduced effectiveness against bacteria can cause eye irritation and so-called “chlorine odor.” This may also result in a dull or flat look to your pool. A properly balanced and chlorinated pool will have no discernible odor. When chloramines and organic debris have built up in your pool, you must chemically shock the pool to oxidize or burn the impurities out of the water. To achieve this you will need to raise the chlorine level 8-10ppm above the normal chlorine residual to oxidize these organic compounds. This will kill and remove algae and other contaminants from the water. Using dry or liquid shock products are the perfect way to regain that pool water shine. SUN LIGHT AND CHLORINE CYANURIC ACID RANGE 20 to 40 PPM
The sun is a natural enemy to chlorine residuals in your pool. It is said that on a sunny day, chlorine can be depleted at a rate of 5ppm per hour. By controlling the consumption, you can help reduce your annual chemical costs. Stabilizer (cyanuric acid) is designed to reduce the sun’s effects on chlorine. Also known as stabilizer or conditioner, cyanuric acid is a hard granular product that can be added to the pool in two ways. The easiest way is to broadcast the granules over the pool. The second is to slowly pour the granules into the skimmer allowing them to be pulled into the filter. Whatever method you choose, the granules must continue circulating in the pool for a minimum of 48 hours (allow more time for cold water). If all of the granules have not completely dissolved after the appropriate circulation period, vacuum and backwash the remaining debris. Maintain a cyanuric acid level of 20 to 40ppm to help control chlorine consumption. To raise cyanuric acid levels in the pool, simply add the proper amount of Stabilizer.
Planktonic clean water algae float on the surface, while other types of algae will attach themselves to the pool bottom or sides. Sunlight, temperature, pH, chlorine residual and mineral content of the water will all effect the presence and growth rate of algae. Algae can be introduced into the pool by wind-borne debris, rain and falling leaves, or they may be present in the fill water itself. It is even possible to transfer algae via bathing suits, floats, etc. There are many different types of algaecides on the market today. The key to choosing the right one is to follow the manufacturer’s directions and maintain a working level of algaecide in the water as you would chlorine. Although you are not able to test for algaecide levels in the water, proper use will be an effective deterrent to algae growth. The most common type of algaecides are what we call quaternary ammonium compounds, or “quats.” These come in various mixtures and concentrations and are very effective algae inhibitors. Quat compounds may also cause foam on the surface of the water due to their ability to decrease surface tension. The foam is normal and short lived. Other types will include a polymer additive to prevent the water from foaming. These we refer to as “polyquats.” Still others have a copper, silver or even magnesium additive in them to get those hard to kill algae such as mustard, pink slime or black algae. The Protech pool maintenance product line offers a selection of everyday algaecides
Clarifiers come in a variety of concentrations. Generally speaking, all clarifiers will perform well, but it is important to use them as the manufacturer suggests. A weak concentration in the pool will not yield satisfactory results, while using too much may cause shortened filter runs. Most clarifiers work best when diluted in 3 to 5 gallons of water and distributed evenly around the pool. This will insure a faster, even disbursement of the product throughout the pool. Protech Flocculant is made of aluminum sulfate, commonly known as “alum.” It is used as a filter aid, a coagulant and a settling agent for turbid water. Alum floc is a white, gelatinous substance that attaches to free floating matter in the water to form larger, heavier-than-water particles, that settle to the bottom of the pool. Alum floc is especially effective on sand filter beds. The floc partially fills the voids in the sand beds and holds organic debris in its suspended gelatinous coating. Alum used as a filter aid, is introduced to the pool at the most convenient point ahead of the filter system. The skimmer is generally used for this entry. To use the floc as a settling agent, simply broadcast the dry white powder over the surface of the water at a rate of 2 ounces per square foot of surface area (see pool calculations) and allow the pool to stand undisturbed overnight or for a minimum of two hours. After the debris has settled to the bottom, vacuum the pool on the waste or drain cycle to rid the pool of the unwanted matter.
1. Test the water frequently, sometimes daily when the pool is heavily used. 2. Make certain that the sample tested is representative of the pool water. Do not collect the sample from an area adjacent to an inlet. Try to select a location that contains well-mixed pool water, and attempt to get a sample from at least 12" below the water surface. 3. Follow instructions. Water testing is a precise process that demands accuracy in measuring amounts of reagents involved. 4. Add the water to the sample cell until the bottom of the bowl-like surface (called a meniscus) is even with the indicated fill line. The outer edges will be higher than the center. 5. Rinse all sample cells, stirring rods and equipment thoroughly after each use, both inside and out with clean fresh water. 6. Do not handle the equipment with dirty hands, and especially do not cover the sample cell with your fingers. Store all equipment in a cool, dry place. Do not interchange parts such as cells, caps or droppers.
Water clarity, also known as turbidity, is the degree in which suspended particles in water obscure visibility. Filtration is the mechanical process of removing this insoluble matter from swimming pool and spa water. Swimming pools and spas are subject to constant contamination from foreign matter brought in by wind, swimmers and articles used in and about the pool water. Such contamination includes particles of dirt, organic matter, bacteria, hair, make-up, suntan and body oils, leaves, chemical residue and other debris. Pool water carrying these types of debris are diverted into the filter chamber and pass through a filter media where the particulate matter is trapped. The clean, filtered water is then returned to the pool. There are three main factors that determine water clarity. 1. Flow Rate- the amount of water that flows through the filter during a specified amount of time. This is measured in gallons per minute (gpm). 2. Amount of Filtering Area- Filter medium has limited capacity to trap and hold particulate matter, debris, oil, etc. The amount of filter area required for any given size pool is directly related to the gallons per minute that will be flowing through the filter. 3. Effectiveness of Filter Media- As previously stated, filter media has the ability to trap and hold particulate matter as water flows through it. The effectiveness of the filter media varies according to type. Generally speaking, the finer the medium, the more successful the filtering process. For example, Diatomaceous Earth is finer, there fore, more effective than sand. Filter systems consist of several basic parts: a pump and motor to move the water, a hair and lint trap to remove large debris, a filter to remove particulate matter, and a piping system to conduct the water to and from the pool through the pump and filter. Filter system sizing is directly related to the amount of water in the pool. Health codes require that the entire volume of water can be recirculated through the filter in an established period of time. An accepted standard is 6 to 8 hours. For example, a 20' x 40' pool containing 30,000 gallons of water should have a filter system large enough to handle the flow rate of 63 gallons per minute. 30,000 gallons 30,000 gallons (8 hrs x 60 min/hr) = 480 minutes = 63 gal/minute (Flow Rate) This means that the pump has to be able to move 63 gallons per minute through the piping, into the filter, and return it to the pool. The filter has to be large enough to accept 63 gallons per minute flowing through the medium without over-extending its capabilities. Filters are sized according to square feet of surface area. Each square foot can handle a certain amount of water flowing through it. For example, a high rate sand filter has a design capability of 12 gallons per minute for each square foot. Therefore, you would need 5.25 sq ft of surface area for a 30,000 gallon pool. SAFETY WITH STORAGE and HANDLING
CHEMICAL SAFETY SUMMARY Protective Equipment Handling Precautions Conditions and Materials to Avoid Balance Chemicals – Although acids are balance chemicals, they have been treated separately. The chemicals in this section are all basic (high pH) and increase pH, TA and Calcium Hardness. Protective Equipment Handling precautions
Equipment & Chemical Formula's PoolArea x TemperatureRise x 12 = Required BTU's Pool Volume ÷ Turnover Rate ÷ 60 (min/hr.) = Flow Rate (GPM)Pool Volume ÷ Flow Rate ÷ 60 (min/hr.) = Turnover Rate (hrs.)Flow Rate ÷ Filter Media Rate = Filter AreaPool Filter Media Rate Formula Flow Rate ÷ Filter Area = Filter Media RateSpa and Hot Tub Water Replacement Formula Spa Gallons ÷ 3 ÷ Users Per Day = Replacement Interval (days)D.E. Filter Grid Area Requirement Formula Filter Grid Length x Filter Grid Width x 2 (sides) x Number of Grids = Filter Area (Sq. Ft.)Chlorine Breakpoint Formula (for chlorine lock) Step 1: Total Chlorine - Free Chlorine = Combined ChlorineStep 2: Combined Chlorine x 10 - Free Chlorine = Desired Chemical Change (ppm)Step 2: Pool Volume ÷ 10,000 = (G)Step 3: Per 2 oz. Calcium Hypochlorite Shock = (2)Step 4: Desired Chemical Change (ppm) ÷ 1 (ppm) = (C)Step 5: (2) x (G) x (C) = Lbs. of Calcium Hypochlorite Required To Correct Chlorine LockPool Size ÷ Turnover Time = Required Flow Rate
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