It’s never too early (or too late) to keep up with your swimming pool maintenace.
You can see yourself now lying next to the crystal clear pool with a coctail in your hands? No problem, you can easily be there after few easy steps:
First and most obvious is to take care of larger debris and leaves. The focus is on anything big and chunky that may clog the pool’s filter.
Next and most important step is to clean the filters also. It should be easy, clean the possible deposits with a brush, and proceed with regular water cleaning.
In this point, time is to fill the pool with water and to start up you pool equipment, filter and pump.
The recommended chemical treatment is hyperchlorination /shocking
Chlorine-based agents are most commonly used to disinfect pool water. Regardless of the chlorine in question, it is necessary to monitor the level of the so-called free chlorine, which in pool water must be in a concentration of up to 1.02 mg / l.
To properly dose the pool maintenance and chlorination agents, one must know how many cubic meters of water will fit in the pool.
Hyperchlorination of pool water is carried out for the purpose of cleaning the pool. Hyperchlorinated water should be left in the pool for at least 24 hours to disinfect the pool walls. After that, the water should be drained from the pool, the pool should be filled with fresh water and continuous chlorination should be carried out. Hyperchlorinated water should not be used for bathing because it contains too much chlorine.
It’s recommended to allow the pool to stabilize for 24-48h and than test your water’s chemical levels to get your pool ready for swimming.
There is a plenty of available equipment to verify that all your levels are within the recommended range:
- pH: 4 – 7.6. pH is most important parameter because it directly effects
the power of chlorine.
Too low: Raise add sodium bicarbonate
Too high: Decrease à add sodium bisulfate/muriatic acid
- ORP – 650 mV to 750 mV
Too low – Raise à add chlorine
Too high – not likely to happen
- Chlorine: 1.00 – 3.00 ppm
Too low – Raise: add chlorine
Too high* Decrease à Sodium Thiosulfate / Hydrogen Peroxide
*At first possible higher levels due to hyperchlorination
- Temperature – A general rule of thumb is that for every 5.5°C increase in water temperature over 27°C, the concentration of required sanitizer is doubled.
- Alkalinity (stabilizes pH level): 80 – 140 ppm.
Too low: Raise à add sodium bicarbonate
Too high: Decrease à add sodium bisulfate/muriatic acid
When you balance the water, get it crystal clear your pool is ready to be enjoyed.
You can take out the sunbeds now and bring sunglasses!
Without proper treatment, swimming pool water can easily become unsanitary; algae, bacteria and other microorganisms can flourish in the water.
There is a danger also from mineral build-up, which can cause severe damage to internal piping or cause the scale on the walls and shell.
Technology can keep your pool water fresh and clean and prevent the pool water becoming potentially harmful. There is a variety of efficient water treatment systems available which can give very positive results together with proper maintenance.
In-line chlorine sanitizing systems, dispense chlorine into pool water automatically. This maintains a constant residual amount of chlorine, which prevents bacterial growth and eliminates contaminants. The minerals inhibit bacteria growth and soften the feel of the water.
These systems remove the need to continually manually test and adjust multiple chemical levels of the pool water on a daily and weekly basis.
Some of the most popular pool water treatment systems:
Chlorine, pH, ORP, and Temperature Analyzers - PCA300 Series
The Hanna Instruments PCA310, PCA320, PCA330 and PCA340 series of chlorine, pH, ORP and temperature analyzers are microprocessor controlled, process analyzers which continuously monitor a sample stream for chlorine content, pH, ORP and temperature values. The PCA Analysers uses DPD Colorimetric method for determining chlorine.
- 4 models available for monitoring chlorine, pH, and ORP levels
- Two separate selectable 0-20 or 4-20 mA signal output (PCA340 only)
- User-friendly interface simplifies setup and maintenance
pH/ORP Controllers - BL122 • BL123
BL122 and BL123 are designed to maintain constant pH and disinfectant levels in swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas and offer the added benefi t of allowing remote connection and access to devices via the Hanna Cloud web app. These controllers are available in two configurations. The basic version is the inline model which allows for direct installation of probe and chemical injection fittings into existing piping. A panel mounted version with a bypass flow cell is also available. The bypass flow cell allows for calibration and maintenance of the probe without having to shut down the recirculation pump.
Let your dream take you beyond Clouds!
Hanna Cloud is a web-based application that connects you to measurement devices such as the BL122 and BL123. Measurements and data storage are accessible from your PC, tablet or phone. Measurements, trends, history, device settings, alarms, and messages are transmitted to your “Dashboard” as your instrument measures and controls your process.
pH/ORP Controllers - BL120 and BL121
with Built-In Chemical Feed Pumps
These Swimming Pool Controllers are a complete system designed for maintaining swimming pool, hot tub, and spa disinfection water quality. These controllers are available in two configurations. The basic version is the in-line model which allows for direct installation of probe and chemical injection fittings into existing piping. A panel mounted version with a bypass flow cell is also available. The bypass flow cell allows for calibration and maintenance of the probe without having to shut down the recirculation pump.
Pool Line ORP Controller and Dosing Pump - BL101
Engineered to be an inexpensive solution for homeowner and maintenance companies to maintain the ideal ORP at all times of a swimming pool or hot tub. The BL101 Pool Line ORP Controller and Dosing Pump is a complete solution with both a process controller and a chemical dosing pump. Simply insert the probe and injection valve in-line with the re-circulation pump and supply the oxidizer (i.e. chlorine) to be dosed.
- All in one solution for maintaining the proper ORP value
- Industrial process probe with 1/2″ NPT threads for insertion into re-circulation line
- Input for level controller or flow switch
BL100 pH Controller and Dosing Pump
is a system engineered for maintaining the pH of swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas. Typically chlorine, whether liquid or solid, is alkaline and will raise the pH of the water that it is added to. As the pH increases above pH 7.4, a form of chlorine known as hypochlorite ion (OCl-) increases. This form of chlorine is 100 time less effective at killing bacteria as compared to the other form of chlorine known as hypochlorous acid (HOCl). For this reason it is important to maintain the correct pH level in order to ensure that the more powerful hypochlorous acid form is available for disinfection. The BL100 was developed to be an inexpensive solution for the consumer to maintain the ideal pH at all times. Simply insert the probe and injection valve in-line with the recirculation pump and provide the chemical to be dosed.
- All in one solution for maintaining the proper pH
- Industrial process probe with 1/2″ NPT threads for insertion into re-circulation line
- Input for level controller or flow switch
Once you established the sanitation options, all you have to do is test your water regularly so that it remains clean and bather-friendly.
Depending on the sanitation option you have choosen (automatic or manual) for disinfection there are several options to test the water with practical handheld devices.
HANNA POOL LINE
HANNA Instruments
Is proud to present our newest line of instruments dedicated specifically for swimming pools and spa – POOL LINE.
Our new line was developed in compliance with all essential parameters covered.
Pool Line Portable equipment
HANNA Pool Line incorporates a full range of testing equipment
- Photometer is designed to measure pH, Alkalinity, Free & Total Chlorine, and Cyanuric Acid in swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas.
- pH/ORP/Temperature Pool Line Testers
- Thermometers
- Turbidmeters
- Thermo-Hygrometers
So after you finish with the testing and your levels are in acceptable range, you can enjoy your stress-free relaxing time !
Author: Nives Vinceković Budor, mag.ing.chem.ing.
