The
Swimming Pool Operators KEY WORDS Spa ozone ultra violet pH chlorine acid redox water filter cynauric bromine calcium hypochlorite HTH sodium chloramine combined pump multiport valve sand chemical hydrochloric muriatic liner skimmer level deck tile grout plastic weld electronic computer software probes electrode ioniser copper silver fichlor dichlor trichlor dihalo aquabrome algae bacteria filtration survey health safety pseudomonas aeroginosa e coli
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DISCLAIMER:- All the information and advice on these web pages is given in good faith and believed correct and accurate, but we cannot be responsible for any form of loss, damage or injury, however caused, through the use of any information or advice detailed here.
COPYRIGHT:- All the information on these pages are for your PERSONAL USE. You may freely download, and retain anything that appears on this site provided you also retain and include a reference to this site and this copyright notice.. However, any part or whole of any article, text, or information that originates from this site may not be included in any publication, commercial literature, etc., etc., on any other web site, - or in any area where commercial or personal gain is concieved, without the express permission in writing from Malcolm R Bartier.
PLEASE NOTE:
We do not manufacture or distribute swimming pool chemicals and therefore have no loyalty to any particular brand or manufacturer.
We do not have any form of financial interest or reward from any chemical organisation, so you won't see any "recommended products" here.
We are not trying to persuade you to buy any particular brand of chemicals, and we will not specify or mention here any particular brand or manufacturer by name.
Most Swimming Pool chemicals
can be HAZARDOUS
Too many chemical manufacturers and distributors give the impression that it is perfectly safe to "throw a handful" of something into your pool. They also sometimes suggest very exagerated acceptable and safe levels levels for some chemical residuals.
We believe they do this to protect the sales of swimming pools, and the huge sales of pool chemicals, particularly to the home market. Perhaps it is thought that prospective pool owners would be worried about using hazardous chemicals and would not buy a pool or the pool chemicals.
Although we ought to be able to trust chemical manufacturers and distributors to give us safe and correct, up-to-date information, is is a sad fact that sometimes some advice given by them is downright dangerous or hazardous.
Swimming Pool chemicals CAN be safely used -
PROVIDED you take the necessary PRECAUTIONS.
Treat ALL swimming pool chemicals with care and respect. Never take chances with safety
Remember, - Safety is No Accident!
HANDLING SAFETY POINTS
(1) ALWAYS wear a good pair of chemical-proof rubber gloves when handling any chemicals.
(2) ALWAYS wear splash proof goggles when handling exposed chemicals.
(3) ALWAYS wear a good quality dust mask when handling powdered chemicals.
(4) ALWAYS wear the correct respirator if handling chemicals that may fume or gas.
(5) ALWAYS wear a suitable protective apron to keep splashes and chemical dust off your clothes.
(6) ALWAYS ensure all children and other people are well away from you when handling or dosing chemicals.
(7) ALWAYS wash your hands after handling chemicals or chemical containers.
(8) ALWAYS allow at least 15 minutes for the chemicals to disperse before allowing anyone into the water.
(9) ALWAYS stand upwind if you have to throw chlorine granules directly into the pool.
(10) NEVER allow pool chemicals to come into contact with your skin.
(11) NEVER wear absorbant shoes (e.g. trainers) when handling liquid chemicals.
(12) NEVER wear trousers tucked INSIDE rubber boots - particularly if handling liquid chemicals.
(13) NEVER smoke, eat, or drink when handling or dosing chemicals.
(14) NEVER - NEVER - NEVER add chemicals to a pool whilst anyone is in the water.
Storage Safety Points
(1) NEVER store pool chemicals - particularly chlorine, near any gasoline, kerosene, oil, brake/hydraulic fluid, grease, oil-based paint etc.
(2) ALWAYS store Pool chemicals in a secure and safe place, and out of the reach of children.
(3) ALWAYS keep pool chemicals in a completely separate place to other stored items.
(4) ALWAYS store acid and chlorine separately so there is no possibility of each accidently coming in contact with the other.
(5) ALWAYS store pool chemicals in their original containers and in a cool, dark, dry place.
(6) ALWAYS make sure the relevant C.O.S.H. and/or Health & Safety Data Sheets are prominantly displayed.
CHLORINE + ACID = CHLORINE GAS !!!
(2) NEVER allow two different types of chlorine to come into contact when in concentrated form. Fire, Explosion, or Toxic Fumes may result.
(3) NEVER, when mixing chemicals, add the water to the chemical. ALWAYS add the chemical to as large a quantity of water as possible. Water added to concentrated chemicals can produce violent reactions
(4) NEVER throw dry acid powder directly into the pool. It dissolves slowly and will quickly destroy grout between tiles, or cause "pickling" and damage to a vinyl liner. Mix Dry Acid thoroughly with water in a plastic pail until the solution is completely clear. Then pour carefully around the pool.
(5) NEVER pour acid down a skimmer. It will rapidly destroy the pool heater and any other metalic components, and may enter an Erosion Feeder and generate large quantities of Chlorine Gas.
(6) NEVER pour Chlorine down a skimmer if you have an erosion feeder installed. The chlorine may enter the erosion feeder and cause it to EXPLODE!!
(7) NEVER allow people to stay in the pool while you add chemicals. Commercial pools should have the pool hall or area completely cleared before any chemicals are hand dosed. Always allow time for the chemicals to mix and dilute before letting bathers return to the pool (suggested time - at least 15- 30minutes)
Health & Safety Equipment - also known as PPE - Personal Protection Equipment.
Commercial Pools have to observe a number of Safety Standards in order to satisfy Health & Safety requirements and legal obligations. In this section we are concerned with the handling of swimming pool chemicals.
In the UK it is a legal requirement that an employer provides adequate equipment to enable staff handle the various chemicals in as safe manner as possible. It is also a requiremant that the staff use the equipment provided, and do not cause a danger to themselves or others by careless handling of these chemicals.
In addition to providing adequate and satisfactory PPE, the employer must ensure that employees are aware of the necessity to use this equipment. In some circumstances, this duty may be simply discharged by the use of warning signs and notices. Otherwise, training and familiarisation should be provided on a regular basis so that (A) the staff are made aware of the risks and dangers of handling chemicals, and (B) the staff are taught how to use the equipment in the correct and safe manner.
The following is considered the MINIMUM PPE equipment in the UK.
In addition
Warning signs
It is difficult to provide a complete universal set or rules, guidelines and recommendations since each plantroom, each pool hall, and each chemical store is different.
We visit commercial (and some more enlightened private facilities) to determine any dangerous or unsafe working practises, and advise the best safety actions to impliment. We take into account the chemicals being used, the geography of the premises, and the local impact of any chemical accident or spillage.
We use our knowledge and experience to visualize potential accident situations, and then formulate the actions needed to minimize or eliminate the risk of those accidents occuring, and minimize or eliminate the health and safety risks to both staff and the public
Choosing and Selecting Swimming Pool Chemicals
The wide range of chemicals available for use in swimming pools is often bewildering to the new pool owner. All too often the pool installer will specify exactly the same chemicals that he has used on countless previous installations, only because he has never used anything else and is not familiar with the alternatives.
The two principle chemical groups are pH control and Disinfection. pH control can be subdivided into Acids and Alkalis. Disinfection can also be subdivided into Chlorine, Bromine, and Non Chemical Disinfection.
"Non Chemical" Disinfection
The term "Non Chemical" Disinfection" is rather misleading, since every disinfection process uses a chemical reaction at some stage. "Non Chemical", actually indicates that aggressive disinfecting chemicals are not regularly administered to the pool, and primary disinfection is achieved by other means - such as electronic - and secondary disinfection and oxidation is carried out on demand.
Residuals
With the exception of Chlorine Gas, swimming pool chemicals are not pure, they all are compounds of more than one chemical. This means that whilst part of the product will perform its task and be consumed, there will be a residual left in the water of an unused and undesirable chemical.
You CANNOT add another chemical to the water in order to remove the principle residuals. The ONLY way to control the build up of undesirable residuals is by dilution with fresh water.
To ensure economic and trouble free operation, it is important that the chemicals to be used in a particular pool are matched to the existing mains water supply. Nowadays, with fluctuating water supplies, it is important to regularly monitor incoming mains water to see if there has been such a significant change in the chemical-make that would prompt alternative swimming pool chemicals to be used.
There is no Ideal chemical, or group of chemicals for swimming pool use. Each available chemical has both advantages and disadvantages. These qualities will relate to ease of handling, dosing equipment required, their chemical residuals and the local mains water quality
When selecting chemicals for pool use, The installer or operator needs to take into account:-
For example, while an hotel pool would happily cope with a chlorine system which required cleaning once per week, this same system would not be suitable for a residential pool owner who does not wish to touch the equipment, or is away from home for long periods.
Available Popular Chemicals
pH Control - ACIDS
Dry Acid (Sodium Bisulphate or Sodium Hydrogen Sulphate) - Principle residual - Sulphates
Advantages - Easy to handle white crystalline powder. Does not fume. Available in small containers for residential pool owners. Reasonably safe while as a dry powder.
Disadvantages - Fairly slow acting. Leaves a residual of Sulphates in the water which, if allowed to accumulate, attacks grout, therefore extended regular pool dilution is required to control the sulphates level.. Must be thoroughly dissolved in water in a plastic pail etc. before adding to the pool, which can take several minutes.
Hydrochloric (Muriatic) Acid - Principle residual - Chlorides
Advantages. - Very fast acting pale yellow liquid. Has a low chlorides residual. Probably the cheapest acid available and widely used commercially.
Disadvantages - Normally sold at around 32% strength ( about maximum possible). Produces highly irritating fumes above 20% strength. Must be diluted to about 8% for administering either by hand or through a chemical pump injection system. Usually available only in 25 litre containers or bulk Carboys.
Carbon Dioxide Gas - Principle residual - Bicarbonates
Advantages - A colourless, almost tasteless and odourless gas. Probably the safest method of pH control. Nothing to mix or spill. No corrosive fumes. Suitable for both residential and commercial use, ideal for Spas.
Disadvantages - Not a poisoness gas but it will displace oxygen causing asphyxiation. Impossible to Hand Dose. Additional dosing equipment essential. Can sometimes cause an increased Total Alkalinity level. Cannot be used to "shock down" Total Alkalinity.
pH Control - ALKALIS
Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate) - Principle residual - Carbonates
Advantages - A fine granular white powder. Produces quick increase in pH value. Cheap.
Disadvantages - Excessive dosing can create cloudy water. Does not increase Total Alkalinity. Must be completely dissolved in water before use.
Sodium Bicarbonate - Principle residual - Bicarbonates
Advantages - A fine white powder. Increases both pH and especially, Total Alkalinity.
Disadvantages - must be carefully and completely dissolved in cold water before use.
CHLORINE DISINFECTION
Sodium Hypochlorite 10 - 15% available chlorine - Principle residual Sodium Chloride(salt).
Advantages - A pale yellow liquid (sometimes dyed purple). Creates an instant increase in chlorine levels. Good for shock-dosing. Not expensive
Disadvantages - Very highly corrosive and caustic, creating handling problems. Has a very short "Shelf-Life" - 4 months or less depending on storge method. Very high pH value, and adding to pool water causes a significant increase in pH value of pool water. Chlorine injectors may become easily clogged with Sodium Chloride compounds. Leaves a considerable level of Sodium and Chloride residuals, therefore extended regular pool dilution is required to control the sodium and chloride levels. Usually only available in 20 - 25 litre (5 gallon) containers or by bulk delivery tanker.
Dichlor Granules - 55% available Chlorine - Principle residual - Cyanuric Acid
Advantages - A fine white granular powder. Available in small quantities. Long "Shelf-Life". Designed for Hand-Dosing. Rapidly dissolves in pool water. Does not usually significantly affect pH levels
Disadvantages - leaves a very high residual of Cyanuric Acid, therefore extended regular pool dilution is required to control the Cyanurate level. Not suitable for Automatic Dosing. The dust is highly irritating to the respiratory system. Should never be used for Shock dosing. Should only be used for residential pools.
Calcium Hypochlorite - 65% available Chlorine - Principle residual - Calcium.
Advantages - A coarse granular white powder. Long "Shelf-Life". Fast acting chlorine compound. Can be used for Shock treatment. Does not contain Cyanuric acid.
Disadvantages - Chlorine injectors become easily clogged with calcium/chlorine deposits. Not really suitable for hand-dosing. Ideally requires mixing with water in a Day-Tank and injecting into circulation system using a chemical pump and injector. Needs addition of Cyanuric Acid if used in out door pool. The dust is highly irritating to the respiratory system.
Calcium Hypochlorite TABLETS - 65% available Chlorine - Principle residual - Calcium.
Trichlor Tablets - 90% available chlorine - Principle residual - Cyanuric Acid.
Advantages - White tablet. Requires an Erosion Feeder for dosing which is significantly smaller than a Day Tank containing a similar amount of chlorine. Long "Shelf-Life". Chlorine dosing points rarely, if ever clog. Does not contain high levels of Cyanuric Acid. Mixing or stirring chlorine solutions eliminated.
Disadvantages. - Should not be Hand-Dosed and only dosed via an Erosion Feeder. Very high chlorine content so health & safety equipment should be used while filling erosion feeder. Creates an acidic chlorine solution, so chemical for pH control may be either acids or alkalis, depending on make-up water content. Not suitable for shock-dosing.
Chlorine Gas - 100% available chlorine - Principle residual - Chlorine/Chlorides
Advantages - Greenish gas. Does not leave any other residuals in the water except chlorine (which eventually decomposes into chlorides). Highly acidic so soda ash is used for pH control instead of aggressive acids. Chlorine can be rapidly introduced into the water. Cost of chlorine is very inexpensive.
Disadvantages - Chlorine gas is a very dangerous gas. Expensive dosing equipment required to safely handle the gas. Expensive additional equipment required - eg self-contained breathing gear, gas alarms and flood showers to deal with gas leaks and contamination. Staff operating chlorine gas should be extensively trained and experienced to handle the gas equipment.
SPECIAL USE CHEMICALS
Sodium Thiosulphate (Chloriine Neutralizer) - Principle residuals - Sodium/Sulphates
Slightly acidic.
Coarse, glass-like crystaline granules, used for quickly destroying high levels of chlorine (or bromine). Dissolves easily in a bucket of water, and is administered directly evenly to the pool water. Will usually achieve about 75% destruction within an hour or so, but will continue to work for around 24 hours. Use with care, since it is easy to add too much - which then remains in the water to destroy additional chlorine subsequently added until the excess neutralizer is consumed.
Aluminium Sulphate (Alum) - Principle residuals - Sulphates & Aluminium (trace)
Acidic.
Either a course white crystaline granule, or solid lumps resembling white coal (Kibbled Alum). Used as a flocculant (filtration aid) to enhance the clarity of water by removing very fine particular suspension. Ideally dissolved into a 10% solution in water and slowly pumped into the circulation system before the filter. Correct dose is 2 ounces per square foot of filter area, and this amount in solution should be adminstered over 1 turnover period, AFTER backwashing the filter(s).
Filters must ALWAYS be backwashed before adding another dose of flocculant. Exceeding the recommended dose can cause filters to become clogged with alum.
Granular or Kibbled Alum should never be placed in the circulation pump strainer baskets as the water velocity is so high that it dissolves too quickly. The filter bed wil not be correctly treated, the acidity can cause damage to heat exchangers in the circulation system, and cause chlorine gas to be generated if an erosion feeder is installed
The correct dose of Kibbled Alum may be placed in a skimmer basket, provided the flow is significantly reduced, AND an chlorine erosion feeder is not installed in the circulation system.
The process of selecting the Ideal Chemicals
Before you select the chemicals to be used at a particular site, make a note of the answers to all the following questions, and then apply them to each likely chemical in turn with respect to the properties listed above. You may wish to discuss this directly with your client so they can understand the reasoning behind your final judgment as to which chemicals you will be supplying.
pH Control
Carry out a make-up water test.
Assess the Users or operators of the system.
Assess the Pool Installation
Chlorine Disinfection
Carry out a make-up water test.
Assess the Users or operators of the system.
Assess the Pool Installation
The process of selecting the ideal method of administering chemicals.
Selection Procedure
Dosing Chlorine By Hand
Dosing Chlorine using an Erosion Feeder
Mixing and Hand Dosing
Dosing using a Chemical Pump and Injector
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