Pool Chemistry Fundamentals

Pool Chemistry Fundamentals

Water TestingAnd Maintaining Clear,

Clean, and Safe Water

Water TestingAnd Maintaining Clear,

Clean, and Safe Water

IntroductionIntroduction

• Sanitation– Chlorine/Bromine, Ozone, etc.

• Water Balance– pH– Alkalinity– Calcium Hardness– Cyanuric Acid– Temperature– Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

• Sanitation– Chlorine/Bromine, Ozone, etc.

• Water Balance– pH– Alkalinity– Calcium Hardness– Cyanuric Acid– Temperature– Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

SanitationSanitation

 

Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)

Calcium Hypochlorite

Lithium Hypochlorite

Gas Chlorine Trichlor Dichlor Bromine

% Available Chlorine Content 10-12% 65-78% 35% 100% 90% 56-63% 27%

% Active Strength 10-12% 65-78% 29% 100% 99% 99% 95.50%

pH in 1% Solution 9-14 8.5-11 10.8 0 2.8-3.5 6.5-6.8 4.8

pH Effect in Water Raises Raises Raises Lowers Lowers Neutral Lowers

Physical Appearance Liquid Granular/Tabs Granular GasGranular/

Tabs GranularGranular/

Tabs

Copyright National Swimming Pool Foundation 2009

Chlorine Cleans, Disinfects, and Keeps Water Clear.

Ideal Range 2 – 4 ppm

Chlorine Cleans, Disinfects, and Keeps Water Clear.

Ideal Range 2 – 4 ppm

Water BalanceWater Balance

• pH• Total Alkalinity• Calcium• Cyanuric Acid

• pH• Total Alkalinity• Calcium• Cyanuric Acid

pH AdjustmentspH AdjustmentspH Ideal Range 7.4 – 7.6pH Ideal Range 7.4 – 7.6

pH Adjustments (cont’d)pH Adjustments (cont’d)pH Ideal Range 7.4 – 7.6pH Ideal Range 7.4 – 7.6

If Low Add Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) If High Add Muratic Acid

Total AlkalinityTotal AlkalinityTotal Alkalinity Ideal Range 80-120 ppmTotal Alkalinity Ideal Range 80-120 ppm

If Low Add Sodium Bicarbonate If High Add Muratic Acid

Calcium HardnessCalcium HardnessCalcium Hardness 200 – 400 ppmCalcium Hardness 200 – 400 ppm

If Low Add Calcium Carbonate If High, Drain Water and Refill

Cyanuric AcidCyanuric Acid

• Ideal Range Between 40 – 50 ppm• Not Necessary in Spas or Indoor Facilities• Maintains Chlorine’s Active Strength in the

sunlight. Without it, more chlorine is required.

• If Low add Stabilizer • If High drain and refill body of water

• Ideal Range Between 40 – 50 ppm• Not Necessary in Spas or Indoor Facilities• Maintains Chlorine’s Active Strength in the

sunlight. Without it, more chlorine is required.

• If Low add Stabilizer • If High drain and refill body of water

SummarySummary

• Chlorine/Bromine 2 - 4ppm• pH 7.4 – 7.6• Alkalinity 80 – 120 ppm• Calcium Hardness 200 – 400 ppm• Cyanuric Acid 40 – 50 ppm

• These will ensure safe, clean and clear pool water!

• Chlorine/Bromine 2 - 4ppm• pH 7.4 – 7.6• Alkalinity 80 – 120 ppm• Calcium Hardness 200 – 400 ppm• Cyanuric Acid 40 – 50 ppm

• These will ensure safe, clean and clear pool water!