Ideal Water Balance Ranges:

Understanding water balance:

a) pH : Before pH can be convincingly discussed, one must firstly survey the fundamental properties of water. We fill our pools with it; we wash our clothes with it; we even power generators with it; but many uninformed pool and spa owners underestimate its solvency potential. Water is composed of two hydrogen atoms covalently bonded to one oxygen atom. The result is water or H2O.  But there�s much more than just water in water. Water dissociates similar to hypochlorous and hypobromous acids. The following chemical equation represents the dissociation of water. This dissociation generate hydrogen and hydroxide ions.

H2O water -----------H+ (Hydrogen Ion)   +   OH- (Hydroxide Ion)

The hydrogen ion concentration determines the pH. The greater the hydrogen ion concentration, the lower the pH, and the more acidic is the water. Decreasing the hydrogen ion concentration increases the pH and reduces the water�s acidity. A neutral pH exists when the hydrogen ion (H+) concentration is equal to the hydroxide (OH-) ion concentration. A pH of 7 is termed neutral; below 7 is acidic; above 7 is basic.

b) Total Alkalinity : Total Alkalinity (TA) is the quantitative measurement of alkaline components present in water to act as a buffer against rapid pH changes. Proper TA levels are important to ensure optimum chemical balance in pool, spa and other aquatic systems. Low TA is frequently coincidental with green water, plaster etching and accelerated corrosion rates. If too high, TA should be lowered by the addition of acid. For effective TA reduction, the acid should be added in its concentrated form.

c) Calcium Hardness (CH) : Calcium hardness indicates the calcium (Ca+2) content of water usually as milligrams/liter (mg/l) or ppm.  Not to be confused with Total Hardness, which is the sum of calcium and magnesium, calcium hardness is the primary parameter that dictates water balance. Too high causes scale formation, filter calcification, heater inefficiency, reduced circulation, rough pool/spa surfaces and eye irritation. Too low causes etching of plaster, aggressive (corrosive) water, surface pitting and premature heater failure.

d) Total Dissolved solids (TDS)  :  Total dissolved solids is an electrochemical measurement of a water�s ability to conduct an electrical current. The electrical conductivity increases with increasing TDS or the presence of dissolved (�charged�) chemical species in the water. TDS is a semiquantitative measurement of a water�s dissolved ion content. As TDS increases, so does the buildup of unoxidized or partially oxidized organic and nitrogenous contaminants from swimmer/soaker wastes and other sources. High TDS can enhance algae growth rates, increase �natural� (galvanic) corrosion, accelerate staining and scaling of pool and spa surfaces.  In addition to maintaining proper levels, a daily water replacement policy optimizes the potencial for good water quality resulting in a safer, more enjoyable swimming or soaking experience.

e) Temperature : According to the Langelier Saturation Index, five primary factors effect water balance and are therefore incorporated into the saturation index formula. They include; pH, calcium hardness, total alkalinity, temperature and total dissolved solids.

·        The algae are the simplest member of the plant kingdom.  They are microscopic, single-celled forms of plant life that exist in virtually all surfaces water and most ground water. Their widespread presence and unrestricted transmission modes creates a strong tendency for contamination of swimming pools and spas.  Even the best maintained swimming pool can experience algae problems.

·        Algae have no leaves, stem, roots or vascular system.  It is estimated that their exists approximately 18 000 species of algae of marine or fresh water origin.  Although their presence in recreational aquatic systems is aesthetically undesirable, algae in natural ecosystems play a positive role; some scientists believe that 90% of all photosynthetic activity, and thus vital oxygen generation, is carried out by algae.

·        Algae growth is stimulated by hot weather, sunlight, heavy bather loads, and insufficient disinfectant level.  Scale formation and surface deposits can facilitate algae growth by creating an ideal surface for algae attachment.

·        Generally speaking, algae is not harmful to swimmers.  But from a safety viewpoint, algae should be considered as a potential hazard.  Untreated surface-clinging algae can turn a pool bottom and its sides into a slippery mat increasing the likelihood of personal injury from slips or falls. Algae growth frequently causes turbid water and darkened pool surfaces making it difficult to see swimmers in distress.

·        Prevention is by far the most effective and least costly when dealing with algae. Respond immediately to ANY sign of algae growth.   See Bioguard link for �BackUp� and �3-Step System�.

·        One of the most frequently encountered problems in pools and spas is cloudy water.  Residential pool owners curse it; commercial pools are closed because of it; and spa owners detest soaking their bodies in it.  Cloudy water is definitely a nuicence.

·        Most often treated as a chemical imbalance problem, cloudy water concerns should be first addressed by careful observation of the filtration / recirculation system.  Therefore, when dealing with cloudy water, begin with the physical aspect of water treatment followed by the chemical consideration.

·        Questions that the person that will be testing your water in the shop, will ask you will be the following; Is the pool or spa indoor or outdoor?, Bather load per day?, What is the total water volume of the system?, Is the filtration system properly sized? ( Many cloudy pools and spas have been successfully cleared by simply installing a properly sized filter.), What is the condition of the filter media? (when was the sand last changed or cleaned with �StripKwik�).

·        The chlorine demand of water is the difference between the amount of chlorine applied and the amount of free, combined or total available chlorine remaining at the end of the contact period.  Chlorine demand is caused by inorganic minerals such as Ferrous (Fe2+), manganous (Mn2+), ammonia, amino acids, etc.

·        Combined Available Chlorine (CAC) also known as chloramines, CAC are the undesireable compounds formed when insufficient levels of free available chlorine chemically react with ammonia and other nitrogenous compounds.

·        Breakpoint Chlorination will be needed.  It is the process of adding sufficient free available chlorine (FAC) or other oxidant to chemically convert chloramines and ammonia-nitrogen compounds to inert nitrogen gas (N2).

·        See Bioguard Link �Burn Out�.