Lamotte Pool Manager Water Quality Handbook User Manual

Do’s1. Always hold reagent dropper bottlesvertically and squeeze gently toobtain a uniform drop size. Neverhold dropper bottles on an angle.2. Always

W ater SamplingFor best results the analyst should take samples from threeto four areas around the pool each day. This can beespecially beneficial in

W ater BalanceWater balance is defined as a condition where the wateris neither corrosive nor scale forming. The factors indetermining water balance i

pHWhat is pH?The term pH refers tothe concentration ofhydrogen ions in water.The pH test determinesif a substance is acidic,neutral or basic. Asubstan

The pool water pH should be tested several times a dayin a public pool with moderate-to-heavy swimmer usage.The pool’s pH level is constantly being ch

How do we test pH?pH is one of the most vital testsperformed daily on pool water,anditisalsooneofthemostsimple to perform. A singleliquid or tablet in

Paper test strips are gaining acceptance at public pools.Although they are utilized in smaller private pools andhot tubs, managers should check the lo

AlkalinityWhat is Total Alkalinity?Total alkalinity is a measure of the acid-neutralizingcapacity of the water supply which enables it to resistabrupt

How do we test Alkalinity?The level of alkalinity is usually determined using atitration method: an indicator is added to a watersample to produce a d

Calcium HardnessWhat is Calcium Hardness?Calcium hardness refers to the level of calcium dissolvedin water. If the water has an abundance of calcium,

Inadequate levels of calciumhardness also need to be avoided. Inplaster pools, aggressive lowhardness water can result in etchingor pitting in the pla

TemperatureWater temperature is an importantcomfort factor for swimmers, and for thehealth of the pool as well. Pool watershould be maintained between

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)What is TDS?Total dissolved solids refer to the amount of dissolvedsubstances or minerals (actually charged ions) withinth

W ater SanitizersChlorineWhat Is Chlorine?The chlorine used in sanitizing pool water iscommercially available in liquid, dry, or gas forms.The dry for

The pH of each chlorine is given to show how chemicaladditions can affect your ideal pH of 7.2-7.6.Ideal Ranges for ChlorinePools: 2.0 - 4.0 ppmSpas:

Why do we test Chlorine?Sanitized water in a public pool is top priority for publichealth inspectors. Testing and maintaining an adequatelevel of Free

The DPD test method for freechlorine uses either a single foilstripped tablet, identified asDPD #1, or a dual liquidreagent system. In the tabletsyste

“Shocking” the PoolPool water that contains combined chlorine(chloramines) and other organic contaminants such asdeodorants and lotions must be treate

Cyanuric AcidWhat is Cyanuric Acid?Since chlorine in water is rapidly destroyed by directsunlight, cyanuric acid is added to increase the overalltime

How do we test Cyanuric Acid?Test results are determined by the degree of cloudiness orturbidity that develops when a test reagent is reactedwith cyan

Pool ManagerWater Quality Handbookfor aquatic specialistsCopyright 2002, LaMotte Company,PO Box 329, Chestertown, Maryland 21620First printing Decembe

BromineWhat is Bromine?Bromine is a sanitizer sometimes used in place ofchlorine, particularly in hot water systems. In the sameway that chlorine form

Why do we test Bromine?Since the test for adequate sanitizer is always the mostimportant for protecting swimmer health, the brominetest is vital. When

OzoneWhat is Ozone?Most people think ofozone as a layer of gas upabove the earth whichdiffuses and protects usfrom harmful ultravioletradiation. That

should malfunction, the air may still be flowing into thewater but without the required ozone residuals. As longas some ozone is going into the water,

Alternative SystemsSome health jurisdictions have approved the systemsbelow for use in pools and/or spas. Check with the localhealth department for co

Regular maintenance doses of the algicide and oxidizer arerecommended. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations fordosages.Salt ChlorinatorsChlorine c

determine when a spa or hot tub should be drained. Ifthe TDS exceeds 1,500 ppm from the TDS at start-up, itis a good idea to drain and refill.Hot wate

Ideal RangesPools and spas: <10 ppm NitratePools and spas: <100 ppb PhosphateAlgaeColorGreen Algae Black Mustard AlgaePea green color,sometimes

Cloudy W aterCloudy pool water is a common problem in swimmingpools. The usual causes are improper filtration, and/orimproperly balanced water. An alg

Cloudy WaterCausePoor Filtration Algae Growth Unbalanced WaterConfirmationSlow filter turnoverratesHazy poolwater withslightly greenappearanceHIGH•Cal

Colored WaterClear, colorless pool water is the goal, but sometimes it isdifficult to achieve. Colored water is a nuisance causedby oxidized metals an

Colored WaterColorGreen/Red/Brown Blue/Green Brown/BlackIron Copper ManganeseTreatment• Brush• Shocktreat andbrush• Vacuum• Adjust pH & alkalinity

StainsWhen stains appear on swimming pool surfacesimmediate action should be taken to avoid costly andannoying repairs. Brushing can often remove fres

StainsColorGreen/Red/Brown Blue/Green Brown/BlackCauseIron Copper ManganeseTreatment• Adjust pH & alkalinity to recommended ranges• Vigorously bru

ScaleCrusty white deposits on pool surfaces indicate aseverely high level of one or more water balance factors.Scale deposits not only make pool surfa

ScaleConfirmationCrusty deposits on pool surfacesCause• High calcium hardness• High pH and alkalinity• High TDSTreatment• Adjust pH and alkalinity to

Eye & Skin IrritationsEye and skin irritations are another common problemfor swimming pool bathers. Nasal irritations can also benoticed in indoor

W ater T reatment TablesDry chemicals should first be mixed into a small amountof water in increments of about two pounds, and thenthis predissolved m

Lowering pH with Muriatic Acid*1,000gallons5,000gallons10,000gallons20,000gallons50,000gallonspH pt oz pts oz pt oz pt oz pt oz7.6-7.8 0 1.3 0 6.4 0 1

Raising pH with Soda Ash*1,000gallons5,000gallons10,000gallons20,000gallons50,000gallonspHlb oz lb oz lb oz lb oz lb oz7.2-7.4 0 .6 0 3.2 0 6.4 0 12.8

Table of ContentsWater Analysis ...5Why? ...5How

Lowering Alkalinity with Dry Acid1,000gallons5,000gallons10,000gallons20,000gallons50,000gallonsppm lb oz lb oz lb oz lb oz lb oz10 0 3 102 04 0 10020

Lowering Alkalinity with Muriatic Acid1,000gallons5,000gallons10,000gallons20,000gallons50,000gallonsppm pt oz pt oz pt oz pt oz pt oz10 0 2.5 0 13.0

Raising Alkalinity with Sodium Bicarbonate1,000gallons5,000gallons10,000gallons20,000gallons50,000gallonsppm lb oz lb oz lb oz lb oz lb oz10 020111721

Raising Hardness with Calcium Chloride1,000gallons5,000gallons10,000gallons20,000gallons50,000gallonsppm lb oz lb oz lb oz lb oz lb oz10 020 1014 2 76

Establishing or raising Cyanuric Acid level1,000gallons5,000gallons10,000gallons20,000gallons50,000gallonsppm lb oz lb oz lb oz lb oz lb oz10 01070 13

LaMotte CompanyHelping P eople Solve Analytical Challenges®PO Box 329 • Chestertown • Maryland • 21620 • USA800-344-3100 • 410-778-3100 (Outside U.S.A

Water AnalysisWhy?The pool manager’s foremost responsibility is tomaintain a safe recreational environment for theswimmer. To assure safety, the pool

and alkalinity are also very important to the overall safeoperation of the pool. Cloudy water, skin and eyeirritation all result from improper pH and

How?There are a variety of water test kits available to thepool manager. Each has its own unique set of directionswhich should be read very carefully