proper pooltesting2012

PROPER POOL & SPA TESTING PROCEDURES

INCLUDING THE USE OF STANDARDS TO VERIFY RESULTS"

By Ivars Jaunakais Pool Industry Expo - Thursday, September 27 / 1 – 3 PM

Over 12 million pools and 5 million spa in theUnited States all require maintenance"

TODAY’S TOPICS"

  Different testing methods and techniques"  The Importance of Balanced Water"  Common pool water parameters and treatment"  Proper water quality testing techniques"  Using a Standard to verify testing method &

reagents"

FREQUENT TESTING IS VITAL"

  Pools and Spas must be maintained in a conscientious way and testing is the first step"

  Primarily for the safety of bathers"  Avoids Liability issues "  Proper and frequent testing

practices reap financial rewards"  A must to keep pool balanced ""

TESTING GOALS"

  Happy customers "  Produce accurate, and

reliable results"  Accurate results support

correct maintenance, which saves you time (and money)"

  The time saved will allow you to develop new customers, and you will have good reputation "

MAINTAINING HEALTHY POOLS & SPAS REQUIRE"

  Circulation"  Filtration"  Routine

Cleaning and Maintenance"

  Testing pool water"  Testing make-up water

or at least know what is quality of make-up water"

POOLSIDE TESTING CHALLENGES"

  Poolside testing often performed under harsh environmental conditions"

  Temperature, humidity, sunlight & wind can affect results & operator"

  Distractions include poolside activity & noise"

POOLSIDE TESTING CHALLENGES"

  Stability of some test reagents (especially liquid reagents) are affected by prolonged exposure to elevated Temperature & Sunlight "

  Accurate results can be a challenge at pool-side"

TO HAVE GOOD RESULTS TEST SHOULD BE:"

  Acceptable or compliant (i.e., Chlorine test uses DPD) "

  Appropriate for staff technical ability"  Quality reagents & equipment that are reliable &

stable"  Unaffected by interferences"  Accurate when staff performs test correctly"

TEST METHODSCONSIDERATIONS

"  Cost per test varies ($0.02 to $0.30 up to $10)"  Time to run test (30 seconds to 5 minutes)"  Ease of use"  Level of operator training required"  Portability & stability of test kits & reagents "  Compliance testing requirements if testing public

or commercial pools and spas (meets State Health Department approval)"

  Verification of test with a test Standard meets your expectation "

COLORIMETIC TESTS"Four basic photometric methods used in testing pool

& spa water:"  1 Digital Photometer & Reagent which can be:

liquid, powder, tablet, and reagent strip "  2 Colorimetric titration (counting drops)"  3 Comparator color test that uses a reagent

which can be: liquid, powder, tablet, or reagent strip (test tube and comparator color chart)"

  4 Test strips most for testing Free Chlorine, pH, Alkalinity, which now are available with reader or scanner devices"

SUMMARY OF TESTING TOOLS"

  Photometers & reagents"  Titration reagents "  Comparator Test"  Test Strips "

TEST METHOD #1Photometer and Reagent

(Most accurate method)!  Photometers use photometric or

precipitation chemistries and the color (or precipitate) is measured by an Digital measuring instrument "

  No visual color matching"  They measure transmission of light at

a given wavelength through the reacted water sample"

  Most accurate of all tests with 0.01PPM resolution"

TEST METHOD #2 Colorimetric (visual) titration

Commonly used DPD method!

  Titrations use colorimetric chemistries that use visual color change for determining concentration"

  End point Color change can be difficult to judge "

  Accurate counting of drops is required"  Technique dependent (swirling but on

site mixers are now available)"  Math required"  For Chlorine 0.2 PPM and for Hardness

20PPM is typical resolution"

TEST METHOD #3 Colorimetric reagent with color comparator

"

  Inexpensive reagents"  Gives only minimum resolution"  Reagents may have stability issues"

  Requires good visual judgment"  Gives only 0.4 resolution for pH "

  and 1PPM resolution for Chlorine"

TEST METHOD #4 Test strips with

visual matching color chart"  Quick and easy"  Inexpensive"  Suitable for screening"  Good shelf life "  pH resolution of 0.4"  Poor chlorine resolution of 1 PPM"or greater""

WATER BALANCE"

  Defined as water that will neither scale nor corrode pool or spa surfaces and/or equipment"

  Corrosion involves the dissolving or wearing-away of pool wall, pipes or equipment"

  Scale is the white deposit or precipitate that builds up on fixtures, surfaces, & equipment "

  Balanced water is non-irritating to eyes & skin of bathers, & allows sanitizer to work effectively "

HEALTHY POOL WATER ""

You may start with Balanced Water but pool chemicals are introduced that affect pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, and TDS

BALANCED POOL WATER ""  Protects bathers health – prevent transmission of

infectious disease, prevent skin irritation, respiratory problems, eye irritation; etc"

  Protects Pool or Spa surfaces & Equipment from corrosion and/or scale-formation, & discoloration"

  Minimizes potential Health hazards from disinfection by-products (combined chlorine)"

  Maintains compliance with Health Dept regulations"" “Majority of pool problems are caused by poor water

quality”""

WATER BALANCE"

  Healthy Water = Balanced Water"  For Balanced Water 6 things to consider

(Components of Langelier Saturation Index) " pH" Total Alkalinity" Calcium Hardness" Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)" Temperature" Cyanuric Acid (CY)" "

Sources of Chemicals in Pool Water "

  Chemicals used to treat source or make-up water, including disinfection by-products, such as lime & alkalis, phosphates and for some chlorine treated systems, monochloramines"

  Chemicals used to treat pool water - pH correction chemicals, sanitizers, oxidizers, stabilizer, chemicals for treating algae, mold, etc."

  Bather’s sweat, urine, dirt, lotions, sunscreen, cosmetics, soap residues, deodorant, hair spray, etc."

  Items introduced from environment such as debris, dirt, leaves , vegetation, etc., also contribute chemicals"

  Disinfection by-products - trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, chlorate, nitrogen trichloride, etc."

  Rain water"

PARAMETERS THAT AFFECT WATER BALANCE

"

pH"

  pH is most important factor"  Affects all other chemical / balance parameters"  Determines acidity of water "  Measured on a scale from 0-14 "  pH 7 is neutral"  Below 7 is acidic (e.g. lemon juice and coke)"  Above 7 is basic or alkaline (e.g. baking soda

and concrete) "

pH"

  pH in the ideal range will be comfortable for human eye at 7.5"

  Pool water pH is acceptable from 7.2 - 7.8 "  Ideal pH range is 7.4 - 7.6 "  Testing should be done DAILY!"  High pH reduces Chlorine’s effectiveness"

pH Testing Methods (resolution)"

 Photometric(0.1)" pH meter(0.01)" pH comparator(0.2)" Test Strips(0.3)"

TOTAL ALKALINITY (AL)"  The measure of how much acid can be added to

a liquid without causing a significant change in pH

  Ability of water to resist a change in pH -“Buffering capacity”

  Water with an appropriate amount of AL will resist wide & rapid fluctuations in pH (called pH bounce)

  Bicarbonates, carbonates, & hydroxide in water

  Proper AL stabilizes pH

TOTAL ALKALINITY (AL)"

  If AL is low, pH will be readily affected by anything introduced into pool "

  If AL is high, pH will be difficult to adjust (water will scale) "

  Total Alkalinity is key to water balance"  Recommended that it should be adjusted

FIRST, even before pH"  Addition of acid or alkaline to adjust pool or spa

Alkalinity will change pH, and vice versa"


Low Alkalinity can cause:"  Wide & rapid pH fluctuations "  Corrosion of pool or spa & equipment "  Skin / Eye Irritation "  Cloudy water"  Adding acid such as Muriatic Acid will

lower pH & Alkalinity"


  Because different sanitizers have different pHs, particular sanitizer used affects Alkalinity"

  Ideal level is 80-100 ppm with sanitizers such as Sodium, Calcium, or Lithium Hypochlorite"

  Ideal level is 100-120 ppm with sanitizers such as Dichlor, Trichlor, Bromine, or Chlorine Gas"

  Maximum must be below 160 PPM"  NOTE: Parts per million (ppm) is equivalent to milligrams per liter (mg/L).

TOTAL ALKAINITY TEST METHODS (resolution)"

 Photometric (1PPM)" Titration (10PPM)" Test Strips (40PPM)"

ORDER OF pH & AL ADJUSTMENTS

CALCIUM HARDNESS (CA)"  Defined as the amount of Calcium Salts in

water (reported as Calcium Carbonate) "  Term Calcium Hardness used because

hardness in tap water is due to Calcium"  Magnesium, barium & sulfate also can

contribute to Hardness"  Source water used to fill pool will vary in

its calcium content depending on region of country & whether city or well water"

  Ideal range is 200-400 PPM"  Maximum of 1000 PPM ???"

CALCIUM HARDNESS (CA)"

CALCIUM HARDNESS (CA)"

  Should be tested regularly"  Pool & spa water must have a certain amount of

Calcium "  Calcium Hardness, when outside optimal range,

can either allow corrosion to occur or cause scaling "

  Make-up water with high calcium is “hard water” "  Make-up water with low calcium is “soft water” "  Low water hardness allows corrosion or pitting of

calcium rich surfaces such as concrete, plaster, & grout "

CALCIUM HARDNESSTEST METHODS (resolution)"

 Photometric (1 to 5 PPM)" Titration (20PPM)" Test Strips (over 50 PPM)"

TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS(TDS)"

  TDS is the total of all dissolved material in water" "  TDS value is contributed & influenced by ions of

calcium, magnesium, sulfate, chloride, sodium, potassium, phosphate, nitrate, & all other ions; Alkalinity; Cyanuric Acid; & other chemicals present in water"

  If it is dissolved in the water, it is part of TDS"


High TDS levels may increase undesirable events:"1.  Algae growth despite adequate sanitizer"2.  Corrosion despite water being otherwise

balanced"3.  Cloudy water despite adequate filtration"4.  Eye & skin irritation"5.  Deposits on pool wall"


  Over time, TDS will increase in a pool"  TDS may actually double in a year"  Why? - chemicals are added, debris &

dirt blow or wash in, & water evaporates"  If TDS exceeds 1500 ppm of initial level,

drain & replace at least some of water"  TDS maximum 3000 ppm ?? "

TESTING TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS

Should test MONTHLY using   Digital Conductivity meter ($20 - $900)

(can do thousands of tests)   Test strips ($0.30 to $0.50 per test)   Maximum TDS is 1500 PPM over start-up TDS   Some professionals find 5000 PPM TDS in pool

water is can be OK

TEMPERATURE"

  Temperature is a water balance factor but difficult to control"

  Pool water is usually held at between 78-82◦ F. "

  Spa water is held much higher at from96-104◦ F"

  Test with digital or IR thermometer"

SANITIZER AND DISINFECTANTS"  A disinfectant kills disease-causing organisms"  A sanitizer kills all microorganisms with impunity,

(USA EPA 99.9% effective) i.e. , chlorine"  Oxidation refers to the “chemical reaction” that

organic contaminants or waste products undergo" Because pool environment is constantly exposed

to new contaminants, two important considerations:"

1.  Sanitize water to kill microorganisms"2.  Oxidize organic contaminants"

CHLORINE"

  Chlorine is most popular sanitizer, disinfectant, algae killer, & oxidizer in the world"

  Inexpensive, safe when used properly, & effective "

  In a pool or a spa, chlorine pulls double-duty as a sanitizer & oxidizer"

  Chlorine is most effective under certain conditions – The pH is most important factor & must be in optimal range in order for chlorine to be effective"

pH VERSUS CHLORINE SPECIES"

Percent HOCl and OCl- vs. pH

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5

pH

Per

cent

HO

Cl a

nd O

Cl-

HOCl

OCl-

HOClHypochlorous Acid

OCl-Hypochlorite Ion

CHLORINE

  Effective against a broad range of microorganisms "  More than 79,000 tons per year are used in United States & Canada to treat water "  Monitoring chlorine concentrations is very important "  Used in pools to protect bathers health, water clarity & equipment"  Inactivation of pathogens depends on contact time"  In USA Health Departments require public pools to"

be routinely tested for chlorine concentration "

GERM INACTIVATION TIME IN 1 ppm CHLORINATED WATER"

GERM" INACTIVATION TIME"E. Coli O157:H7Bacterium"

Less than 1 minute"

Hepatitis AVirus"

About 16 minutes"

GiardiaParasite"

About 45 minutes"

CryptosporidiumParasite"

About 15300 minutes(10.6 days)"

pH 7.5, 77 F"

SOURCES OF CHLORINE"

Chemical Name"

Chemical Formula"

Form" % Chlorine"

Chlorine Gas"

Cl2 " Gas" 100%"

CalciumHypochlorite"

Ca(OCl)2 " Solid" 65-70%"

SodiumHypochlorite"

NaOCl " Liquid" ~12% "

ABOUT SOURCES OF CHLORINE"

  Despite their chemical & physical differences, they all form hypochlorous acid, or as more commonly know in the pool industry as Chlorine"

  This change occurs when added to water"  Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is the effective

disinfecting agent "

51

CHLORINE CHEMSTRY"

  The sum of Hypochlorous acid (HOCI) and Hypochlorite ion (OCI ¯) is called free chlorine, and the chemical equation or relationship is:"

52

HYPOCHLOROUS ACID REACTIONS"  Two chemical reactions impact the performance

of Hypochlorous acid as a disinfectant:"  FIRST REACTION involves a hydroxide ion (OH¯) "  OH¯ is available in aqueous solution especially

when pH level is above 7 which causesHypochlorous acid to form Hypochlorite ion "

  Hypochlorite ion is less than one third as effective a disinfectant as Hypochlorous acid"

  The next slide shows the relationship between pH versus chlorine species (Hypochlorous acid and Hypochlorite ion) "

pH VERSUS CHLORINE SPECIES"

Percent HOCl and OCl- vs. pH

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5

pH

Per

cent

HO

Cl a

nd O

Cl-

HOCl

OCl-

HOClHypochlorous Acid

OCl-Hypochlorite Ion

CHLORINE REACTION"

  The SECOND REACTION is a series of chlorine reactions that occur with ammonia (NH3) & organic nitrogen compounds such as proteins & amino acids in the pool to form chloramines"

  Chloramines are less effective disinfectants "  Active chlorine can be transferred from inorganic

chloramine to amine (organic) containing compounds "

55

BREAKPOINT CHLORINATION

  The process which eliminates both the combined chlorine and the ammonia problem responsible for creating the chloramine is called Breakpoint Chlorination   In the pool industry its called “Shock” also called “Super-Chlorination”  Shock is required daily, weekly or monthly and depends on a variety of considerations

56

TOTAL CHLORINE

  Total chlorine is the sum of free chlorine and combined chlorine   Free chlorine and total chlorine are monitored by automated equipment and confirmed by poolside testing for swimmer protection

Total Chlorine = Free Chlorine + Combined Chlorine

EPA ACCEPTEDCHLORINE TEST METHODS(FREE AND TOTAL)"

 DPD photometric Digital Meter"

 DPD-FAS Titrimetric "

 DPD Colorimetric Comparator"

 TMB Test Strip (visual but only for free chlorine)"

DPD CHLORINE TESTING"  DPD methods have become preferred for chlorine

measurement "  DPD methods determine concentration by measuring

intensity of color formed when chlorine reacts with DPD "  DPD-FAS Titration method determines chlorine by

measuring amount of FAS Titrant needed to bleach out DPD-chlorine color formed "

  State health departments accept DPD tests because they are quick, enjoy wide acceptance & are US EPA approved"

TOTAL CHLORINE (TC) = FREE CHLORINE (FC) + COMBINED

CHLORINE   Combined chlorine = TC - FC

  Free chlorine = 1.58 ppm (FC)

  Total chlorine = 1.89 ppm (TC)

  Combined chlorine = 1.89 – 1.58 = 0.31 ppm Combined chlorine is above the recommend level of 0.20 ppm and suggests pool needs to be shocked: in this example ( 10 X 0.31 = 3.1 ) this pool can be shocked by increasing the pool chlorine level by 3.1 ppm

59

CHLORINE TESTING"

•  Test Frequency: Daily/ multiple times/day depending on bather load"• Ideal is 2.0-4.0 ppm in a pool and 3.0-4.0 ppm in a spa"• High Chlorine level can cause Eye / skin irritation "• Low Chlorine level can cause Illness and Disease and Skin irritation from such as a bacterial rash"

COLORIMETER + LIQUID DPD POOLSIDE TESTING PROCEDURE"

1.  Rinse out photocell 3 times with pool water"2.  Fill to 10 ml line with pool water sample"3.  Cap cell, wipe cell wall "4.  Place cell in colorimeter and zero meter"5.  remove cell and uncap"6.  add five drops of buffer DPD-1 solution"7.  add five drops of indicator DPD-2 solution"8.  cap cell and mix for a few seconds "9.  wipe cell wall "10.  place in colorimeter and read chlorine result"

COLORIMETER + DPD-1 POWDER PILLOW POOLSIDE TESTING PROCEDURE"

1.  Rinse out photocell 3 times with pool water sample"

2.  Fill to 10 ml line with pool water sample"

3.  Cap cell, wipe cell wall "

4.  Place cell in colorimeter and zero meter"

5.  remove cell and uncap"

6.  Tear open powder pillow and add DPD-1 "

7.  Cap cell and mix for 20 seconds "

8.  Wipe cell wall "

9.  Place in colorimeter and read chlorine result"

COLORIMETER + DPD-1 TABLET POOLSIDE TESTING PROCEDURE"

1.  Rinse out photocell 3 times with pool water sample"2.  Fill cell to 10 ml line with pool water sample "3.  Cap cell, wipe cell wall "4.  Place cell in colorimeter and zero meter"5.  Remove cell, uncap cell, "6.  Pour out water except for a few drops"7.  Add DPD-1 Tablet and crush with tablet crusher"8.  Add pool water back to 10 ml line "9.  Cap cell and mix for about 20 seconds "10.  Wipe cell wall "11.  Place in colorimeter and read chlorine result"

COLORIMETER + DPD-1 TEST STRIP POOLSIDE TESTING PROCEDURE"

1.  Rinse out photocell 3 times with pool water"

2.  Fill meter cell to capacity with pool water"

3.  Turn meter on and Zero "

4.  Dip DPD-1 Test Strip into sample for 20 seconds with back and forth motion (Press “READ” button that begins countdown timer)"

5.  Read chlorine result"

NOTE: This is a recent development in DPD testing"

CYANURIC ACID"

  Accepted Stabilizer for out door chlorinated swimming pools & spas"

  Bonds with chlorine to protect it from sun’s ultraviolet ray destruction "

  Reduces the amount of chlorine needed to maintain chlorine residual in outdoor pools"

  No know toxicity"  Does not stabilize Bromine"  Over dose (above 60PPM) causes problems"  CY reduces effectiveness of chlorine "

CYANURIC ACID"

  Contributes to the overall Alkalinity level of pool water"

"  Provides buffer capacity"

  Does not provide corrosion protection"

CYANURIC ACID"

Forms weak reversible bond with Free Available Chlorine

Does not affect DPD Test for Free CL Degree to which Cyanuric Acid complexes

with Free Chlorine is affected by   pH   Concentration of Free Chlorine   Concentration of Cyanuric Acid

CYANURIC ACID"

Effective Concentration CYA reported to be" 8 – 10 times Free Chlorine concentration""  Amount CYA required to stabilize Free Cl"  " 10 ppm CYA - 1.5 ppm Free Cl "  " 25 ppm CYA - 3.0 ppm Free CL"  40 ppm CYA - 5.0 ppm Free Cl "  " 50 ppm CYA - 6.0 ppm Free CL"""

CYANURIC ACID"

Cyanuric Acid Levels in USA " One Study 20 Years ago reported:""  Average concentration – 76 ppm"  Median concentration – 58 ppm"  Maximum concentration – 406 ppm"

  Another study reported 25% (122 of 486) pools had more than 100 ppm"""

"

CYANURIC ACID (CY)"

  Latest information suggests optimal range for cyanuric acid is 30 - 50 ppm"

  Levels above 50 ppm have been shown to reduce chlorine effectiveness"

  In USA Health Departments will close pools above 100 ppm (Florida recommends 60PPM) "

  When CY is used, maintain chlorine above 1PPM and preferably above 2ppm"

  To reduce cyanuric acid levels, partially drain pool & refill "

CYANURIC ACIDTEST METHODS (resolution)"

  Photometric (1PPM)"  Visual using black dot comparator

(over 20PPM)"  Test Strip (over 50PPM)"

OTHER COMMON WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS AND

TREATMENT SOLUTIONS"

BROMINE"

  Bromine is a chemical relative of Chlorine   Used more commonly in spas more stable at high

temperatures.   Bromine is combined with ammonia as bromamine it is still

an effective sanitizer and not irritating to the eyes and skin of spa users.

  Bromine and bromamine are measured together as Total Bromine.

  More expensive than chlorine and can’t be stabilized by cyanuric acid causing it to be rapidly dissipated by the sun.

  Bromine is always used in tablet form   Bromine as a sanitation agent can't be switched over to

chlorine without completely draining and replacing the water..

BROMINE CHEMISTRY

  Bromine's effectiveness dependent on the water's pH

  Bromine breaks down in water forming Hypobromous Acid (HOBr) and Hypobromite Ion (OBr -), the ratio of the two being pH-dependent

  HOBr has much use as an anti-algae agent. With a high pH, more of the OBr - is present

  Recommended pH levels are the same for bromine as for chlorine

BROMINE TESTING

  Test Frequency: Daily / multiple times depending on bather load

  Ideal levels 2.0-4.0 ppm in a residential spa 4.0-6.0 ppm in a public spa

  Advantages:   Safe and easily handled   Good sanitizer with no odor or irritation   Bromine efficiency is less dependent on pH

  Disadvantages   More expensive than chlorine   Acidic; destroys total alkalinity   No stabilizer available (not recommended in Sun)

BIGUANIDES

  Biguanides are unique for the pool market   The term refers to a disinfectant polymer polyhexamethyline biguanicide (PHMB).   It is an effective sanitizer but not an oxidizer   Hydrogen peroxide must be applied as a monthly shock   Ammonium-based supplement is needed weekly.   PHMB concentrations need to be kept between 30 and 50 ppm and require a special test kit.   PHMB cannot be mixed with chlorine or any other chemicals except those used as part of the package. The result of doing so would be brown water and plaster stains

BIGUANIDE TESTING   Test Frequency: Once per week or before swimming   Ideal levels: Concentration must be kept between 30 – 50 ppm   Advantages:

  Useful in case of chlorine allergies   Less chemical smell   Easy on eyes and skin   Stable in sunlight   Less frequent testing and treatment

  Disadvantages   Costlier than chlorine OR bromine   May clog filters   Not compatible with most pool maintenance chemicals   Not approved for commercial pools

COMMERCIAL CHLORINE GENERATOR

  Device that produces chlorine from a mixture of salt and water (brine) through electrolysis

  Sometimes referred to as “salt generators”   Chlorine used is produced through the electrolysis of brine   Electrolysis uses two electrically-charged electrodes:

1.  Anode (positively-charged) 2.  Cathode (negatively-charged)

  Electrolyzing salt, the electrodes are contained in different chambers because the result is chlorine gas and caustic soda, also known as lye, which should not be allowed to mix

  The chambers are separated by a special membrane allowing sodium ions and electricity to pass through it, but not chloride ions or water.


  Generator converts:120 or 240 volts AC to 4 or 6 volts DC   Residential pool unit requires about 20 amps   Electric current passing through the membrane from positive to

negative splits the NaCl into chlorine gas and sodium   Electric current carries sodium ions through the membrane to

the cathode chamber where it reacts with water to produce caustic soda and hydrogen gas

  The hydrogen gas bubbles are vented off into the air   The chlorine gas in the anode chamber passes through a tube

into the pool water   By-product of this process is a small amount of hydrochloric acid


  Anode chamber must periodically be refilled with water and salt   The caustic soda can be re-used for adjusting the pool's pH

balance   A typical chlorine generator designed for a 25,000 – 30,000

gallon pool requires 45-50 pounds of salt, which must be replenished 2-4 times per year.

  A similar unit can generate Bromine by using Sodium Bromide instead of Sodium Chloride as a generating source

  Since chlorine and bromine generators produce water sanitizers continuously during operation, it is less necessary for chemicals to be added to the pool or spa water

  Water must still be tested for sanitizer levels   Equipment is expensive to buy and install.   In addition to regular testing, chlorine or bromine generators

require salt level determination (Chloride or Bromide)

SALT TEST KITS (resolution)

  Photometric with SALT reagent (10 PPM)   TDS meters with Salt Algorithm (10 PPM) can be

used but at least annually verify level with Photometric or alternative method

  Salt Test Strips (500 or 1000 PPM)

OZONE GENERATION

  Ozone is negatively-charged oxygen atoms   Occurs naturally in the atmosphere, through the action of

lightning   Non-toxic   Useful water purifier, used for decades in municipal water

systems   Reduces the amount of chemicals needed to combat algae and

bacteria   Ozone has no effect on the pH balance, alkalinity or TDS of the

pool water, but it does NOT eliminate the use of chlorine   Breaks down immediately on contact with water-borne

contaminants, but does not combat algae formation on pool and spa walls

OZONE GENERATION   Can reduce the use of biocides and algaecides in a

pool, it is not a complete solution

  Ozone generation involves the use of an ultraviolet (UV) or Corona Discharge (CD) unit which converts Oxygen (O2) to Ozone (O3)

  Advantages:

  Reduces the use of sanitizing chemicals

  No effect on water balance

  Disadvantages:

  Ineffective against algae

  High installation expense

IONIZATION OF COPPER AND SILVER

  Ionization is used for sanitation and has no effect on pH balance, alkalinity or TDS

  Copper ions destroy algae; silver ions have a static effect on bacteria

  Ionizers use electricity to generate metal ions in the pool water   Voltage generates positive ions   Typical location of the electrodes is in an “ion chamber” located in

line between the pump and filter   A control box varies the low-voltage DC charge (12-36 volts, .5-1

amp) to the electrodes that regulates the concentration of ions.   One system may use only copper electrodes; another system may

use a copper and a silver electrode which produce both copper and silver ions

IONIZATION OF COPPER AND SILVER

  Excess copper ions in the water can cause staining   Copper level in the range of 0.15-0.2 ppm is recommended   The ion level is adjusted by changing the current flow across the electrodes,

using a manual dial on the control unit   Ionization is not sufficient for complete sanitation of the pool water but can

reduce the need of chemicals   Ionization manufacturers recommend weekly additions of an oxidizer (like

potassium peroxymonosulfate) to remove organic contaminants and assist in combating algae

  Advantages:   Can reduce use of sanitizing chemicals   No effect on water balance

  Disadvantages   Copper ions cause staining   High installation cost

COPPER TESTING

  Small concentrations of copper in the water can be beneficial as a biocide

  Excess copper causes staining that can be very difficult to remove

  Testing for the presence of copper can provide early warning of plumbing erosion or corrosion

  If pool surfaces are being stained green or blue-green, or if bathers are complaining of green hair or blue fingernails, the water usually contains excess copper.

  Copper concentrations can be tested with a visual photometric test, a liquid test, test strip, or photometer with Cu reagent

IRON

  Iron in the pool water can be a source of black or red stains on pool surfaces

  Above 0.1 ppm will cause the water to have a bad taste

  Secondary drinking water regulation by the USEPA is set at 0.3 ppm (more of an esthetic than health issue)

WHAT IS IRON?

  Iron is one of the most commonplace elements on Earth. Second most abundant metal (after aluminum) and fourth most abundant element.

  Iron has the chemical symbol “Fe”   Because iron is very reactive, it does not exist on

its own

  Iron is so common in the earth’s crust that at least a trace is found in almost everything

  Used in medicine

IRON BECOMES AN ION

  Fe → Fe+2 (Ferrous) + 2 electrons

  Fe → Fe+3 (Ferric) + 3 electrons

  Fe+2 + Cl2 → FeCl2 (Ferrous Chloride)   2Fe+3 + Cl2 → 2Fe2Cl3 (Ferric Chloride)

  4Fe+3 + 3O2 → 2Fe2O3 (Iron Oxide)

HOW IRON GETS IN THE WATER   Make-up water drawn

from a well   If a metal component that

contains iron begins to rust it releases iron into the pool water

IRON REMOVAL

  Chelating or Sequestering Agents work best

  They prevent any iron coating on the pool walls

IRON TESTING(resolution)

Photometric test meter with FE reagent (0.01PPM) Visual colorimetric comparator (0.3PPM) Iron Test Strips (0.3 PPM or greater)

HOW AN IRON TEST WORKS

  Iron testing most frequently uses TPTZ powder pillows, test strips, or tablets containing in one unit, reducing agents, buffer and TPTZ indicator Ferric iron + reducing agent = ferrous iron

TPTZ + ferrous iron = blue color

  There is an inherent flaw in this test methodology. Turbidity issues (and most iron samples have turbidity) are addressed by adding an optional step, which is often ignored

  This step, when ignored, can result in false low readings.

PHOSPHATE

  Phosphorus is about 0.12% in the earth’s crust   Human bones and teeth contain a large amount of

calcium phosphate   Muscle, nerves and brains of animals, contain complex

organic compounds of phosphorus, which are formed from vegetable matter

  Red phosphorus is used for pyrotechnics and for the manufacture of safety matches and fertilizers

  Phosphate is an essential nutrient for algae growth

PHOSPHATE BECOMES AN ION

  P → P+5 + 5 electrons   4P + 5O2 → 2P2O5   P2O5

+ 3H2O → 2H3PO4 (phosphoric acid)

  H3PO4 + H2O → H3O+ + H2PO4–

(dihydrogen phosphate)

  Ca(H2PO4)2 Calcium Dihydrogen Phosphate is known as “Super Phosphate of Lime” and used as a fertilizer

HOW PHOSPHATE GETS IN WATER

  Runoff from lawns   Rain water   Bathers (sweat and urine)   Pool treatment chemicals   Blown in leaves and

debris (soil and rock)

CONTROL ALGAE BY CONTROLLING PHOSPHATE

  Pool water should be regularly refreshed with a fraction of new make-up water daily or weekly.

  Increase swimming pool chlorine level.   “Flock” the phosphate with a phosphate flock

salt and vacuum.

ANOTHER WAY TO CONTROL ALGAE GROWTH

  In Florida, Catfish are used to eat the algae in abandoned pools

SALTS THAT REMOVE PHOSPHATES

  Iron salts (undesirable in pools) Used by municipal water and wastewater plants. Very effective in removing phosphate.

HPO4-2 + Fe+3 → FePO4↓ + H+

  Aluminum salts (inexpensive) Effective for levels above 1000 ppb. Does not remove phosphate below 100ppb.

HPO4-2 + Al+3 → AlPO4↓ + H+

  Lanthanum salts (expensive) Effective for maintaining low levels of phosphate. Easier to use and apply than Aluminum salts. Can drop phosphate levels below 100 ppb.

HPO4-2 + La+3 → LaPO4↓ + H+

LATHANUM SALTS (chloride & sulfate)

  Form a water insoluble Lanthanum Phosphate precipitate

  Easily removed by the pool filter media   In high concentrations, salts will not cause

cloudy water or staining of the pool

HOW TO KEEP POOLS PHOSPHATE FREE

  Avoid lawn/garden run-off from entering the pool   Remove leaves promptly   Keep phosphate below 100 PPB   Test the make-up water for phosphate   Test the pool water phosphate levels regularly   Preferred photometric test uses molybdate

reaction with phosphate in mild acid solution to form molybdophosphoric acid

or heteropoly blue complex

PHOSPHATE TESTING (resolution)

  Digital Photometric with reagent (0.01 PPM or 10 PPB)   Test Strip with Comparator (0.1 PPM or 100 PPB)   Ideally keep level below 0.1PPM   If Chlorine is maintained above 4PPM pool can tolerate

0.5PPM phosphate without algae problem. I do not advocate this control method

TURBIDITY

  Another word for cloudiness

  Caused by several factors:

1.  Body-waste contamination

2.  Non-organic suspended solids

3.  Algae

4.  Chemical imbalance

  Turbidity is most commonly measured with a “turbidometric” meter – and is very accurate

  Can also be tested with a photometer (less accurate)

BACTERIA

  Bacteria is a microorganism that enters pool water through rain, blown-in contaminants, and bathers

  Chlorine is introduced into a pool it breaks down into hypochlorous acid (HOCL) and hypochlorite ions (OCL-). Both of these kill bacteria by attacking the bacterial cell walls and oxidizing everything inside.

  Bacteria testing requires culturing the water

18 MINUTE BACTERIA TEST

  Commercial test methods include Immunological test that can confirm bacteria levels below 1000 colonies per ml run in 18 minutes

  Reduces liability   Gives confidence that pool is safe to reopen   The Quick™ Bacteria Test is an antibody-based rapid

test kit for the presence of bacteria in swimming pools, spas and rivers, lakes or streams used for swimming. The Quick™ Bacteria Test detects E.Coli, species of Salmonella, Shigella, Enterobacter, Kliebsiella, and many other Coliform and non-Coliform bacteria.

SPA WATER CHEMISTRY"  Spas differ from pools because: "

1.  Smaller volume of water"2.  Run at much higher

temperature "  Bather load (& sanitizer demand)

is much heavier than in a pool"  Smaller volume means that

organics accumulate much faster, & demand placed on sanitizer is much higher"

SPA WATER CHEMISTRY"  Greater sanitizer levels must be

maintained (3-5 ppm for Chlorine, 4-6 ppm for Bromine) & testing must be carried out much more frequently – usually every 2 hours during periods of heavy use"

  Treatment is more demanding, because adjustments must be made more frequently, & measurements must be more precise "

SPA WATER CHEMISTRY"  Small volume & increased

sanitizer demand means that in Chlorine spas, Chloramines accumulate much faster than in a pool"

  Spas must be drained at regular intervals if water quality is to be maintained"

  High temperature (above 100 degrees F) increases Chlorine reactions & causes rapid depletion"

SPA WATER CHEMISTRY"  High temperature increase growth

of certain disease-causing bacteria such as pseudomonas aerginosa"

  High temperature increase evaporation, resulting in elevated TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)"

  Maintaining a spa presents unique challenges"

TESTING BEST PRACTICES

"

TESTING Best Practices"

  Circulate pool water before collecting sample, or manually stir water in sample area"

  Rinse sample vial two or three times with pool water before sampling"

  Sample water 18 inches below surface (most important for Chlorine & Bromine testing)"

"


  Do not collect water sample near return lines"

  Note temperature of water to be tested (Very cold or very hot water can affect photometric tests)"


  Perform tests as soon as possible after collecting sample (immediate testing is required for accurate Free Chlorine results)"

  If collecting samples for later testing, handle carefully to avoid contamination, fill bottle to capacity, & seal tightly "


  Pay careful attention to expiration dates on reagents & test strips"

  Keep reagent containers tightly capped & in a cool, dark place "

  Don't swap/mix the caps on reagent bottles to avoid chemical cross contamination"


  Where required, measure volume of water sample to be tested (Measure the bottom of sample meniscus, not the top at fill mark)"

  Don't interchange sample vials or cells"

  Follow manufacturer’s test directions carefully"


  Add reagents carefully – make sure the correct number of drops are added to sample and drops are equal & full-sized"

  Mix reagents with test samples thoroughly"


  Match visual test results under right conditions:"

1. Proper lighting"2. Don’t wear

sunglasses"3. Read colors against

an appropriate background"

4. Don’t match colors in bright sunlight"


  Record results & maintain those records for each pool or spa"

  Never add reagents to pool for flash testing (invalid)"

  Never dispose tested samples/reagents in the pool"

  Rinse sample test vials and cells well immediately after testing"


  When using a photometer, verify your results using a Pool Water Standard to verify photometer, reagents, and operator"

"  Pool Water Standards can also be used

for verifying titration and comparator reagents "

eXact Micro 10 PhotometerUSED FOR TESTING POOL WATER

"Specification:"  USEPA Compliant* and Health Dept. accepted for Free,

Combined, & Total Chlorine Testing"  Health Dept accepted for Cyanuric Acid and pH"  525 nm Wavelength LED Transmission Photometer"  20 mm cell path length with built in 4 milliliter cell"  Waterproof, buoyant (floats)"  Uses patented reagent strip technology"  Factory Calibration and accuracy guaranteed for 2 years"  * Per 4500-Cl G (2012), Standard Methods For Examination Of Water And

Wastewater, DPD Colorimetric Method having transmission in range of 490 to 530nm with minimum 10 mm cell path length"

eXact Micro 10 PhotometerBENEFITS

"

  No cell or test tube to handle"  Safe and easy-use DPD Strip (delivery device)"•  The eXact® DPD Strip is stable in hot summer

conditions "•  individual foil packet(s) available for greater

integrity"

eXact Micro 10 PhotometerBENEFITS

"

  No drops to count or colors to match"

  Simple EZ-3™ procedure"  Tolerates 15 ppm FCl without

color loss"  Quick "  0.01 PPM resolution "  Accurate Combined Chlorine

results to really know if pool needs “SHOCK”"

NEW DPD METHODOLGY FOR POOLSIDE COMPLIANCE TESTING"

Step 1 and Step 2!

Rinse out photocell 3 times with pool water"

Fill meter cell to capacity with pool water"

"

""

Step 3!

Turn meter on and Zero "

""

NEW DPD METHODOLGY FOR POOLSIDE COMPLIANCE TESTING

Step 4"Dip DPD-1 Test Strip into sample for 20 seconds with back and forth motion (Press “READ” button that begins countdown timer)"

""


Step 5!

Read chlorine result"

Free Chlorine = 1.58 ppm"

""


Step 6!

  Continue the test to determine the Total Chlorine concentration: Press “ZERO” and display is 0 and then Press “READ” button and simultaneously dip eXact® Strip Micro DPD-3 into the water sample for 20 second count down. "

(During the 20 seconds constantly move the strip back and forth, which releases the Potassium Iodide reagent from the strip and mixes the sample)"


Step 7!  At the end of the 20 seconds the meter will display “1”

at which time you remove and discard the strip and the meter automatically reads and displays the Combined chlorine concentration of 0.3 1 PPM, and stores the result in memory. "

  Press read again twice to display Total Chlorine value of 1.89 PPM."

  Discard sample and rinse with water before storage. This DPD test method is compliant for California Health Department and US EPA requirements."

Free Chlorine = 1.58 PPM"

Combined Chlorine = 0.31 PPM " and Total Chlorine = 1.89 PPM"""


FAS DPD POOLSIDE TESTING PROCEDURE"1.  Rinse out cell 3 times with Pool water sample"2.  Fill to 25 ml line with pool water sample"3.  Add five drops of buffer DPD-1 solution "4.  add five drops of indicator DPD-2 solution

(or one scoop of DPD Powder)"5.  Swirl to mix for a few seconds "6.  Add one drop of FAS reagent, swirl to mix and observe color"7.  Add next drop of FAS Reagent, swirl to mix and observe

color (Repeated for a total of 8 drops)!8.  When pink color disappears Multiple 0.2 by number of drops

you have used to make color disappear This sample has (0.2 X 8 drops) 1.6 PPM Chlorine "

9.  Add KI reagent and continue titration which required two drops to give Combined Chlorine level of 0.4 PPM "

TEST USING VERIFICATION STANDARDS"

  Ampoule (10 ml of solution) for use to verify your pool testing procedure"

  Tets that can be verified includes Total Alkalinity, pH, Calcium Hardness, Copper, Cyanuric Acid, Iron, Phosphate, Nitrate, Salt, and Sulfate."

  Specifically for eXact® Micro photometer test verification. No dilution needed, just snap, fill cell with sample, and run test as you do normally"

  Only confirmation method available for pool service technicians "

STEP 1"

  Turn on the eXact® Micro 10 Photometer (M10) and rinse out three times with clean water"

  Break open a Ready Snap™ Method Verification Solution in a safe manner with a paper towel as shown"

  Don’t use pool side"

STEP 2"

  Take supplied plastic pipette and squeeze bulb with finger and thumb to expel air"

  Dip the pipette tip to the bottom of ampoule and release squeezed bulb slowly to fill pipette"

  Transfer filled pipette liquid to M10 cell"

STEP 3"  Discard the first liquid

sample followed with a quick shake of the M10 to empty the CELL of the remaining water drops."

  Repeat and fill the CELL to capacity"

STEP 4"

  Select the MENU for the test method procedure you need verified (Calcium Hardness in this example) and run the EZ-3™ test method"

  Verify the displayed value result against the Solution Value chart (Next Slide)"

STEP 5"  If your value is within

the acceptable range, you are operating the M10 correctly for this MENU test method."

  If your value is borderline, review the Instruction Manual and the proper procedure. "

Parameter TestMenuItem

DesiredValue

AcceptableValue

BorderlineValue

AL1* Total Alkalinity 150 ppm 140-160 130-170PH2* pH 7.4 7.2-7.6 7.1-7.7 CL3 Free Chlorine <0.10 - -PO4* Phosphate 0.90 ppm 0.70-1.10 0.60-1.20CA5* Calcium as CaCO3 67 ppm 57-87 47-97TH5 Total Hardness as CaCO3 130 ppm 110-150 100-160CH6* Chloride as NaCl (÷2 for M20) 270 ppm 240-300 220-320CY7* Cyanuric Acid 84 ppm 74-94 64-104CU8* Copper as Cu+2 0.33 ppm 0.28-0.38 0.23-0.43NH4 Ammonia <0.05 ppm - -NO3 Nitrate 21 ppm 18-24 16-26Mn7 all +2 Metals Mn, Cu, Zn, etc 0.55 ppm - -Mn7 Manganese 0.08 ppm - -AL3 Aluminum 0.18 ppm 0.14-0.23 0.12-0.25CR6 Chromium VI 0.17 ppm 0.13-0.22 0.11-0.23F Fluoride 0.31 ppm - -SO4 Sulfate 50 ppm 35-65 30-70PB2 Lead as Pb+2 82 ppbTDS Total Dissolved Solids 245 ppm (504µS) as NaCl

R060712

Assigned Values for READY SNAP™ 1 (lot 513) Method Verification Solution:

NOTE: Values reflect current concentrations as found at time of manufacture.*These tests are available as Direct Read Parameters in the M10 Photometer.Other tests can be performed in M20 or LeadQuick Photometers.Ready Snap™ 2 Method Verification Solution is available for verification of Ammonia,Arsenic, Iron, and Manganese.

NEW METHOD USING FIELD SCANNER

(Pool Check I - Coming soon)!

THE FUTURE OF POOL TESTING IS DIGITAL"

COMING SOONWITH

COMING SOONWITH

Pool Check® i Digital Test Strip Analyzer directly reads: Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Free Chlorine, Total Chlorine, Cyanuric Acid and pH• Tests three or six parameters in 35 seconds with only one test strip• Digital results eliminate visual test strip color matching • Medical technology adapted for pools"

COMING SOONWITH

COMING SOONWITH

• Incorporates into pool service software from App on the Run and RB Control Systems • Download results to a computer or phone - unit stores results with time and date markers• Portable and rechargeable"

COMING SOONWITH

COMING SOONWITH

STRIVE FOR BEST RESULTS"  Customers expect it"  Health Departments require it"  Liability issues for bad results"

Any Questions? Ivars Jaunakais – Chief Analytical Chemist

[email protected] www.sensafe.com"

HELPFUL RESOURCES"

  Book: Pool Chlorination Facts by Robert W. Lowry"  Book: Intermediate Training Manual Part 1-Chemicals by

Robert W. Lowry"  Book: The Ultimate Guide to Pool Maintenance by Terry

Tamminen"  Book: The Pool Maintenance Manual by Terry

Tamminen "  Internet: Florida Health Dept:

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/water/swim/index.html "  Internet: CDC http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/ "

proper pooltesting2012

Technology