Understanding Pool & Spa Water Testing: by Ivars Jaunakais Orlando Pool and Spa Show - February, 2010

UNDERSTANDING POOL &
SPA WATER TESTING
By Ivars Jaunakais
Orlando Pool and Spa Show • February, 2010
R 021710
BEFORE WE BEGIN,
I WOULD LIKE TO ASK…
 Are you new in the pool service business?

 Have you done this for 5 years or less?
 Have you done this for over 5 years?
 Are you a pool builder?
TODAY’S TOPICS
 Recommended Florida health department
standards for pool and spa water quality
 Pool and spa water chemistry including
chemicals, their uses, and sanitizer / disinfecting
systems
 Water testing methods and testing techniques
 Pool water problems and treatment
A. DO YOU MAKE YOUR
DECISIONS ABOUT POOL OR
SPA MAINTENANCE THIS WAY?
 I can make decisions based entirely on
information gathered
 I can make decisions based on information
rather than a gut feeling
 I don’t take people’s feeling too much into
account when I need to make an important
decision
B. DO YOU MAKE YOUR
DECISIONS ABOUT POOL OR
SPA MAINTENANCE THIS WAY?
 I feel more comfortable if I consult an
associate before a decision
 I let my personal beliefs about pool
maintenance impact my decisions
 I am comfortable to make a decision if it
“feels right” even if the decision isn’t
supported by facts
TESTING IS IMPORTANT
 Pools and Spas must be
maintained in a
conscientious way
 Primarily for the
safety of bathers
 Liability
 Good testing practices
reaps financial rewards
TESTING TOOLS
 Test strips
 Colorimeters
 Test reagents
GOALS
 Happy customers
 Produce accurate, and reliable results
 Accurate results supports the correct
maintenance saving time and money
 The time saved will allow you to develop new
customers
Over 12 million pools and 5 million spa in the
United States all require maintenance
THE GOAL
is too maintain a pool or spa that …
 is free from harmful microorganisms or pathogenic
bacteria
 is free from algae
 is aesthetically pleasing (clean, clear, and inviting)
 does not irritate the eyes, respiratory system, or skin of
bathers
 is not stained or suffering from discolored water
 contains water that does not corrode
 contains water that does not deposit or leave residue
 does not have debris, scum, or foam floating on the
surface
 has no offensive odor
3 THINGS TO MAINTAIN A
HEALTHY POOL OR SPA
 Circulation
 Filtration
 Routine
Cleaning
and Maintenance
STATE OF FLORIDA
64E-9.004 Operational Requirements
 State Pool and Spa Regulation

 Formerly 10D-5.133
 Law took effect May 27, 2004
 Can be found online -
http://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleno.asp?id=64E-9.004&Section=0
STATE OF FLORIDA
 (1) Water Quality

(a) Cross-connection prevention
(b) Bacteriological quality
(c) Clarity (0.5 or less NTU)
(d) Chemical quality
Chemicals used in controlling the quality of the pool water
shall be tested and approved using the National
Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Standard 60, 1996a 1997,
which is incorporated by reference in these rules and
shall be compatible with other accepted chemicals used
in pools.
STATE OF FLORIDA
The following parameters shall be adhered to for

pool water treatment:
 pH – 7.2 to 7.8.
STATE OF FLORIDA
The following parameters shall be adhered

to for pool water disinfection treatment:
 Free chlorine residual shall be 1 milligram
per liter (mg/L) to 10 mg/L, inclusive, in
conventional swimming pools and 2 mg/L
to 10 mg/L, inclusive, in all other type
pools such as spa-type pools and
interactive water fountains mg/L free
chlorine or 6 mg/L bromine.
UNIT OF MEASUREMENTS
 Primary unit of measurement for
concentration is mg/L or parts per million
(PPM) as more commonly used
 1 PPM would be 1 part of item measured
per 1 million parts of pool water or just
0.0001 %
STATE OF FLORIDA
 The following parameters shall be adhered

to for pool water disinfection treatment:
 Bromine residual shall be 1.5 mg/L to 10 mg/L,
inclusive, in conventional swimming pools and 3
mg/L to 10 mg/L, inclusive, in all other type
pools. Except that, the following maximum
disinfectant levels shall apply to indoor
conventional swimming pools: 5 mg/L free
chlorine or 6 mg/L bromine.
STATE OF FLORIDA
 When oxidation-reduction potential

controllers are required
 Water potential shall be kept between 700
and 850 millivolts.
 Use of these units does not negate the
manual daily testing requirement of
subsection 64E-9.004(13), F.A.C.
CHLORINE VS ORP READING
STATE OF FLORIDA
 Cyanuric acid
1. 100 mg/L maximum in pools
2. 40 mg/L in spa pools
NOTE: Expect this level to be lower in the future
STATE OF FLORIDA
Quaternary ammonium
5 mg/L maximum in pools or spas
STATE OF FLORIDA
Copper –
1 mg/L maximum in pools or spas
STATE OF FLORIDA
Silver –
0.1 mg/L maximum in pools or spas
STATE OF FLORIDA
 The pool recirculation system must be

operated
 The pool water level must be maintained
 All equipment and appurtenances should
be in good repair
STATE OF FLORIDA
 When use of a public swimming pool

requires an admission or a membership
fee, the most recent pool inspection report
shall be posted in plain view of existing
and potential members and patrons.
 Sanitary facilities shall be maintained
 Footbaths are prohibited
STATE OF FLORIDA
 Test kits are required to be on the

premises of all pools to determine
 free active chlorine & total chlorine using
N,N-Diethyl-p-Phenylenediamine (DPD)
 bromine levels
 total alkalinity levels
 calcium hardness levels
 pH
STATE OF FLORIDA
 The following test kits shall be provided if

the corresponding chemicals are used:
1) Cyanuric acid
2) Sodium chloride
3) Quaternary ammonium
4) Copper
STATE OF FLORIDA
 When silver is added as a supplemental

disinfectant, a water analysis must be
done every six months and be submitted
to the department upon request.
STATE OF FLORIDA
 A test kit may be used for multiple pools,

provided the pools have common
ownership and they are located on
contiguous property.
 The test kit shall be capable of measuring
the level of disinfectant in the normal
operating range.
STATE OF FLORIDA
 The keeping of a daily record of

information regarding pool operation,
using the Monthly Swimming Pool Report
– DH 921 3/98, obtained from the local
county health department, shall be the
responsibility of the pool owner or
operator.
 http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/water/swim/download.html
STATE OF FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
MONTHLY SWIMMING POOL REPORT
STATE PERMIT # DATE
NAME OF POOL ADDRESS

Days Chlorine
of residual pH Filter Gauge Reading POOL VOLUME IN GALLONS ___________________
month
9 AM 1 PM 4 PM 9 AM 1 PM 4 PM Vacuum Pressure: Pressure: Flow Pool No. Remarks
Influent Effluent GPM Vacuumed Patrons Enter items such as: Total alkalinity, hardness,
in/Hg PSI PSI cyanuric acid, equipment breakdown, excessive pool
water loss, filter backwash, water clarity
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
STATE OF FLORIDA
 Customized report forms may be

substituted provided they contain the
appropriate information and are
acceptable to the department.
 Report shall reflect manually conducted
pool water tests for pH and disinfectant
levels at least once every 24 hours
 Retained at the pool or submitted monthly
as required by the local health department
STATE OF FLORIDA
 If fecal accident occur, the pool operator or

owner shall consider the Centers for
Disease Control's (CDC) “Fecal accident
response recommendations for pool staff”
found on the internet web site:
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming/
DISINFECTION OF POOL
AFTER FECAL ACCIDENT
OTHER BODY FLUIDS
 Vomit
1. Noroviruses germ hazard
2. Respond to the vomit accident as you
would respond to a formed fecal accident,
using CDC's recommendations
 Blood
1. Germs don’t spread in properly
chlorinated pool
2. There is no public health reason to
recommend closing the pool after a blood
spill
State Health Department Enforces these
rules because swimmers leave behind:
 Up to 50 ml of urine per swimmer
(mostly by children)
 100 ml of sweat per swimmer each hour

 Up to 100,000,000 bacteria per swimmer
 Organics like sunscreen, deodorant, hair
spray, etc
 Greatest concern is a fecal or diarrhea
accident (resulting in release of Ecoli, cryptosporidium)
NOTE: Although there is no such thing as urine-detecting
dye, you can make signs that prey upon this
misconception that a urine indicator exists
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 a material
 Scale is a white deposit or precipitate that builds
up on fixtures, surfaces, and equipment
 Balanced water is non-irritating to the eyes and
skin of bathers, and allows the sanitizer to work
effectively.
WATER BALANCE
5 FACTORS THAT AFFECT IT
1. pH (PH)
2. Total Alkalinity (AL)
3. Calcium Hardness (CA)
4. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
5. Temperature
 pH, AL, or CA is high, the water will deposit scale
 pH, AL, or CA is low, the water will corrode
WATER BALANCE - pH
 pH is a very important factor
 Affects all other chemical / balance parameters
 Determines acidity of water and is measured on
a scale from 0-14
 pH of 7 is neutral
 Below 7 is acidic (e.g. lemon juice)
 Above 7 is basic or alkaline (e.g. baking soda)
WATER BALANCE - pH
 pH in the ideal range will be comfortable for the
human eye at 7.5
 Pool water is acceptable from 7.2-7.8
 Ideal pH range is 7.4-7.6
 Testing should be done DAILY!
 A high pH, reduces Chlorine’s effectiveness
pH VERSUS CHLORINE SPECIES
Percent HOCl and OCl- vs. pH

100
90
Percent HOCl and OCl-
80 HOCl
Hypochlorous Acid
70
60
HOCl
50 OCl-
40
30
OCl-
20 Hypochlorite Ion
10
0
6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5
pH
WATER BALANCE - pH
WATER BALANCE - pH
What causes pH to go up
 Adding Alkali like Soda Ash

 Alkali Sanitizers like Sodium
Hypochlorite
TESTING pH
 Colorimetric visual tests
1. liquid test (using Phenol Red)
2. tablet test
3. test strips
 Colorimetric test meter with pH indicator
reagent
 pH meter with electrode probe
1. Must be calibrated properly
2. Probe end is made of glass
TOTAL ALKALINITY (AL)
 The ability of the water to resist a change in pH
 “buffering capacity”
 The sum of bicarbonates, carbonates, and

hydroxide in the water
 Water with an appropriate amount of AL will

resist wide and rapid fluctuations in pH (called
pH bounce)
 Proper AL stabilizes pH
 Bicarbonate buffers essentially neutralize acids

and alkaline before they can affect the pH
 If AL is low, pH will be easily affected by
anything introduced into the pool
 If AL is high, pH will be difficult to adjust (water
will scale)
 Total Alkalinity is the key to water balance and
it is recommended that it should be adjusted
FIRST, before pH
 Anytime you add acid or alkaline to adjust the
pool or spa AL, you will also be changing the pH,
and vice versa
 Test WEEKLY
 Total Alkalinity is measured as Parts Per Million
or PPM
 Sanitizer used influences Alkalinity
 Different sanitizers have different pHs
 The ideal level is 80-100 PPM with sanitizers like
Sodium, Calcium, or Lithium Hypochlorite
 The ideal level is 100-120 PPM with sanitizers
like Dichlor, Trichlor, Bromine, or Chlorine Gas
Low Alkalinity can cause
 Wide and rapid pH fluctuations
 Corrosion of pool or spa and equipment
 Skin / Eye Irritation
 Low pH
 Adding acid like Muriatic Acid will lower TA
TESTING TOTAL ALKALINITY
(AL)

1. liquid test (titration)
2. tablet test
3. test strips
 Colorimetric test meter with AL reagent
ORDER OF pH & AL ADJUSTMENTS
CALCIUM HARDNESS (CA)
 Defined as the amount of Calcium Salts in the
water (as Calcium Carbonate)
 Term Calcium Hardness used because
hardness in tap water is due to Calcium
 Magnesium, barium and sulfate also can
contribute to the Hardness
 The water used to fill the pool will vary in its
calcium content depending on your region of the
country and city or well water
 Ideal range is 200-400 PPM
 Should be tested MONTHLY
 Pool and spa water must have a certain amount of

Calcium
 Calcium Hardness, when outside the 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 hardness allows severe corrosion or pitting of

calcium rich surfaces such as concrete, plaster, and
grout.
TESTING CALCIUM HARDNESS
(CA)
2. tablet test
3. test strips
 Colorimetric test meter with CA reagent
TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS
(TDS)
 Total Dissolved Solids or TDS is the total of all
the dissolved material in the water.
 TDS value is contributed and influenced by ions
of Calcium, magnesium, sulfate, chloride,
sodium, potassium, phosphate, nitrate, and all
other ions; Alkalinity; Cyanuric Acid; and all
Chemicals present in the water.
 If it is dissolved in the water, it is part of TDS.
(TDS)
 TDS levels need to be known because high
levels increase undesirable events:
1. Algae growth despite adequate sanitizer
2. Corrosion despite the water being balanced
3. Cloudy water despite adequate filtration
4. Eye and skin irritation
5. Deposits on the pool wall

(TDS)
 Over time, TDS will increase in a pool
 Factors that cause this include chemicals
that are added, debris and dirt that blow
or wash in, and the steady contribution of
evaporation
 If TDS reaches 1500 PPM above the
level it was when the water was fresh, it
is time to drain and replace the water
(a maximum of 3000 PPM)
(TDS)
 TDS may double in a year
 Not all disinfectant systems contribute equally to
TDS
 The use of Ozone will decrease the amount of
chemicals that are added; and therefore slowing
the rise of TDS
 Another easy way to reduce TDS is to ask that
people shower before they get into the pool or
spa
TESTING TOTAL DISSOLVED
SOLIDS
 Should test MONTHLY
 Conductivity meter ($20 - $300)
(can do thousands of tests)
 Test strips ($0.30 to $0.50 per test)
 Maximum is 1500 PPM over start-up TDS
TEMPERATURE
 Temperature is an important water balance
factor but difficult to control
 Pool water is usually held at between 78-82◦ F.
 Spa water is held much higher at from 96-104◦ F
 Thermometer used for testing
 Test Frequency: Usually continuous monitoring
LANGELIER SATURATION
INDEX (SI)
 Developed In 1936 by Wilfred F. Langelier
 5 factors influence the precipitation of Calcium
Carbonate (the formation of scale). The five
factors are pH, Temperature, Alkalinity, Calcium
Hardness, and TDS.
 AL and pH have significant influence on SI and
are the 2 factors most often adjusted to change
SI
INDEX (SI)
 CA should always be adjusted if low
 TDS has the least impact of the 5 factors
 CA and TDS can be lowered effectively by
partial draining of the pool or spa
 Temperature is a large determining factor and is
difficult to control, hold, and adjust
 CA, TDS, and Temperature are factors we
should monitor
INDEX (SI)
 Mr. Langelier assigned a value to each of these
factors and developed an equation.
SI = pH + TF (Temperature) + CF
(Calcium Hardness) + AF (Total
Alkalinity) – 12.1 (TDS)
INDEX (SI)
SI = pH + TF (Temperature) + CF (Calcium Hardness) +
AF (Total Alkalinity) – 12.1 (TDS)
 When result is 0, the water is said to be
chemically balanced (ideal goal)
 Negative values will have corrosive tendencies
 Positive values will have scale tendencies
 The acceptable range for the SI is -0.5 to +0.5

(Within this range, the water in a pool or spa is
satisfactorily balanced)
INDEX (SI)
To calculate SI:
 First, test and record the 5 parameters
 Next, using Table 1, convert your test results for
Temperature, Calcium Hardness, and Alkalinity into the
equation plug-in factors TF, CA, and AF
 TDS does not have a chart. Instead use
12.1 if TDS is from 0-1000 PPM
12.2 if from 1000-2000 PPM
12.3 if TDS is above 2000 PPM
 pH is used without alteration
INDEX (SI) TABLE
Temperature °F = Calcium Hardness = Total Alkalinity =
TF CF AF
32° = 0 5 = 0.3 5 = 0.7
37° = 0.1 25 = 1.0 25 = 1.4
46° = 0.2 50 = 1.3 50 = 1.7
53° = 0.3 75 = 1.5 75 = 1.9
60° = 0.4 100 = 1.6 100 = 2.0
66° = 0.5 150 = 1.8 150 = 2.2
76° = 0.6 200 = 1.9 200 = 2.3
84° = 0.7 300 = 2.1 300 = 2.5
94° = 0.8 400 = 2.2 400 = 2.6
105° = 0.9 800 = 2.5 800 = 2.9
128° = 1.0 1000 = 2.6 1000 = 3.0
INDEX (SI) EXAMPLE
 pH= 7.8 Temperature= 84° Calcium Hardness= 300
PPM Total Alkalinity= 200 PPM TDS: 1800 PPM
 SI = pH + TF + CA + AF – 12.1 (TDS)
 7.8 + 0.7 + 2.1 + 2.3 – 12.2 = +0.7 (Scaling)
INDEX (SI)
 To correct the water balance, we adjusted the
Total Alkalinity to 100 PPM and the pH naturally
lowered to 7.6
 No change to Calcium Hardness level of 300
PPM is made (The Calcium Hardness cannot be
lowered except by draining and refilling with
water lower in Calcium Hardness)
 Resulting SI will now calculate to be +0.2 or
balanced!
INDEX (SI) EXAMPLE
 pH= 7.6 Temperature= 84° Calcium Hardness= 300
PPM Total Alkalinity= 100 PPM TDS: 1800 PPM
 SI = pH + TF + CA + AF – 12.1 (TDS)
 7.6 + 0.7 + 2.1 + 2.0 – 12.2 = +0.2 (OK)
SANITIZER AND DISINFECTANTS
 The pool environment is exposed to constantly
introduced things
 Two important things must be done:
1. Sanitize the water to kill microorganisms

2. Oxidize organic contaminants
 A disinfectant is an agent that kills disease-causing
organisms
 A sanitizer is an agent that kills all microorganisms with

impunity
 Oxidation refers to the “burning up” of organic

contaminants or waste products
CHLORINE
 The most popular sanitizer, disinfectant, algae killer, and
oxidizer in the world is still chlorine
 Inexpensive, safe (when used properly), and effective.
 In a pool or a spa, chlorine pulls double-duty as a
sanitizer, and as an oxidizer
 Chlorine is most effective under certain conditions. The
single most important factor is pH. The pH must be in
the optimal range in order for chlorine to be effective
CHLORINE
 Effective against a broad range of microorganisms
 Chlorine first used in 1908 for public health
 More than 79,000 tons of chlorine are used per year in
the United States and Canada to treat water
 Monitoring chlorine is very important
 Used in pools to protect people, water clarity and
equipment
 Several pathogens can be transmitted in water
 Inactivation of pathogens depends on contact time
 Public health requires pool water testing for
Hypochlorous acid or free chlorine residual
concentration
GERM INACTIVATION TIME IN
1 PPM CHLORINATED WATER
GERM INACTIVATION TIME
E. Coli O157:H7 Less than 1 minute
Bacterium
Hepatitis A About 16 minutes

Virus
Giardia About 45 minutes

Parasite
Cryptosporidium About 15300 minutes

Parasite (10.6 days)
pH 7.5, 77 °F
78
BACTERIA REGROWTH
RISK
OF
ILLNESS
RISK OF ILLNESS
SOURCES OF
CHLORINE
Chemical Chemical Form % Chlorine
Name Formula
Chlorine Cl2 Gas 100%
Gas
Calcium Ca(OCl)2 Solid 65-70%
Hypochlorite
Sodium NaOCl Liquid ~12%

Hypochlorite
82
TYPICAL DEGRADATION
RATE OF SODIUM
HYPOCHLORITE
ABOUT THE SOURCES
OF CHLORINE
 Despite their chemical and physical differences

they all form hypochlorous acid
 This change occurs when water is added
 Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is the actual
disinfecting agent
84
CHLORINE CHEMSTRY
 The sum of Hypochlorous acid

(HOCI) and Hypochlorite ion
(OCI ¯) is called free chlorine,
and the chemical equation or
relationship is:
85
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 causes
Hypochlorous 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)
86
pH VERSUS CHLORINE SPECIES
Percent HOCl and OCl- vs. pH

100
90
Percent HOCl and OCl-
80 HOCl
Hypochlorous Acid
70
60
HOCl
50 OCl-
40
30
OCl-
20 Hypochlorite Ion
10
0
6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5
pH
CHLORINE REACTION
 Second chlorine reaction is with ammonia (NH3)
and organic nitrogen compounds such as
proteins and amino acids in the pool
 A series of reactions occur that form
chloramines
 Chloramines are less effective as a disinfectant
 Active chlorine can be transferred from inorganic
chloramine to amine (organic) containing
compounds
88
COMBINED CHLORINE
EQUATIONS
 The sum of the chloramine species is called
combined chlorine, and chemically created in the
pool as follows:
89
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
90
EUROPEAN DIN REGULATION
 The German DIN regulation requires pools be
drained:
1. Once a month or
2. ¼ every week or
3. 1/30 every day
 Fresh water is added routinely which removes
chloramines (organic & ammonia) and other
contaminates
 Universal use of ozone and / or UV for pools
and free chlorine levels are maintained at 0.4 to
0.6 ppm
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
92
TO ACHIEVE GOOD
TEST RESULTS
 Test is acceptable or compliant (uses DPD)
 Test is appropriate for the staff technical
ability
 Test is robust, reagents and equipment are
reliable & stable
 Test is not affected by interferences
 Test is accurate when staff performs the test
correctly
93
US EPA ACCEPTED
TEST METHODS
(ACCEPTED BY FLORIDA
HEALTH DEPARTMENT)
 DPD-FAS Titrimetric Method

 DPD Colorimetric Meter Method
 DPD Colorimetric Visual Method
94
DPD NOMENCLATURE
 DPD-1 + DPD-2 is for free chlorine
(liquid systems only)
 DPD-1 is for Free Chlorine
(Powders, tablets, test strips)
 DPD-3 is KI
(Potassium Iodide reagent) and applies to all
except powders
 DPD-4 is sum of DPD-1+DPD-2+DPD-3
(Total Chlorine)
DPD DELIVERY METHODS
 DPD-1, DPD-2, DPD-3 liquid reagents

 DPD-1, DPD-3, DPD-4 tablets
 DPD-1, DPD-4 powder pillows
 DPD-1, DPD-3, DPD-4 reagent delivery test
strips
(All meet 4500-CL G reportable method)
 DPD is used for colorimetric or the DPD-FAS
Titration methods to determine the chlorine
concentration
96
DPD CHLORINE TESTING
 DPD methods have become preferred for chlorine

measurement
 The DPD methods determine concentration from the
color formed when chlorine reacts with the DPD
 DPD-FAS Titration method determines the chlorine by
measuring the amount of FAS Titrant needed to bleach
out the DPD-chlorine color formed
 Most state health departments recommend or accept
DPD tests because they are quick, enjoy wide
acceptance and have US EPA approval
97
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
98
Free Chlorine, reference method versus test method
10.00
y = 1.0268x + 0.0126
R2 = 0.9998
test method (ppm)
8.00
6.00
4.00
2.00
0.00
0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00
reference method (ppm)
99
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
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
1. Rinse out photocell 3 times with pool water sample

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

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
NEW DPD METHODOLGY
FOR POOLSIDE
COMPLIANCE TESTING
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)
NEW DPD METHODOLGY
FOR POOLSIDE
COMPLIANCE TESTING
Step 5
Read chlorine result
Free Chlorine = 1.58 ppm

NEW DPD METHODOLGY
FOR POOLSIDE
COMPLIANCE TESTING
Step 6
 Continue the test to determine the
Total Chlorine concentration: 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)
NEW DPD METHODOLGY
FOR POOLSIDE
COMPLIANCE TESTING
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 total
chlorine concentration, and stores the
result in memory.
 Discard sample and rinse with water before

storage. This DPD test method is compliant
for health department and US EPA
requirements.
Total Chlorine = 1.89 ppm

FAS DPD POOLSIDE TESTING PROCEDURE
1. Rinse out cell 3 times 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 14 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 14 drops) 2.8 PPM Chlorine
NOTE: This procedure has a total of 20 steps for this water sample
SPA WATER CHEMISTRY
 Spas differ from pools because:

1. They have a much smaller volume
2. They run at a much higher temperature
 Bather load (and sanitizer demand) is much heavier than in a pool
 Smaller volume means that organics accumulate much faster, and
the demand placed on the sanitizer is much higher
 Greater sanitizer levels must be maintained (3-5 ppm for Chlorine,
4-6 ppm for Bromine) and 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, and measurements must be more precise.
SPA WATER CHEMISTRY
 Small volume and increased sanitizer demand means that in

Chlorine spas, Chloramines accumulate much faster than in a pool
 Spas must also be drained at regular intervals if water quality is to
be maintained
 High temperature (above 100 degrees F) rises chemical reactions
occur more rapidly
 Chlorine reactions occur more rapidly, causing more rapid depletion
 High temperatures are conducive to the growth of certain disease-
causing bacteria like pseudomonas aerginosa
 High temperature contributes greatly to evaporation, which
concentrates TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) in the water
 Maintaining a spa presents unique challenges
SPA WATER DRAINING
 Draining helps prevent TDS and Chloramine accumulation

 The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals recommends draining
and refilling spas at intervals according to the following equation:
1/3 X Volume of Spa (gallons) Number of days

_______________________
Bathers per day
= between drainings
1/3 X 3000 = 33
30
BROMINE
 Bromine is a chemical relative of Chlorine
 Used more commonly in spas because it is more stable at
high temperatures
 When Bromine combines with ammonia it becomes
bromamine which is still an effective sanitizer (does not
irritate eyes and skin)
 Bromine and bromamine are measured together as Total
Bromine (Typically with DPD-1 Reagent)
 More expensive than chlorine and can not be stabilized by
cyanuric acid (rapidly dissipated by the sun)
 Bromine comes most commonly in tablet form
 Bromine as a sanitation agent can not 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
 At high pH, more of the OBr - is present
 Recommended pH levels are the same for bromine
as for chlorine
 HOBr is effective as an anti-algae agent
BROMINE
 Test daily or multiple times depending on bather load

 Typical recommended 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 (PHMB)
 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 shock (monthly)
 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 (PHMB) 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.
COMMERCIAL CHLORINE
GENERATOR
 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
COMMERCIAL CHLORINE
GENERATOR
 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
2. tablet test
3. test strips
 Colorimetric test meter with SALT reagent
(typical testing requires a dilution step)
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 colorimetric test,
a liquid test, test strip, or colorimeter 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 medicines.
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

1.liquid test
2.tablet test
3.test strips
 Colorimetric test meter with FE and Reducing
Reagents
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 IS?
 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 and food 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)
ANOTHER WAY TO CONTROL
ALGAE GROWTH
 In Florida, Catfish are used to eat the algae in
abandoned pools
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
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 0.10 ppm (100 PPB)
 Test the make-up water for phosphate
 Test the pool water phosphate levels regularly
 Preferred colorimetric test uses molybdate
reaction with phosphate in mild acid solution to
form molybdophosphoric acid (heteropoly blue
complex)
PHOSPHATE TESTING

1.tablet test
2.test strips
 Colorimetric test meter with PO4 reagent
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 colorimeter (less accurate)
TEST METHOD
Turbidometric Tester
 Measures the relative cloudiness, or turbidity of the

water in NPT units
 Turbidometric testing can be determined by a visual
method but only at higher levels
 Commonly measured with a Turbidometric meter which
is measured by the light reflected from the undissolved
materials in the water at a 90 degree angle
 Colorimeter can also make this measurement as a
transmission measurement but with less accuracy
BACTERIA
 Bacteria are microorganisms that enter pool water

through rain, blown-in contaminants, and the bodies of
the bathers themselves. As previously discussed, the
most important function of sanitizers is to combat these
microorganisms.
 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. Hypochlorous acid
is able to oxidize most bacteria organisms in several
seconds while hypochlorite ions can take over 30
minutes. Both can get the job done, but the time
required.
 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.
COLORIMETIC TESTS
 There are four basic colorimetic methods

used in testing pool and spa water:
1. Colorimetric tests use a Colorimeter and reagent
delivery device such as: liquid, powder, tablet, and
test strip
2. Colorimetric visual using titration (counting drops)
3. Colorimetric tests use a reagent delivery device
such as: liquid, powder, tablet, or test strip with a
tube and a comparator color chart
4. Colorimetric visual test strips are used most
commonly for testing these three parameters: Free
Chlorine, pH, Alkalinity levels
LIMIT OF DETECTION (LOD)
 Applies more to instrument measurements
 Definition: MDL (minimum detection level) of
concentration that can be consistently detected
 For analytical tests LOD is typically calculated as
3 times the background noise
TEST METHOD #1
Colorimeter and Reagent
Most accurate DPD method
 Colorimeters use colorimetric or precipitation
chemistries and the color (or precipitate) is
measured by an electronic instrument
 No visual color matching
 They measure transmittance of light at a given
wavelength through the reacted water sample
 Most accurate of all tests
TEST METHOD #2
Colorimetric Visual using Titration
Commonly used DPD method
 Titrations use colorimetric chemistries
that require visual color change
interpretation
 Color change can be difficult to judge
 Accurate counting of drops is required
 Technique dependent (swirling)
 Math required
TEST METHOD #3
Colorimetric reagent with
color chart comparator
 Inexpensive reagents
 Gives only minimum resolution
 Reagents may have stability issues
 Requires good visual judgment
TEST METHOD #4
Colorimetric visual test
strips with color chart
 Quick and easy
 Inexpensive
 Suitable for screening
 Good shelf life
 Does not use DPD
TEST METHODS
AND EQUIPMENT
Considerations for Kit
 Accuracy (0.03 to 3 or more)

 Resolution (0.01 to 0.8 or more)
 Selectivity (test reacts with the right ion)
 Dynamic Range
(6.0 to 9.0 for pH; 0.01 to 11.0 for
Chlorine)
 Limit of Detection (LOD)
TEST KIT
PERFORMANCE
IN A LAB
 Analysis will provide good results in a

Laboratory setting
 A lab is a controlled environment where
Reagent stability is assured
 Recalibration of test kit reagents or kit
performance can be easily confirmed
TEST KIT
PERFORMANCE
POOLSIDE
(Challenges)
 Test kits and instruments at poolside operate under
harsh environmental conditions
 Temperature, humidity, wind can have a great deal of
affect on results and operator
 Distractions like loud noise and high activity
 For some tests (especially Liquid reagents) stability is
affected by elevated Temperature and Sunlight
 Unfortunately precise results are a challenge at poolside
TEST METHODS
AND EQUIPMENT
Considerations for Method
 Price per test ($0.02 to $0.30 up to $10)

 Time to run test (30 seconds to 5 minutes)
 Easy to run test (Little or no operator
training required)
 Kit is portable and stabile
 Results are accepted by Health
Department
TESTING TECHNIQUES
(best practices)
 Let the circulation system run before taking your sample, or
manually stir the water in the sample area
 Rinse the sample vial two or three times with the pool water before
taking your sample
 Sample the water from 18 inches below the surface (especially
important for the Free Chlorine measurement)
 Do not take a water sample from near the return lines
 Make note (or at lease be aware approximately) of the temperature
of the water you are testing. Very cold or very hot water will affect
colorimetric tests
 Perform your tests as soon as possible after collecting the sample
(immediate testing is required accurate for Free Chlorine results)
 If collecting samples for later testing, handle carefully to avoid
contamination and fill bottle to capacity and seal tightly
TESTING GUIDELINES
(best practices)
 Pay careful attention to expiration dates on reagents
and test strips
 Keep reagent containers tightly capped and in a
cool, dark place
 Don't swap/mix the caps on reagent bottles, or the
chemicals may get cross contaminated
 Where required carefully measure volume of the
water sample to be tested (Measure the bottom of
the sample meniscus, not the top at the fill mark)
 Don't interchange sample vials or cells
 Follow the manufacturer’s test directions carefully
TESTING GUIDELINES
(best practices)
 Add reagents carefully – make sure the drops you add to the sample
are equal and full-sized
 Mix reagents with test samples thoroughly
 Match the visual test results under the right conditions:
1. Proper light
2. Do not wear sunglasses

3. Read the colors against an appropriate background
4. Do not match colors in bright sunlight
 Record results and keep a log book at each pool or spa
 Never add reagents to the pool for flash testing (invalid)
 Never dispose used sample and reagent in the pool
 Rinse sample vials / cells well immediately after testing
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/
STRIVE FOR BEST RESULTS
 Customer wants it
 State Health Department requires it.
 Liability for bad results
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!
Any Questions?
Ivars Jaunakais – Chief Analytical Chemist
Ivars@sensafe.com www.sensafe.com

Understanding Pool & Spa Water Testing: by Ivars Jaunakais Orlando Pool and Spa Show - February, 2010

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Understanding Pool & Spa Water Testing: by Ivars Jaunakais Orlando Pool and Spa Show - February, 2010

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UNDERSTANDING POOL &

SPA WATER TESTING

 Are you new in the pool service business?

 State Pool and Spa Regulation

 (1) Water Quality

The following parameters shall be adhered to for

The following parameters shall be adhered

 The following parameters shall be adhered

 When oxidation-reduction potential

 The pool recirculation system must be

 When use of a public swimming pool

 Test kits are required to be on the

 The following test kits shall be provided if

 When silver is added as a supplemental

 A test kit may be used for multiple pools,

 The keeping of a daily record of

NAME OF POOL ADDRESS

 Customized report forms may be

 If fecal accident occur, the pool operator or

 100 ml of sweat per swimmer each hour

Percent HOCl and OCl- vs. pH

 Adding Alkali like Soda Ash

 The sum of bicarbonates, carbonates, and

 Water with an appropriate amount of AL will

 Bicarbonate buffers essentially neutralize acids

 Colorimetric visual tests

 Pool and spa water must have a certain amount of

 Calcium Hardness, when outside the optimal range, can

 Make-up water with high calcium is “hard water”

 Make-up water with low calcium is “soft water”.

 Low hardness allows severe corrosion or pitting of

1. Algae growth despite adequate sanitizer

2. Corrosion despite the water being balanced

3. Cloudy water despite adequate filtration

4. Eye and skin irritation

5. Deposits on the pool wall

 Negative values will have corrosive tendencies

 Positive values will have scale tendencies

 The acceptable range for the SI is -0.5 to +0.5

 Two important things must be done:

1. Sanitize the water to kill microorganisms

 A sanitizer is an agent that kills all microorganisms with

 Oxidation refers to the “burning up” of organic

Hepatitis A About 16 minutes

Giardia About 45 minutes

Cryptosporidium About 15300 minutes

Sodium NaOCl Liquid ~12%

 Despite their chemical and physical differences

 The sum of Hypochlorous acid

Percent HOCl and OCl- vs. pH

 DPD-FAS Titrimetric Method

 DPD-1, DPD-2, DPD-3 liquid reagents

 DPD methods have become preferred for chlorine

 Free chlorine = 1.58 ppm (FC)

 Total chlorine = 1.89 ppm (TC)

 Combined chlorine = 1.89 – 1.58 = 0.31 ppm

reference method (ppm)

• Test Frequency: Daily/ multiple times/day

1. Rinse out photocell 3 times with pool water

1. Rinse out photocell 3 times with pool water sample

1. Rinse out photocell 3 times with pool water

NOTE: This is a recent development in DPD testing

Step 1 and Step 2