SWIMMING POOL CARE MADE EASY

Take care of your pool and it will provide you with enjoyable swimming year after year. If you follow the basics of proper chemical treatment and filtration,pool care will be simple and easy to follow. This section will guide you through the steps you should take from pool start- up,to in-season care, to winter protection. It even covers important tips on safetyaround your pool and contains a handy trouble-shooting guide. SIZING YOUR POOL You must know the amount of water that your pool holds in order to know how much chemical to use. Here is a simple chart to figure out your pool volume. All measurements should be taken in feet. ROUND: Diameter x Diameter x Average Depth x 5.9 = Gallons RECTANGLE: Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.5 = Gallons OVAL: Long Dia. x Short Dia. x Average Depth x 5.9 Gallons For all other pools ask your builder, retailer, or serviceman for help. FILTER SYSTEMS There are three basic filter types: diatomaceous earth (DE), sand, and cartridge. Even though each pool may have its own unique plumbing design, all filter systems will perform the same job. Pool water is drawn through a skimmer or a drain and pumped through a filter which removes dirt, algae and visible contaminants that enter the pool. You must operate the filter system at least eight hours per day in order to remove wastes effectively. Remember, by filtering properly you will help avoid contaminant build-up and save on chemical costs! You can protect your filter system by adding the correct amount of sand or DE and cleaning your filter regularly with a FILTER CLEANER to remove oils and other organics like lint or hair that may lodge in your filter. Occasionally you may need to apply a CLARIFIER to help your filter trap minute particles that may be passing through the system. WATER BALANCE Your pool is designed to hold the same water for many years. You filter it and chemically treat it over and over again. During this period of time the water can drift out of balance and cause corrosion, scaling or even stains to appear. You can easily prevent these problems by paying attention to the basics of water balance. A good quality test kit will measure the key components of water balance--pH, Total Alkalinity, and Acid or Alkali Demand. Use your kit often until you become familiar with your pool and supplement your tests by having your professional pool dealer perform detailed tests on occasion to verify your readings and spot trends that could lead to potential problems. pH Measures the acidity or alkalinity of pool water on a scale of "0- 14". Extreme acid is "0" and extreme alkali is "14". The proper pH range is 7.2-7.8. pH readings greater than 7.8 will lead to cloudy water and scaling on all pool surfaces, inefficient sanitizing, and swimmer discomfort. pH readings less than 7.2 will lead to corrosion of metal parts such as heaters and ladders, wrinkled vinyl liners, etched plaster, and swimmer discomfort. You can easily maintain proper pH by using pH DECREASER or pH INCREASER when needed according to label directions. TOTAL ALKALINITY Measures the level of certain minerals that help control the pH of your pool water. The proper range of Total Alkalinity is between 80-150 ppm (parts per million). Low Total Alkalinity allows the pH to fluctuate or "bounce" in either direction and can make it difficult for you to keep the pH stable. For that reason another name for Total Alkalinity is "pH Stabilizer". Raise Total Alkalinity by using TOTAL ALKALINITY "INCREASER" according to label directions. High Total Alkalinity locks in the pH, but usually at pH levels above 7.8. This condition needs to be corrected with pH DECREASER or muriatic acid. Vinyl, painted and fiberglass pools usually require somewhat higher Total Alkalinity levels than plaster pools and you should consult your professional pool store or serviceman for more details. HARDNESS Measures the level of calcium and magnesium minerals present in your pool water. These minerals exist naturally in all water but the levels vary greatly from one part of the country to another. "Soft water" typically contains 50 ppm Hardness or less while "hard water" may contain 300 ppm Hardness or more. The proper range for plaster pools is 175-300 ppm Hardness and for vinyl, painted or fiberglass pools the proper range is 125-250 ppm Hardness. Pool water low in Hardness causes etching of plaster and corrosion of pool surfaces. Raise Hardness by adding CALCIUM HARDNESS INCREASER according to label directions. Pool water high in Hardness causes cloudiness and scaling to occur. Control these symptoms by using SCALE OR STAIN REMOVER according to label directions or drain a portion of the water and refill with water low in Hardness to dilute the mineral level. MINERAL CONTROL Is an important concern for pool owners who use well water or for pools that contain copper plumbing such as heaters. Both conditions can yield trace levels iron, copper or even manganese that can cause water discoloration and staining. Such discoloration can appear green, blue, brown or even black in color. This is caused by the reaction between your sanitizer and the particular trace minerals in your pool water. You can prevent the problem by having your pool water professionally tested for these minerals when your pool is being filled or at any time during the season. If staining minerals are present apply SCALE OR STAIN REMOVER as soon as possible according to label directions. Re- apply the treatment if necessary and consult with your professional pool dealer or serviceman for more information. STABILIZER Refers to "chlorine stabilizer", the final part of pool water balance. This is a chemical that prevents the ultra-violet rays (UV) of sunlight from prematurely breaking down your sanitizer level so that it can do it's job sanitizing the pool water. CHLORINE STABILIZER will reduce sanitizer consumption by up to 50% and need only be added once for the entire life of the pool water. Apply CHLORINE STABILIZER according to label directions and do not backwash for at least 24 hours. SANITIZERS Now that your pool water is balanced and stabilized, iris time to sanitize it with chlorine. There are many types of chlorine and your professional pool dealer or serviceman will explain them all to you. The most economical and convenient choice is STABILIZED CHLORINATING TABLETS or STICKS. This type of chlorine is applied weekly and is not affected by sunlight like HTH or liquid bleach. You can dispense TABLETS or STICKS by placing them in a chlorinator, a floating feeder, or a skimmer basket. Again, your dealer or serviceman will guide you to the approach that is best for your pool. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has determined that you must maintain a level of 1.0-1.5 ppm of available chlorine at all times to continuously kill bacteria, algae and other micro- organisms that try to inhabit your pool. By using slow dissolving TABLETS or STICKS you will be able to give your pool 24 hour protection. During pool start-up you may need extra doses of chlorine in order to satisfy the initial demand of the water. This demand could include contaminants such as organics and debris that built up before you started using chlorine. Use your test kit often to check your chlorine level and adjust your chlorinator or floater as needed to increase or decrease the flow. A few important factors affect the amount of TABLETS or STICKS that you will consume. They are: Temperature, Bathing Load, Rainfall and pH. The warmer the pool water, the greater the use of TABLETS or STICKS. In fact, pool water at 80ø-85øF will require twice the chlorine of pool water at 60-65øF! The greater the bathing load, the greater the use of TABLETS or STICKS. Heavily used pools increase the load of contaminants such as perspiration, mucous and tanning lotions, all of which consumes chlorine. The greater the rainfall, the greater the use of TABLETS or STICKS. Rain washes airborne contaminants such as pollen and algae spores into the pool and tends to lower the pH of the water by contributing "acid rain", a chemical reaction between rain and air pollution. Finally, low pH causes chlorine to be "overactive" and dissipate too quickly. Proper control of Total Alkalinity will prevent low pH and save on chemical costs. If you prefer to sanitize your pool water by hand, STABILIZED CHLORINATING GRANULES is the proper choice. These granules are rapidly and completely soluble in all water temperatures and provide the same 24 hour protection that you get from TABLETS or STICKS. SHOCK TREATMENTS Various contaminants such as swimmer waste, lotions and oils can resist normal chlorination and start to build up in the pool water. This build up usually occurs during hot weather and periods of heavy bathing when your filter is already working overtime. A weekly SHOCK treatment, when applied according to label directions, will oxidize or burn-up these contaminants. A SHOCK quickly raises the chlorine level to overcome the contaminants for a period of 12-24 hours. It is best to apply SHOCK in early evening so that it can work overnight and be burned down to normal levels the next day. Be sure to continue to run your filter during this period of time. ALGAECIDES Algaecides are excellent treatments to prevent or kill algae growth when used with chlorine. As a preventative, algaecides act as an insurance policy in your pool, killing algae spores as they enter the water. Algae spores are constantly entering your pool from rain, wind and dust storms and they multiply rapidly in sunlight and warm water. Routine chlorination cannot, at times, cope with the rapid growth of an algae "bloom", the visible outburst of algae. These algae can appear green, brown, black, mustard or even pink in color. By the time algae has bloomed there are millions of algae cells in every gallon of water! Your professional pool dealer or serviceman has a variety of algaecides for all kinds of algae and will recommend the best choice for either prevention or killing needs PRODUCT LIST STABILIZED CHLORINATING TABLETS (3" Size) * Slow dissolving, 89% available chlorine, 7 oz. wrapped tablets, For use in Floaters, chlorinators, or skimmers. STABILIZED CHLORINATING TABLETS (1" Size) * Slow dissolving, 89% available chlorine, 1/2 oz. tablets, For use in Floaters or chlorinators. STABILIZED CHLORINATING STICKS (2" Diameter) * Slow dissolving, 89% available chlorine, 8 oz. sticks, For use in Floaters, chlorinators, or skimmers. STABILIZED CHLORINATING GRANULES . Fast dissolving, 62% available chlorine granules, 100% soluble, For hand feeding. BROMINATING TABLETS (1" Size) . Slow dissolving, 61% available bromine, alternative to chlorine, For use in brominators. UNSTABILIZED CHLORINATING GRANULES . Fast dissolving, 65% available chlorine granules, contains calcium, For hand Feeding. STABILIZER * Slow dissolving, 100% active granules, to prevent sunlight From lowering available chlorine in pool water. pH INCREASER * Fast dissolving, 100% active, to raise pH. pH DECREASER . Fast dissolving, 95% active, to lower pH TOTAL ALKALINITY INCREASER . Fast dissolving, 100% active Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, to raise and stabilize pH. CALCIUM HARDNESS INCREASER * Fast dissolving, 100% active, to raise and balance calcium level. SHOCK TREATMENT . Fast dissolving, 65% available chlorine granules, to oxidize contaminants that build up during year. ALGAECIDES . A variety of maximum strength algaecides, to prevent and kill a broad range oF algae. Check with your dealer or serviceman for details. SPECIALTY CHEMICALS . A variety of specialties For clarifying, stain and scale control, filter or surface cleaning. Check with your dealer or serviceman For details. TROUBLESHOOTING Sometimes even the most experienced pool managers run into problems that require special treatments. Here are a number of the most common problems and recommended actions. CLOUDY WATER Make sure the filter is operating properly and the correct amount of filter media has been used. Adjust the pH, if necessary, to 7.2-7.8 and SHOCK treat the water. If the condition does not improve try adding a CLARIFIER or filter aid. Continue filtering and maintain the required level of chlorine. If your pool water is "old" and has a high level of dissolved solids (calcium, stabilizer, chlorides and other salts) you may need to drain a portion of the water and refill with fresh water. Your dealer or serviceman can test this for you and advise the correct action. ALGAE There are many types of algae that can infect pool water. The most common types, floating or clinging green algae, respond quickly to a SHOCK treatment and dose of maximum strength ALGAECIDE. Be sure to adjust the pH, if necessary, to 7.2-7.8 before shocking and brush all pool surfaces to expose algae hiding in cracks or wrinkles. Apply the algaecide the next day. Pink algae and mustard algae require extra care because they both tend to re-infect pool water very easily. Treat pink algae in the same manner as already outlined but, in addition, sanitize all pool parts that come in contact with the water, such as the vacuum hose and head, by immersing them in the pool during the shock treatment. Treat mustard algae with a special algaecide designed to combat this strain. Clinging black algae that tends to appear as dots or nodules can be treated by applying a slow dissolving granular algaecide directly on the algae and by brushing the algae vigorously to expose it's roots. In all cases apply the ALGAECIDE directly into the pool as close to the algae as possible. COLORED WATER Reddish or brownish colored water is usually caused by oxidized iron or manganese. Treat the pool water with STAIN & SCALE REMOVER to coat the minerals and prevent the oxidation process. Greenish or bluish colored water is usually caused by oxidized copper. Treat the condition as above and consult with your dealer or serviceman for more details. Be sure not to confuse green, slimy water that indicates an algae infection with the greenish cast associated with copper. STAINS AND SCALE Stains can develop when colored water is left unattended or when metals such as coins are accidentally left in the pool. Scale is a crusty build up on pool floors and walls caused by excessive calcium levels and high pH. Usually both conditions must occur for scale to form. Both stains and scale can be controlled by lowering the pH, if necessary, and by using STAIN AND SCALE REMOVER according to label directions. Severe conditions, especially in plastered pools, may require an "acid wash", a draining and cleaning performed by your dealer or serviceman. CHLORINE: TOO HIGH OR TOO LOW Inability to hold a chlorine reading usually indicates lack of STABILIZER in the water. Have your water tested for STABILIZER and add if necessary. Also be sure to check your floater or chlorinator to insure a supply of chlorine. Low readings could signal an excessive chlorine demand that is not being met. In this case, a SHOCK treatment would be appropriate. Finally, your testing chemicals (reagents) may be old and need to be replenished. Check with your dealer or serviceman for accurate water testing. A high chlorine reading that won't dissipate gradually may indicate too much chlorine is being added to the water. Check your floater or chlorinator and make the necessary adjustment. On occasion chloramines (chlorine reacted with swimmer waste) can develop and cause the chlorine reading to remain high. In this case, a SHOCK treatment corrects the condition by breaking up the chloramines. WINTER CARE If you live in a climate that requires winterization of your pool you should follow these simple steps. 1. Have your water tested professionally and add any necessary balancers at this time. 2. Vacuum the pool thoroughly and clean the filter. 3. If you have minerals, high calcium level, or a new plaster pool add STAIN AND SCALE CONTROL directly to the water. 4. While the pool is still circulating, SHOCK it according to label direction and be sure to distribute the SHOCK evenly. 5. Prevent winter algae growth by adding ALGAECIDE the followingday. 6. Lower the water level if desired, plug all lines and drain water from the equipment to prevent freeze damage. 7. Follow all equipment makers recommendations for winter care. 8. Add pool grade anti-freeze to the lines to prevent freezing. 9. Cover the pool with either a mesh or solid cover and fasten itsecurely. Consult with your dealer or serviceman for the cover that is best foryour pool and for more details about winter care. SAFETY TIPS Your pool will bring years of safe and enjoyable swimming if you follow these simple rules. 1. No running, pushing, or foolish play in or near the pool. 2. No diving in shallow or unmarked pools. 3. Children must be supervised at all times. 4. Safety fencing should be added (check local building codes). 5. Keep a first aid kit and manual, a life ring, and a pole on site at all times. Browser Fixed Safe handling of chemicals should also be the rule. 1. Chlorine products emit powerful chlorine gas and should never be opened indoors and when opened, avoid breathing fumes. 2. Label directions for use must be followed at all times. 3. Do not mix chemicals. A violent reaction can occur. 4. Never add water to chemicals. 5. Read all warning statements on product labels. 6. Do not take advise from others or experiment on your own. 7. Store all chemicals in a cool, dry place and keep sealed. 8. Most important of all, KEEP CHEMICALS AWAY FROM CHILDREN. ALGAECIDES: MANY CURES Algae are constantly infecting water through airborne contact which is accelerated by rain and wind. If algae spores are killed off as they enter the water by using repeated algaestatic or maintenance doses of algaecides, the incidents of alga bloom are effectively eliminated. This is an "insurance policy" approach compared to the cost of treating alga bloom. If algae does bloom (become visible), then the best approach is to adjust the pH= 7.2-7.8, shock treat the water with 7- 10 ppm of available chlorine, brush all surfaces vigorously, and follow with a killing dose ( 5x maintenance dose) of algaecide. Continue to filter and backwash, if necessary, during the entire episode. According to the United States EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) all approved algaecides prevent and kill most strains of algae. There is no rule or clear-cut order to determine which algaecide to use, so choosing algaecides is similar to choosing medicines. Start with your favored choice and proceed from there. If algae persists, try another choice. Here are the algaecide choices and their characteristics: QUAT TYPE : This is the nickname for Quaternary ammonium chloride. It is economical, long-lasting, non-staining (non-metallic), excellent wetting properties (penetrates microscopic cracks). Will foam if overdosed. Best used for floating green, clinging green and pink algae. POLYMER TYPE This is the nickname for an organic polymer. It is fairly expensive, very long lasting, non-staining, and non-foaming. Manufacturer data suggests it is more stable in the presence of high chlorine than "quats." Best used for black (Dark green complex) and pink algae. COPPER TYPE This is a chelated (controlled) copper solution. It is very economical, very long lasting, and non foaming. Can cause blue staining or "green" hair. Best used for floating green and mustard algae. SILVER TYPE . This is a silver colloid (controlled) solution. It is very expensive, short lived (curative use only), and non foaming. Can cause brown staining if mis-handled. Best used for black and mustard algae. All other approved algaecides are dilutions or blends of these four types. ACID & BASE DEMAND CALCULATIONS Don't overlook the importance of performing Base Demand Tests if your pH is 6.8 or lower and Acid Demand Tests if your pH is 8.2 or higher. Many water samples are being reported with pH-- 6.8 when, in fact, the true pH might be 5.0-6.5! Taking time to perform the Base Demand Test will take the guess work out of adjusting the pH. Look at the difference: pH Reading Amount of Product Needed to Attain pH=7.5 6.8 1.5 lbs. Sodium Carbonate per 10,000 gallons 6.5 4.5 lbs. Sodium Carbonate per 10,000 gallons 6.0 10-12 lbs. Sodium Carbonate per 10,000 gallons If a pool owner uses 1.5 lbs. of Sodium Carbonate when 5 or 10 lbs. is actually required, the pH reading will still appear as 6.8. Rule of thumb: For each drop of Base Demand, use one-third (1/3) lb. of Sodium Carbonate per 10,000 gallons. The calculation for Acid Demand reveals a similar pattern with an extra complication related to the level of Total Alkalinity. This is especially true in hard water areas and with curing plastered pools. An extra amount of acid may be needed to lower the both Total Alkalinity and pH. pH Reading Amount of Dry Acid Needed to Attain pH= 7.5 8.2 1.5 lbs. Dry Acid per 10,000 gallons 8.5 4-5 lbs. Dry Acid per 10,000 gallons 9.0 10-12 lbs. Dry Acid per 10,000 gallons For those who prefer Muriatic Acid, the conversion factor from Dry Acid to Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric Acid) is: 10 lbs. of Dry Acid -- One (1) Gallon of Muriatic Acid Because of the connection between high pH and high Total Alkalinity the following information should be considered. The most common technique to reduce Total Alkalinity is to pour Muriatic Acid in a series of "pockets" in the deep end of a pool, keeping away from the walls and floor, if possible. Use of Muriatic Acid seems to reduce Total Alkalinity with less impact on pH than use of Dry Acid. Rule of thumb: 1 Gallon of Muriatic Acid reduces 60 ppm of Total Alkalinity in 10,000 gallons. ALGAE: SOME STUBBORN FACTS Algae, algae, algae... green, black, mustard, and pink. Why do you use algaecides? When do you dose? Which one? How much? These questions are asked over and over again. It seems that everyone has their own opinions about algae control and here are some of the most widely held beliefs: Algaecides are not necessary because chlorine kills all. This may be true in theory, but the chlorine level must be kept high at all times (3 ppm or higher) and not permitted to slip. This can be expensive, irritating to swimmers, will lead to bleached swimwear and vinyl liners, and is difficult to maintain. Even in high chlorine, some algae "habitate" or become accustomed to a steady level. In tropical areas, for example, black algae sets "roots" and seals itself with a tar- like coating that is unaffected by high levels of chlorine. Mustard algae is another algae that seems to thrive in chlorinated water. Algaecides are killers and Algaestats are preventatives. This may be true by definition but one product does both jobs. The EPA does not recognize the difference between killing visible algae (Algaecide) and killing invisible algae (Algaestat). Invisible algae sounds like a contradiction but, in fact, thousands of algae are growing before they become visible in an algae bloom. Algae doesn't grow in low pH water. Not true. The most common types of algae such as "planktonic blue-greens" prefer pH=7.4-9.0. but many types live in pH-- 5.0-7.0. During periods of hot weather and intense sunlight, photosynthesis is at its peak. As algae grow, carbon dioxide (food for algae) is withdrawn from the water and the pH drifts upward. It is most common to see a green pool with a pH-- 8.0. Algae doesn't grow in cold water. Temperatures have to drop to near freezing before algae move into a dormant state. Studies in the Arctic Circle indicate that as long as light is present algae will grow. Algae can be filtered out of water. This is true for "colonies" of algae that are visible in the water, but is not true for single ceil algae, for example, that exist as small as 0.5 micron. Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters particles down to 1-3 microns, sand filters particles down to 15-20 microns, cartridge filters particles down to about 20 microns. Generally, if you can see it, you can filter it. CHELATORS & SEQUESTRANTS The word CHELATE is derived from the Greek word for "claw". In pool and spa chemistry chelate means a chemical treatment to control or "coat" soluble metal ions and prevent their oxidation into unwanted colored precipitates. A chelator attaches to a metal ion like copper or iron and wraps around it like a claw. There are many types of chelators available in the market. Among the most widely used is a group of organic acids called "amino polycarboxylic acids". These chemicals are usually formulated into liquids that quickly attach to copper or iron ions and deactivate them. Please note that chelators will not react with metals such as finely divided iron shavings and they react very slowly with metals that are already oxidized or precipitated. Sequestrants differ from chelators in the way they "coat" or react with mineral ions. Sequestrants generally have a few active sites on each molecule allowing it to control two or more metal ions at a time. Because of this, sequestrants are often more powerful as stain removers and are often sold with specific stain removal directions. FACTS ABOUT CHELATORS & SEQUESTRANTS Many chelators and sequestrants have metal ION PREFERENCES called "displacements". This means that certain metal ions will be coated before others. The usual preference is iron, then copper, then manganese, then calcium, then magnesium. There are chelators that favor calcium first. The EFFECTIVENESS of chelators and sequestrants to coat undesired metal ions depends on the concentration of the ions to be chelated. For example, it is easier to control 1 ppm of copper and 1 ppm of iron in soft water (50 ppm of calcium) than in hard water (350 ppm of calcium). The presence of 350 ppm of calcium in water, for example, will occupy a large portion of the chelator intended to control the copper and iron. With this in mind it is advisable to chelate or sequester undesired metal ions before adding calcium to the water. The AMOUNT of chelator or sequestrant needed depends on the type of metal ions present. For example, copper, iron, and manganese all require about the same amount of chelator whereas calcium requires 50% more chelator. Reactions to control metal ions occur within seconds in most cases. Chelators and sequestrants are PH AND OXIDIZER sensitive. Very low pH, occurring in a "pocket" of water where acid has been added, can cause loss of chelation. Very high pH, again a "pocket" effect, can also cause chelation failure and precipitation of copper or iron. Because most chelators and sequestrants are organic molecules, they are subject to attack by high levels of oxidizers and "wear off' over time. This is the reason that most product labels state that continued additions may be necessary to control metals. With this in mind, it is obvious that shock treatments should not be performed directly after chelators or sequestrants have been added. TEMPERATURE and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) have slight effects on chelation. According to manufacturer studies, high temperature and high TDS increase the amount of chelator or sequestrant needed. METAL CONTROL TECHNIQUES Soluble metal ions such as copper or iron can exist in water in three different forms. They are: 1) Unreacted ions. Colorless but ready to react in some manner such as oxidation. 2) Ions already reacted but not yet precipitated. Colored water but not staining. 3) Ions already reacted and precipitated. Clear water but stained surfaces. There are four different techniques used to control metals depending on their state as shown above. The control techniques are: Chemical chelators or sequestrants pH control. The use of acids or alkalis Chemical reduction. The use of strong anti-oxidizers Chlorination or oxidationChelators and sequestrants chemically coat ions in any of the three states. Effectiveness varies based on pH, sanitizer level, calcium level, depth of stain and amount of stain. An acid wash is an extreme example of pH control. Strong acid breaks the bonds of reacted ions and releases the ions to the unreacted state. Strong alkali such as sodium carbonate can bond with unreacted ions to form cloudy precipitates which can be easily filtered or flocked and vacuumed to waste. Chemical reduction is the opposite of oxidation. It can be used effectively to reverse reacted iron either in the colored or precipitated states. Reduction brings the iron back to the unreacted state. Under certain conditions chlorination or other forms of oxidation such as granular oxygen compounds or ozonation, are used to produce a cloudy precipitate that is easily filtered or flocked and vacuumed to waste. Metal Control Products Product Type: Chelator Sequestrant Reduction Oxidation Chlorination Trade Name Example Chonchelate, Metal Out Sequest, Stain Off, Spa Demineralizer Conquest Demineralizer Shock II, Sho2X Hit Hard, More Chlor CYANURIC ACID TESTING The Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer) test is perhaps the most inconsistent water test performed. Some of the problems of reporting and reproducing accurate Cyanuric Acid readings are: 1) Temperature of the sample. Try to keep and test the water sample at room temperature. The colder the water, the lower the test resuIt. 2) Waiting time before reading. Be consistent at the recommended 30 seconds before …. reading. The shorter the time interval, the lower the test result. 3) Viewing tube cloudiness. Due to a reaction with the Cyanuric reagent, Viewing ,,,, Tubes become cloudy over a period of a few months. Be sure to rinse the Viewing Tube carefully after each use. Cloudy tubes are hard to read. 4) Reading higher levels of Cyanuric Acid. The markings of 60, 80, and 100 ppm level …. on …. the Viewing Tube are increasingly close together. Only a fraction of an inch …. separates …. the 60 ppm mark from the 100 ppm mark. Rather than guess in this …. higher range, redo the test by diluting the water sample in half with tap water to …. put …. the test result in a more readable range. Then double your reading to more …. accurately report the Cyanuric Acid level. Always dilute the water sample and redo …. the test when over 100 ppm. An interesting problem with Cyanuric Acid results is that high levels of Cyanuric Acid notably affects Total Alkalinity. When measuring Total Alkalinity follow this formula: Total Alkalinity - (Cyanuric Acid level x .30) = True Total Alkalinity THE FUNGUS (Dark Stains On Liners) During the past four years a small, but growing number of above ground and in ground vinyl liner pools have developed dark colored stains that do not respond to normal chemical treatments such as shock treatments or algaecides. Nor can these stains be brushed off or scraped off. They appear to be caused by unusual fungus attacks. In many cases these stains can be bleached out for a time ranging from one week up to two years (depending on the severity of the stain) using the following procedure: 1) Adjust the pH, if necessary, to 7.2-7.8 2) Adjust the Total Alkalinity, if necessary to 100-150 ppm 3) Turn off the filtration system and allow the water to sit. 4) Prior to this step it is very important to note that Trichloro Granules should not contact the vinyl liner for more than fifteen (15) minutes in order to prevent the …. vinyl liner from bleaching! Pour 2 lbs. of Nuclo QUICK KILL or Ortex TRICHLORO GRANULAR or equivalent directly on the affected areas. 5) Spread the granules evenly over the stains and allow direct contact for 7-10 minutes. Then push the granular pile to the next affected area with a wide pool brush. For stains in sloped areas, pour granules into a deep-pocket leaf net and …. allow the net to lie on the affected area for 7-10 minutes. If granules fail through …. the mesh of the leaf net, an alternative approach is to pour about 1/2 lb. of …. granules into the toe of nylon panty hose. Nylon hose has a much finer mesh …. construction. In any event, the granules must not contact the vinyl liner for more …. than fifteen (15) minutes in order to prevent the vinyl liner from bleaching. Please test this procedure on a small area to determine your vinyl liner's reactivity. When the stain removal procedure is complete, start the filtration system and vacuum the remaining granules in the filter. NITRIFICATION & CHLORINE DEMAND How green is a green pool? When is a normal shock treatment the correct dose compared to a treatment 3x normal? Or 5x? These questions test the imagination of anyone who is asked to describe a "green pool." Maybe one should be asked, "Can you see the shallow end bottom, the hopper, or even the deep end bottom?" WHAT IS NITRIFICATION? If green is really green, it's a good bet that nitrification has taken place. Nitrification is a micro biological process in which ammonia (NH3)is converted by oxidation into nitrite (N02) and nitrate (N03). This process is carried out by two bacteria known as Nitrosomonas . But first, ammonia must be formed. The sources of ammonia are quite plentiful: inorganic fertilizers, plant protein decay (leaves etc.) and animal protein decay (bugs etc.) Specialized bacteria decompose the proteins into ammonia in part of an ongoing cycle called the NITROGEN CYCLE. (see Nitrogen Cycle Chart). Nitrosomonas, in turn, get their energy or "food" from the newly created ammonia and carbon dioxide, both present in the water. Once nitrification begins, an accelerating cycle develops. The nitrates, once formed, are great algae nutrients! And as nitrates accumulate, algae bloom and the water turns greener and greener. As the Nitrogen Cycle progresses, more and more plant life becomes available for further bacterial decomposition into more and more ammonia. WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS? Nitrification leads to water conditions that range from slight odor to major algae bloom. These conditions have been observed in both swimming pools and in municipal waste water treatment systems. The color can range from a light green tint to an emerald or dark green, or even a black. Water clarity can range from a hazy deep end to almost solid color at a depth of a few inches. WHAT CONDITIONS FAVOR NITRIFICATION? The primary influence is the level of ammonia present. And this level, in turn, depends on the level of decomposing plant and animal life, and certain fertilizers. A second factor is pH, especially in the range of pH= 7.5-8.5. A third factor is water temperature in the range of70-85F. A fourth factor is periods of extended darkness (covered pools) followed by exposure to sunlight (promotes algae growth). Clearly the "worst case scenario" is a pool that is carelessly winterized (not cleaned or vacuumed, little or no sanitizer added),poorly covered (rips, pin holes, too small etc.), and left covered late into the spring (long incubation and warming water). WHAT CAN BE DONE? Testing for Nitrification is too complicated for a single test such as a nitrate test (being used by some pool dealers to identify the problem). A nitrate test will only test one part of the cycle. Research * indicates, for example, that Nitrosomonas bacteria secrete organic compounds that actually stimulate the growth of other types of bacteria. A test for these bacteria would be needed too. Data from the Metropolitan Water District of So. Cal. shows 5-10 ppm of chlorine effective in controlling mild nitrification. Severe cases can require 25-50 ppm of chlorine (5x shock treatment) and repeated treatments in some cases.