TREATING YOUR POOL WATER
Filtration, chemical treatment, and cleaning are the three essential methods of keeping the pool
water clear, clean and free of bacteria. Beginning from the time the pool is filled, the job of
maintaining safe pool water continues the year around for the life of the pool.
You can hire a pool service company like AL MESK POOLS to do the job, or do the work
yourself.
The Role of Filtration:
The filtration system is the primary method for removing solid material that clouds the water; it
also disperses the pool chemicals throughout the water so they can do their job.
A properly designed system should pass all the water in the pool through the filter within a
given period of time usually 6 to 8 hours. This is called turnover rate. Without proper circulation
the pool will have dead areas where the water stagnates and is never or seldom filtered, even
though the filter may be working perfectly.
Whenever poor water clarity or chemical imbalance become apparent, increase the filtration time
until the condition is corrected. After filling the pool for the first time, you’ll need to run the
filter continuously until the water is clear. In properly filtered and chemically treated water, you
can clearly see the main drain in the pool. A timer fitted to the pump circuit allows the pump to
turn on and off automatically.
Pool Water Chemistry
Treating your pool water with chemicals maintains the chemical balance, disinfects the water,
and keeps it sparkling clear. The water must be tested regularly for various characteristics and
the correct amounts of certain chemicals must be added if required.
How to test your pool water:
Proper water testing is your major guarantee against the
development of serious problems. The
TEST KIT
supplied to you
will provide the information necessary to determine the chemical
requirements.
The test kit enables you to test for
pH
and
disinfectant (Chlorine)
residual
. Testing is a simple process. You fill the small tube with pool water, add a reagent in
the form of a tablet or test solution and check the reading. The treated water is then compared to
a color standard. The best time to test the water is in the early evening. Avoid surface water
when you fill the tube. Take a sample from a depth of at least 12 inches. Look at the color
against a light background and read the test within 4 to 5 seconds after adding the reagent.
Always rinse the tube before and after use. Follow the instructions for testing carefully.
