28
Manuale Uso MP NIWA - Code 10011873 - Edition 1 - 03/2008
Instructions for operation
English
Disinfectants for spas and pools:
Certain disinfectants used in large swimming
pools, such as
trichlorine, calcium hypochlorite
and sodium hypochlorite
, are not suitable for
spas
.
-
Trichlorine
tablets permanently stain the material
(after prolonged direct contact);
-
calcium hypochlorite
(normally available in
granules) encourages calcium deposits;
-
sodium hypochlorite
(which is liquid) will
permanently damage the
Mini-pool
if poured
onto it directly.
Chloroisocyanurates
are chloro-organic
derivatives that are more suitable for
spas
.
Moreover, these products are particularly suitable
if the
mini-pool
is located outdoors, as they act
as stabilizers and prevent sunlight from depleting
the action of chlorine.
Another type of disinfectant is
bromide
.
This has an advantage over chlorine, in that it is
less of an irritant, has less infl uence on the pH level
and has no smell.
Furthermore, unlike chlorine, bromide does not
separate into “combined” and “free” forms.
Water disinfection also using
active oxygen
makes the water pure, clear and pleasant when in
contact with the skin and hair.
Active oxygen is a
delicate alternative
to chlorine
and may substitute it as a disinfectant. It is also
eff ective in preventing the formation of algae.
Albatros
can supply an ecological water treatment
kit consisting of bromide, algicide, foam reducer,
anti-scale, degreaser, pH reducer and measurement
devices for bromide and pH.
For doses and methods of use, refer to the
instructions on the package.
Characteristic components and defi nitions
Before beginning disinfection of the
mini-pool
, it
is a good idea to know which are the characteristic
components and how they interact; it is essential to
establish the correct values by using an appropriate
test-kit
, so as to plan optimum treatment.
To purchase a test-kit and to learn how to use
it, contact specialized service engineers or your
dealer.
Units of measure
the quantity of chemical additives that are used for
water treatment are expressed in various units of
measure; the most common are
“ppm”
(parts per
million),
“mg/l”
(milligrams per litre) and “
g/m
3
”
(grams per cubic metre), which are all the same
thing.
An example will show more clearly the amounts
of the various substances required:
If the mini-pool contains 900 litres of water and
the chlorine level must be 2 mg/litre, then each litre
of water must contain 2 mg of chlorine. Therefore,
simply by multiplying 900 by 2, the total amount
of disinfectant will be 1,800 mg. And, since 1 g is
equivalent to 1,000 mg, the amount of disinfectant
is 1.8 kg.
In other words, to bring the chlorine level of 900
litres of water to 2 mg/l (or 2ppm, or 2 g/m
3
), it is
necessary to add 1.8 kg of chlorine to the water in
the mini-pool.
pH
This parameter represents the concentration of
hydrogen ions (H +) dissolved in water and the
acidity or alkalinity of the water, measured on a
scale from 0 to14 (from 0 ÷ 7 = acid zone; 7÷14=
alkaline zone).
The ideal value for a
mini-pool
must be between
7.2 and 7.6.
If the water has higher values, the disinfectants
become less eff ective, while scale deposits increase,
to the detriment of the
mini-pool
surfaces and its
components.
pH values lower than 7.2 also reduce the
eff
ectiveness of disinfectants, they promote
corrosion of MaxiJacuzzi metallic components and
can cause irritation for the eyes and skin.
The pH can be adjusted using special additives
which raise or lower the pH of the water as
necessary.
Total Alkalinity (TA)
This parameter represents the degree to which
the water is able to neutralize acids, and therefore
indicates the quantity of alkaline substances
(carbonates, bi-carbonates, hydrates etc.) that it
contains.
With a low TA value (less than 80 mg/l) the pH
may change unexpectedly, with sudden and
uncontrollable oscillations. This makes it nearly
impossible to maintain good water quality.
A high TA value (more than di 150 mg/l), even if
it does not involve great inconvenience, can lead
to water cloudiness and cause problems related to
the pH level.
To increase the TA value bicarbonate of soda can be
used, while to lower it dry acid is recommended.
Refer to the instructions on the packets for the
quantity and methods; if in doubt, contact a
specialized dealer.
Attention:
If the alkalinity level becomes excessive, you
should completely drain the system, thoroughly
clean all the surfaces of the mini-pool and re-fi ll
with fresh clean water.
