•
The pH of your pool or spa’s water is the measure of
whether water is either acidic or scale forming. Cold
water is typically more acidic, while hot water is more
scale forming. The ideal range for pH in either a pool
or a spa is 7.4 to 7.6 regardless of temperature. If pH
is allowed to rise, above 7.6 and the chlorine
generator is operating, calcium in the water may
coat the metal plates in the cell. This could restrict
the flow of water resulting in reduced efficiency and
possibly damage the cell. If the pH is allowed to
drop below 7.4, the water will become more acidic
and will dissolve the metal components in the pool
plumbing with the metal plates in the cell being a
prime target.
•
Total Dissolved Solids
(TDS). Adding salt to pool
water will raise the TDS level. While this does not
adversely affect the pool water chemistry or clarity,
the pool water professional testing for TDS must be
made aware salt has been added for the sanitizing
system. The individual performing the TDS test will
then subtract the salinity level to arrive at the correct
TDS level.
•
New pool water
in a recently filled or newly
refinished pool may contain undesirable matter which
could interfere with the salt water chlorinator’s ability
to sanitize properly. Make sure the water is tested by
a pool professional and properly balanced before
turning on the chlorinator system. New
plaster pools have a constant acid demand for six (6)
months. Test often and maintain a proper pH to
avoid excess scaling of the cell.
•
Langelier Saturation Index
is a standard method
of determining the potential of your pool water to be
corrosive or scale forming. PH, Total Alkalinity (TA),
temperature, Calcium Hardness and Total Dissolved
Solids (TDS) play a role in the calculation of the final
saturation rating.
5.3.1 NOTE
On initial startup of a pool, it is best to
shock using an alternate source, i.e., use a
shock treatment available at your local pool
supplier.
Saturation Index = pH + AF + CF + TF -12.1*
A-Factor=(AF), C-Factor=(CF), T-Factor=(TF)
Total Alkalinity
Calci
um
Hardness
Temperature
A-Factor
C-Factor
T-Factor
PPM
Factor
Value
PPM
Factor
Value
°F
Factor
Value
5
=
0.7
5
=
0.9
32
=
0.0
25
=
1.4
25
=
1.0
37
=
0.1
50
=
1.7
50
=
1.3
46
=
0.2
75
=
1.9
75
=
1.5
53
=
0.3
100
=
2.0
100
=
1.6
60
=
0.4
150
=
2.2
150
=
1.8
66
=
0.5
200
=
2.3
200
=
1.9
76
=
0.6
300
=
2.5
300
=
2.1
84
=
0.7
400
=
2.6
400
=
2.2
94
=
0.8
800
=
2.9
800
=
2.5
105
=
0.9
A saturation index of 0 is perfectly balanced
A negative saturation index has corrosive
tendencies A positive saturation index has
scaling tendencies
A saturation index of +0.3 or -0.3 is ideal
*-12.1 should be changed to -12.2 if Total Dissolved
Solids (TDS) measure at 1,000 ppm or greater
5.4 Optimum Pool Water Conditions
In accordance with the Association of Pool and Spa
Professionals® (APSP®) standards, we recommend
the following water balance conditions be maintained
on an on-going basis to protect the pool finish and the
equipment and to ensure the pleasing appearance of
the water. The Jandy
TruClearXL
is warranted to
operate properly only if the following conditions are
met:
Free Chlorine
: Ideal levels should be 1.0 - 3.0 ppm.
Combined Chlorine (Chloramines)
: None. Use shock
(fast dissolving chlorine to remove all chloramines).
pH
: 7.4 - 7.6 (Use muriatic acid to lower pH and soda
ash to raise pH).
Chlorine Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid)
: 30 - 50 ppm (for
outdoor pools only).
Total Alkalinity
: 80 - 120 ppm (U.S.); 100 - 120 ppm
(Canada)
Calcium Hardness
: 200 - 400 ppm
Metals (Iron, Manganese)
: None
Nitrates
: None
Phosphates
: None
Temperature
: Above 60ºF (16ºC)
5.5 Collecting a Water Sample
To properly collect a water sample for use with
your home test kit or to be taken to local pool
dealer there are
