•
Circular Pools
Radius (feet) x radius (feet) x 3.14 x average
depth (feet) x 7.5 = gallon capacity.
•
Oval Pools
Long radius (feet) x short radius (feet) x
3.14 x average depth (feet) x 7.5 = gallon
capacity.
4.3 Chemistry You Need to Know
•
Chlorine Stabilizer
(cyanuric acid) is
needed to maintain proper levels of chlorine.
Most non-
stabilized chlorine is destroyed by the UV
radiation from the sun within two (2) hours.
Chlorine stabilizer should be maintained between
30 - 50 ppm. For indoor pools, it is not necessary
to add chlorine stabilizer to the swimming pool
water.
•
Nitrates
can cause extremely high chlorine
demands and will deplete chlorine from your
swimming pool. In some cases nitrates may even
lower your chlorine levels to zero. Your local pool
professional can test for nitrates. Make sure
nitrates are not present in your pool.
•
Metals
(some metals) can cause loss of chlorine
and stain your pool. Have your local pool
professional check for metals and recommend
methods of removal.
•
Combined Chlorine (Chloramines)
should
not be present in pool water. When organic
materials
combine with free chlorine, chloramines are
formed. This ties up the free chlorine in your pool
and does not allow the chlorine in your pool to
disinfect.
Chloramines also cloud pool water and burn
the eyes. Shock to remove chloramines at the
initial startup of the pool.
•
Shocking or Super Chlorination
enhances
chlorine’s ability to oxidize organic waste by
eliminating combined chlorine (CC). To measure
combined chlorine (CC), subtract the Free
Chlorine (FC) from the Total Chlorine (TC). (TC -
FC = CC).
To determine how much shock (fast dissolving
chlorine) it will take to properly shock your pool,
you’ll need to calculate the Breakpoint Chlorine
(BPC) level. To determine the Breakpoint
Chlorine (BPC) needed, multiply the Combined
Chlorine (CC) level by 10. Then, subtract the
Free Chlorine (FC) level. Here’s the Formula:
Breakpoint Chlorine (BPC) = ((CC X10) - FC)
for example: If FC=1.0ppm, and if CC=0.7ppm,
the BPC level would be 6.0 ppm. formula:
((0.7x10) - 1.0)=6.0
Your local pool professional can help with this
calculation or can supply you with test kits that can
provide this information. Running your unit at 100%
for 24 hours may also help you achieve breakpoint
