P/N 472592 Rev. C 10-5-07
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CHEMICAL BALANCE, (cont’d.)
It is wise to test pool water regularly. Never allow chlorine residual to drop below 0.6 ppm (parts per million). The
minimum level for effective chlorine or bromine residual is 1.4 ppm.
pH - The term pH refers to the acid/alkaline balance of water expressed on a numerical scale from 0 to 14. A test kit for measuring pH
balance of your pool water is available from your local pool supply store; see Table 12.
Muriatic Acid has a pH of about 0. Pure water is 7 (neutral). Weak Lye solution have a pH of 13-14.
RULE: 7.4 to 7.6 is a desirable pH range. It is essential to maintain correct pH, see Table 12.
If pH becomes too high (over alkaline), it has these effects:
1. Greatly lowers the ability of chlorine to destroy bacteria and algae.
2. Water becomes cloudy.
3. There is more danger of scale formation on the plaster or in the heat exchanger tubing.
4. Filter elements may become blocked.
If pH is too low (over acid) the following conditions may occur:
1. Excessive eye burn or skin irritation.
2. Etching of the plaster.
3. Corrosion of metal fixtures in the filtration and recirculation system, which may create brown, blue, green, or sometimes almost
black stains on the plaster.
4. Corrosion of copper tubes in the heater, which may cause leaks.
5. If you have a sand and gravel filter, the alum used as a filter aid may dissolve and pass through the filter.
CAUTION: Do not test for pH when the chlorine residual is 3.0 ppm or higher, or bromine residual is
6.0 ppm or higher. See your local pool supply store for help in properly balancing your water chemistry.
RULE: Chemicals that are acid lower pH. Chemicals that are alkaline raise pH.
ALKALINITY High or Low:
"Total alkalinity" is a measurement of the total amount of alkaline chemicals in the water, and control pH to a great degree. (It is not the
same as pH which refers merely to the relative alkalinity/acidity balance.) Your pool water's total alkalinity should be 100 - 140 ppm to
permit easier pH control.
A total alkalinity test is simple to perform with a reliable test kit. You will need to test about once a week and make proper adjustments
until alkalinity is in the proper range. Then, test only once every month or so to be sure it is being maintained. See your local pool dealer
for help in properly balancing the water chemistry.
WATER CHEMISTRY PARAMETERS
Disinfectant levels Minimum Ideal Maximum
Free Chlorine, ppm 1.0 2.0-4.0 10.0
Combined Chlorine, ppm None None 0.2
Bromine, ppm 2.0 4-6 10.0
Other Sanitizers Levels not established. Consult local health department before use.
Chemical Values
pH 7.2 7.4-7.6 7.8
Total Alkalinity (Buffering), ppm 60 80-100 180
as CaCO3
Total Dissolved Solids, ppm N/A N/A 1,500 ppm > TDS at startup*
Calcium Hardness, ppm, as CaCO3 150 200-400 500-1,000
Heavy Metals None None None
Biological Values
Algae None None None
Bacteria None None Refer to Local Cod
e
NOTICE:
Failure to adhere to the listed water chemistry parameters may result in premature failure of the heat exchanger and will void the warranty.
*Start-up TDS includes source water TDS and any other inorganic salt added at start-up.
Section 6. Maintenance
Table 12.
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