Pool Water Testing Blog

Several years ago researchers (we don’t recall from where) announced similar findings. Their research focused more on chloramine gas, a product of the reaction between free chlorine and organic contaminants such as sweat, body oils, etc. Additionally, the previous research also focused more on indoor pools where the chloramine gas could more easily build up as a result of poor ventilation.

The results of this more recent study, which broadened its focus to include children who swam in outdoor pools, indicate that children exposed to chlorinated pool water stand a much greater chance of developing allergies and asthma than children who swam in pools using alternate sanitizers such as silver/copper ionizers, which use far less chlorine.

MONDAY, Sept. 14 (HealthDay News) — Swimming in pools disinfected with chlorine may increase the odds that a child will develop asthma or allergies, new research suggests.

The study found that teenagers who spent more than 1,000 hours swimming in chlorinated pools, either indoors or outdoors, had more than eight times the risk of having asthma than did teens who primarily swam in pools using a copper-silver disinfecting method.

“Chlorinated pool attendance has a very significant impact on the prevalence of allergic diseases in the studied population,” said lead author Alfred Bernard, a professor of toxicology and research director at Catholic University of Louvain in Brussels, Belgium. ( source )

Does this mean all pool owners with chlorinated ought to run out into their backyards, drain their pools, and/or toss in a few pounds of chlorine neutralizer? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Thus far the evidence indicates that proper usage of chlorine as a pool water disinfectant remains safe. The problems start, it seems, when chlorine levels get ‘too high’ in the water and when chlorine gases build up in the air above and around swimming pools.

“When used properly, [chlorine] is an efficient and safe disinfectant for swimming pools. However, when too much chlorine is added to water or builds up in the air of indoor pools, there is unavoidably some irritation of the organs of the bather in contact with the water and air,” he explained. “There is now increasing evidence that these irritating effects may be detrimental to the airways of regular swimmers, especially the children who are the most vulnerable and the most frequent attendees of chlorinated pools.” ( source )

So what can the average pool owner do to minimize the risks presented by their chlorinated pool? Simple: Test chlorine levels, and other vital water parameters, often and make sure not to use more chlorine than necessary to keep the water properly disinfected.

Bernard said that if you have a backyard pool, you should use as little chlorine as you can to safely disinfect the pool. He said that many people over chlorinate their pools to get clear blue water. But, he said, “chlorine is a disinfectant, not a cleaning agent.” ( source )

Indoor pool owners need to follow the preceding advice AND make sure their pool enclosure area has proper ventilation. Water in indoor pools typically has a higher temperature and thus tends to evaporate and also give off chlorine gas at a faster rate than cooler water.

“How can I test the chlorine level in my swimming pool?”

Swiiming pool test kits come in three basic forms, for the most part: Liquid Test Kits, Test Strips, and Pool Testing Meters.

After reading this article you may find yourself thinking, “I will switch to a copper-silver ionizer and say ‘goodbye’ to chlorine forever!” Sorry, but that last part will most likely not happen.

Many copper-silver ionizer pool water systems suggest maintaining low residual levels of free chlorine in pool water. Often times the suggested free chlorine levels will fall below the detection level of most test strips, liquid test kits and even some meters.

To monitor such low levels of free chlorine in pool water we suggest the Pool Check Low Chlorine 3-in-1 Test Strip which can detect free chlorine levels as low as 0.05 ppm.

The passing of Labor Day signals a time when many pool owners make the decision to close up shop for the Season. Thier thoughts turn to making sure their Winter Cover has no holes, counting the number of good Air Pillows and good Water Tubes left over from last season, etc.

Additionally, all the kids go back to school, Major League Baseball Playoffs loom just around the corner, and Professional Football has started back up. All of these things can serve as distractions from pool maintentance duties.

Warmer pool water at the end of the pool season means sanitizer levels may drop faster and if a pool gets neglected for perhaps even just a day or two longer than normal, that warm sanitizer-free water may become an excellent breeding ground for algae.

Water temperature affects water balance:

• The amount of chemicals needed increases with warmer pool & spa water temperatures
• Calcium is less soluble in warm water and is more likely to buildup on pool surfaces
• Chemical usage increases as temperature increases

( source )

“Oh, well, we use an algaecide in our pool so we won’t have any problems.”

Not exactly correct. The majority of algaecides on the market serve as ‘last lines of defense’ against the growth of algae and it gets used up faster when the water gets warmer, too.

In addition to the use of algaecides which help to prevent and/or retard the growth of algae when sanitizer levels drop, pool owners have another weapon they can use when attempting to keep various forms of green algae, yellow/mustard algae, and/or black algae from growing in their pools: Pool Check Phosphate Check.

Although algae sunlight, humidity, and a lack of chemicals to prevent algae make for a great algae breeding ground, algae also requires a nutrient called phosphate. In a nutshell, the amount of phosphate present in body of water dictates how much algae could possibly grow in that water. Therefore it stands to reason that pools containing large amounts of phosphates stand the greratest chance of having serious algae problems when other water conditions make algae growth possible.

We have also read that pools with high phosphate levels “produce resistant algae and interfere with the sanitizing property of chlorine.” ( source )

“Phosphates sound like trouble. How do we know how many phosphates our pool contains?”

Up until a few years ago pool owners had to send their water samples off to a laboratory for phosphate content analysis. Now however, the Pool Check Phosphate Test Kit makes it possible for pool owners to measure the phosphate content of their pool water in just 30 seconds. With a detection range of from 0 ppb up to 2,500 ppb the Pool Check Phosphate Test Kit makes phosphate testing at the beginning, middle and end of the pool season simple and affordable.

As a general rule, pools ought not have phosphate levels above 100 ppb. If you limit the amount of nutrients needed for algae to grow, you effectively limit the amount af algae that can grow.

Since we posted the links to Taylor 2-Way Test Kit Reagents we figured it wise to also include links to Taylor 4-Way Test Kit Reagents as well:

We urge folks to replace their test kit reagents at the start of each new season. Now, as one would expect, folks want to know where they can get replacement reagents for their pool water test kits.

At this time we only have listings for replacement reagents to work with Taylor Pool & Spa Test Kits. We will add links to other types of reagents for other types of test kits as we locate them.

Again, we stress that pool water can cause major illnesses in children and adults if not kept properly balanced. Adding chlorine, bromine or any other sanitizer will NOT protect you and your loved ones against infectious diseases if other pool water parameters have drifted out of recommended ranges.

With the arrival of Fall, many pool owners have started thinking about closing their pools. Unfortunately for some, though, their Winter Cover from last year has seen its last days and they need a new one.

Why invest in a good winter cover? Simple: Keeping grass, leaves, debris, animals, wind blown trash, and dead bugs out of your pool water over the Winter means you will need fewer chemicals in the Spring and spend less time getting your pool back in shape for the swimming season.

Swimming pool covers come many different sizes, colors, thicknesses, and warranties.

Sizing: Buying too small a cover may result in water weight pulling the cover edge in — which means all leaves, bugs, and other debris will end up in your pool. A real mess!

Color: Many pool cover manufacturers color code their winter covers. Each color signifies a manufacturer’s cover grade and corresponding warranty.

Thickness: As a general rule, the thicker the cover the longer it will last and the longer the warranty it will come with. Increased winter cover thickness means increased cost.

Warranties: Pretty much all pool covers come with a warranty and the thicker the cover, the longer the warranty. Usually a longer warranty will mean a higher cost for the cover. Expect that a pool cover manufacturer will have a pro-rated warranty, not a full replacement policy.

COVERS FOR ABOVE GROUND POOLS:

COVERS FOR INGROUND POOLS:

By keeping unwanted yard debris and dead animals out of your pool over the Winter you drastically reduce the number and amount of pool chemicals and pool stain removers you will need in the Spring.

Winterizing Algaecide    |    Winterizing Antifreeze

Summer months mean warmer weather for most people so once again we will take a moment to digress a bit from the usual topics to remind people that water in a swimming pool can pose just as much of a threat to human health as the drinking water in a person’s glass. Need more proof?

Two years ago, an outbreak of illness caused by a germ called Cryptosporidium (“Crypto” for short) made at least 69 people ill in Dubuque. Health officials said Flora Pool was the probable origin of the outbreak.

“Those illnesses can last for weeks,” said Mary Rose Corrigan, public health specialist with the city of Dubuque.

Such illnesses also can lead to hospitalizations. Roth recalls a recent incident involving a diarrhea illness originating at a parish festival.

“We had people in the (intensive care units) at both hospitals because the diarrhea had put their electrolytes out of balance,” Roth said.

“The general public thinks you get diarrhea for a couple days and that’s it, but what happens for some people is this can be a near-death experience. It’s not always a benign situation.” ( source )

Still not convinced? Think of it this way: The United States Environmental Protection Agency and the National Ground Water Association urge private well owners to test their water on a regular basis because the slightest contamination can cause massive illnesses in the users of the wells… so what do you think they say about pool water, huh? They say things like…. this.

How can you test you pool water? Check out the new Swimming Pool & Spa Testing Supplies Web Site.

Some people have not yet made the connection that bad tap or ground water stays bad whether you drink it or fill your swimming pool with it.

For most people opening their swimming pool means raising the water level off with fresh, untreated water from a garden hose or in some cases, a delivery truck. Once full of water, the testing can begin.

How Should Pool & Spa Owners Test Their Water?

Excellent question! In the ‘old’ days most pool and spa owners had a simple two-sided test kit for chlorine/ bromine and pH which looked like this:

… and each year the owners of these pool water and spa water owners made a pilgrimage to their local pool store to acquire replacement reagents for their pool and/or spa water test kits which looked like this:

While at their local pool store picking up the replacement reagents for their pool/spa water test kits, pool and spa owners would usually submit a sample of water from their freshly filled pool or spa to a smiling person behind the counter at the ‘water testing station’. Within minutes of handing over a soda can, mason jar, yogurt container or other (hopefully) sealed container full of water the same smiling water station attendant would return with a sheet of paper telling them the free chlorine, total chlorine, ph, alkalinity, total (or calcium) hardness, cyanuric acid, total dissolved solids, copper and iron levels in their water.

Can’t Pool & Spa Owners Test Their Own Water?

Of course they can. Swimming pool and spa water test kits

Then came the fun part: Picking up and paying for all the various tubs and canisters of powders and liquids that would hopefully bring their water back in line with what pool and spa water professionals consider healthy.

This seems like a good time to end today’s posting. Later we will go into the different methods a person can use to test their OWN pool or spa water: At-Home Pool & Spa Water Test Kits & Water Testing Meters and At-Home Pool & Spa Water Test Kits and Testing Supplies

Oh man… Have you ever wondered where the warm spots in a pool came from? This interesting article published only DAYS ago will shed some rather disturbing light on that topic and others. Enjoy!

One in five people admitted to peeing in a swimming pool, in a recent poll of Americans.

In fact, the survey conducted by the Water Quality and Health Council found that almost half (47 percent) of the subjects admitted to one or more behaviors that contribute to an unhealthy pool.

Here are some of the survey’s other findings:

• About one-third (35 percent) say they don’t shower before entering the pool.
• 63 percent were unaware of illnesses associated with swallowing, breathing or having contact with contaminated pool water.
• Less than one quarter consider the frequency of pool cleaning and chemical treatment (23 percent) and even less (16 percent) think about chlorine levels to maintain clean pool water.

“Swimming is a fun and healthy activity for old and young alike. Proper water chlorination helps protect swimmers from germs that can make swimmers sick,” said Michele Hlavsa, an epidemiologist in the Division of Parasitic Diseases for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “But swimmers also have role to play in maintaining a clean and healthy pool. Unhygienic behavior brings germs into the pool and makes it harder for chlorine to do its job.”

The survey was conducted online between April 30 to May 3, 2009, among a national sample of 1,000 U.S. adults, using the field services of TNS Omnibus. Results were weighted to reflect the adult population based on U.S. Census figures, including age, gender, geographic region, household income and household size. The margin of error for the study was plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

The Water Quality & Health Council is a body of independent scientific experts, health professionals and consumer advocates who serve as advisors to the Chlorine Chemistry Division of the American Chemistry Council, an industry trade association.

The CDC urges pool users to follow these six tips for healthy swimming:

• Don’t swim when you have diarrhea.
• Don’t swallow pool water.
• Practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
• Take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.
• Change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside.
• Wash your children thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before they go swimming.

Unclean water can lead to recreational water illnesses (RWI’s) — diarrhea, respiratory illness, and ear and skin infections. Children, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems can suffer from more severe illness if infected. According to the CDC, these illnesses are on the rise. Between 2005 and 2006, 78 outbreaks were reported in 31 states — the largest number of outbreaks ever in a two-year period. Close to 4,500 people were affected.

To check that your public pool is properly chlorinated, the Water Quality and Health Council recommends the use of portable pool and spa testing strips, easily purchased at pool supply stores and discount retailers, in addition to trusting your basic senses.

“A smelly pool is a dirty pool,” said National Consumers League President Emeritus and Water Quality and Health Council Vice-Chair Linda Golodner. “Look for water that’s clean, clear and blue. Check for tiles that feel smooth and clean. Make sure there are no strong odors. Listen for pool cleaning equipment. Using your senses help you recognize the difference between a healthy pool and one that needs cleaning and treatment.” ( source )

OK, so now that we nave most likely grossed you out, made you sick to your stomach, or worse… we will provide you with a way to help protect yourself against contaminated, dirty, and potentially harmful pool water:

So ask yourself, punk… Do you feel lucky enough to NOT test that pool or spa water you and your kids feel like jumping into?

Although the temperatures have cooled off a bit for most of our readers, many outdoor pools remain open and use of indoor pools, well, they stay open all year long.

Below you will see an article which clearly illustrates a serious problem: Some pools just don’t pass muster.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s the right season to take a dip in the neighborhood pool, but WCNC found almost half the pools in Mecklenburg County fail their first inspection.

The problems were serious enough at 15 percent of Mecklenburg County pools that inspectors shut them down immediately. (source: 6/25/2008 article by Stuart Watson WCNC)

An ‘open’ pool does not necessarily mean a safe pool. Visitors of public swimming facilities, especially those which have privatized maintenance, as in the case of an apartment complex, may want to test the pool water for basic parameters before going for a swim.

Taking a few minutes to use one of the Pool Check^TM brand or Aquachek brand of test strips will tell you right away if the pool contains the right amount of necessary chemicals. Properly maintained pool water will have a perfect balance of pH, Total Alkalinity, Hardness, and Sanitizer(s). Too much or too little of each parameter may result in potentially unsafe swimming conditions.

Pool service companies and/or maintenance technicians reading this entry may want to take a look at the FAS DPD Service Kit and/or the Taylor Pool Service Test Kit since those kits use more traditional (liquid test kit) testing methods.

Most local health inspectors do not allow pool operators to rely solely upon test strips and require that public swimming facility operators use either liquid test kits like the ones just mentioned or more sophisticated meters.

In need of replacement test reagents for Taylor Swimming Pool Test Kits? You can find a full selection of replacement Taylor Test Kit Reagents on the PoolCenter.Com web site.

For the longest time pool and spa owners had to rely on the chemical testing skills and expertise of their local pool and spa professionals but those days have passed. Now homeowners can test their own pool and spa water for metals — without having to take a year’s worth of chemistry courses!

* The Pool Check^TM Copper test strips offer fast, accurate test results for copper, pH and alkalinity at a reasonable cost.

* The Pool Check^TM Pro Metals test strips offer fast, accurate semiquantitative test results for ‘all’ metals at once. It does not specify which metal(s) it detects, but it does give pool owners a better idea of how much staining potential their pool water has.

* The eXact^R Micro 7 pool and spa testing meter tests for many parameters including iron and copper.

* Other testing methods include using ‘wet’ chemistry kits from companies like Lamotte and Taylor, but they typically involve slightly more advanced testing techniques such as titrations. Wet kits also make use of messy dpd liquids, difficult to dissolve dpd tablets, and awkward dpd powder pillows.

For those who suspect that their source water contains metals, the SenSafe^TM Metals Check test strip will work quite well. It detects the metals commonly found in tap water and well water and provides accurate metals testing results in under 3 minutes.

Can Metals Stains in Pools be Removed?

For the most part, yes. The task will take effort, though, in some cases.

Vinyl liners typically resist staining quite well but the stains that do set in will not come off without a fight. Pool owners must use sequestering compounds and/or chelating compounds which attach themselves to the metal stains/deposits and more or less pull them back into solution. (See Jack’s Magic)

Owners of concrete and gunite pools suffer even worse fates when it comes to metals staining. Typically they must wash the stains away using diluted muriatic acid — and in some cases that means draining the pool completely before they can begin.

Due to the annoyance, expense and inconvenience associated with the removal of metals stains from pool liners and plastic fixtures, swimming pool professionals recommend testing for metals on a regular basis if the pool has a heater, uses a copper or silver ionizer, or has recently had water added to it that may have contained dissolved metals.