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SWIMMING POOLS
WATER TESTING
To Vacuum Or Not To Vacuum Before Testing Pool Water (5/8/98)
Bromine Testing vs. Chlorine Testing (4/21/98)
Pool Water Test Kits (3/5/98)
To Vacuum Or Not To Vacuum Before Testing Pool Water (5/8/98)
Q:
Should I vacuum the pool before getting the pool water tested. I am opening the pool.
Jill
A:
A representative sample of water is needed for testing. Fill pool to proper level, start filter and allow to circulate. At this point you might as well vacuum, while allowing the pool water to become uniform.
Enjoy the season.
Sincerely,
Alan
Bromine Testing vs. Chlorine Testing (4/21/98)
Q:
Me and the Boys were discussing the testing of Bromine (BCDMH) as opposed to Chlorine. The question is: If you are using a standard DPD test on this, how do you know that you are reading a true Bromine test or reading Chlorine? We know that you add an oxidant to light off the Bromine. I say using the standard DPD testing is just guessing.
R.P. - Las Vegas, NV
A:
DPD does not distinguish between chlorine and bromine. Both oxidize the DPD in the same manner.
If there is excess bromide ions present, the reading should be assumed to be all bromine. If the unit has been maintained on chlorine and no bromine products have been added, the reading should be assumed to be all chlorine. If a mixture of chlorine and bromine is used, everything will revert to bromine so long as there is an excess of bromide ions, which will be oxidized to bromine by any chlorine present.
I hope that this information has been of assistance.
Sincerely,
Alan
Pool Water Test Kits (3/5/98)
Q:
Hi Alan, I recently purchased a home with an in-ground pool. I would like your recommendation regarding which water test kit I should purchase. Are there electronic testers available? Thanks for you response.
P.K. - Bull Valley, Illinois
A:
There are many good test kits on the market. You could ask the dealer for his recommendation.
Assuming that you are using chlorine, make sure that you use a test kit that tests for FREE CHLORINE. That is the active sanitizer form of chlorine. Avoid all test kits that rely on OTO. Look for a test kit that uses either DPD tablets or test strips. It is necessary to test for pH and chlorine on a frequent basis ( daily to several times weekly based on pool usage ). Other tests such as: total alkalinity, hardness, conditioner, iron, etc. are tested for 1-3 times a season. Usually the dealer can provide a testing service for these parameters.
Electronic testers are available, but I would not recommend them. They are best used in high-volume testing and are much more than a home owner requires.
Enjoy the pool. I hope that I have been of assistance.
Sincerely,
Alan |
