5-Way Test Kit To test for: Chlorine Bromine pH Alkalinity Acid Demand Regular Testing Helps Maintain a Clean, Clear Sparkling Pool.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction..................................................................1 Key Pool Water Measurements................................2 #1 Test - Chlorine Residual/Bromine �����������������������5 #2 Test - pH Level.........................................................6 #3 Test - Acid Demand................................................7 #4 Test - Total Alkalinity..............................................8 Acid Demand Table................................................
INTRODUCTION Your swimming pool is a source of enjoyment and relaxation for the entire family. It is a pleasure to have a clean, clear, sparkling pool. And, it is important to have sanitary and “comfortable” pool water. To be sure that pool water is attractive, sanitary and “comfortable” to swim in, it must be free from dust, algae, mineral deposits, bacteria and other foreign matter, which regularly enter the pool water from wind, rain, pollen, leaves, dust and the bodies of swimmers.
KEY POOL WATER MEASUREMENTS There are four essential measurements of a pool’s “health”: 1. Chlorine Residual/Bromine: } Chlorine Residual - The amount of free chlorine in pool water, measured on a ppm basis (parts per million). } Bromine - Similar to chlorine, it is used to sanitize water and measured on a ppm basis. 2. pH - The balance of acidity versus alkalinity in the water. This is measured on a scale from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic, 7 being neutral and 14 being the most alkaline. 3.
This can and should be determined through regular use of your test kit. The chlorine residual can exist as free (active) chlorine and/or combined (less effective) chlorine. You can distinguish between free and combined chlorine by following the test procedures outlined in step 4 of the Chlorine Residual Test. Regular use of chlorine will normally keep the chlorine residual at the proper level.
TOTAL ALKALINITY It is important not to confuse total alkalinity with pH. Total alkalinity refers to the quantity of alkaline materials in the pool water, while pH measures the balance point between these alkaline materials and acidic materials. Total alkalinity could be too high or too low even if pH was normal. High alkalinity may cause cloudy water, calcium deposits on pool walls and pipes and irritation to the body tissues of swimmers.
TEST 1: Chlorine Residual or Bromine 1. Fill small test vial to line with pool water. 2 Add 5 drops Solution 1. 3 Place cap on vial and invert several times to mix. 4. Free Chlorine Reading: Within 2-3 seconds, compare color in tube with the chlorine standards on the left to determine the free chlorine level (in ppm). 5. Combined Chlorine Reading: Wait 1-2 minutes and compare the color in the tube again with the chlorine standards to determine the combined chlorine (chlorine residual) level (in ppm).
TEST 2: pH Level (for degree of acidity or alkalinity of pool water) 1. Fill the large vial with pool water to the top (solid) line marked “pH & Acid Demand”. 2 Add 1 drop of Solution #4. Place cap on vial and invert several times to mix. 3. Add 5 drops of Solution #2. Place cap on vial and swirl to mix. 4. Compare color with pH color standards on the right. 5. A desirable pH reading is 7.2 to 7.6. If reading is 7.8 or above, acid is required. Perform Test 3 for ACID DEMAND using this same water sample.
TEST 3: Acid Demand (when pH reading is 7.8 or above) 1. Use sample water from the pH test. Counting each drop, add Solution #3 (swirling between drops) until the color matches approximately the 7.4 color standard. Do not count the drop which lowers the pH to 7.2 or below. 2. Refer to Acid Demand Table on Page 12 for proper amount of acid to be added based on the capacity of your pool or spa. 3. If more than 1 pint of acid per 10,000 gallons is required, add it in two or more doses.
TEST 4: Total Alkalinity 1. Rinse the large vial with pool water and fill to the lower (dashed) line marked “Alkalinity”. 2. Add 1 drop Solution #4 and swirl to mix. 3. Add 2 drops Solution #5 and swirl to mix. The test solution will now be violet in color. 4. Add Solution #3 counting each drop and swirling between drops, until the color makes a permanent change to light yellow or clear. 5. Multiply the number of drops of Solution #3 used by 10 to determine the total alkalinity. Example: 8 drops = 80 ppm.
9 12 oz 1 1/2 lb 3 lb 3 3/4 lb 7 1/2 lb 1 1/2 lb 3 lb 6 lb 7 1/2 lb 15 lb U.S. 10PPM 20 PPM 2 1/4 lb 4 1/2 lb 9 lb 11 1/4 lb 22 1/2 lb 30 PPM * See your dealer for recommended products 5,000 10,000 20,000 25,000 50,000 Gallons Liters 20,000 40,000 75,000 95,000 190,000 METRIC 10PPM 20 PPM 30 PPM 360 gr 720 gr 1.08 kg 720 gr 1.40 kg 2.16 kg 1.36 kg 2.70 kg 4.10 kg 1.70 kg 3.40 kg 5.10 kg 3.40 kg 6.80 kg 10.
10 1/5 oz 2/5 oz 3/5 oz 4/5 oz 1/4 C 1/2 C 1C 1-1/2 C 1P 1-1/4 P 1-1/2 P 1-3/4 P 1Q 2-1/4 P 1-1/4 Q 1 C = Cup 2/5 oz 4/5 oz 1-1/5 oz 1-3/5 oz 1/2 C 1C 1P 1-1/2 P 1Q 2-1/2 P 3P 3-1/2 P 2Q 4-1/2 P 2-1/2 Q 2 P = Pint 3 4 4/5 oz 1-3/5 oz 2-2/5 oz 3-1/5 oz 1C 1P 1Q 3P 2Q 2-1/2 Q 3Q 3-1/2 Q 1G 4-1/2 Q 1-1/4 G 5 1-1/5 oz 2-2/5 oz 3-3/5 oz 4-4/5 oz 1-1/2 C 3C 3P 2-1/4 Q 3Q 1G 4-1/2 Q 1-1/4 G 1-1/2 G 1-3/4 G 2G 6 2 Pints = 1 Quart 1 oz 2 oz 3 oz 4 oz 1-1/4 C 2-1/2 C 2 1/2 P 2Q 2-1/2 Q 3Q 1G 4-1/2 Q 1-1
Testing Hints } Conduct tests before adding chemicals. } Test on a regular basis to assure proper and healthful pool maintenance. } Keep test vials clean by rinsing with pool water before and after each test. } Take pool water samples from a depth of at least 12 to 18 inches below the surface away from return lines. } To save time, fill both small and large vials at the same time, capping the large vial until needed for the pH Test.
HOW TO ESTIMATE THE CAPACITY OF YOUR POOL IN GALLONS OF WATER Rectangular or Square Pools: Average depth x length x width x 7.5. Example: Length: 40' Width: 20' Depth: 5' 5 x 40 x 20 x 7.5 = 30,000 gallons Round Pools: Diameter of the pool x the diameter of the pool x the average depth of the pool x 5.9. Example: Diameter: 20' Depth: 4' 20 x 20 x 4 x 5.9 = 9,440 gallons Oval Pools: Average depth x length x width x 5.
1. Store all chemicals out of the reach of children. 2. If you get any chlorine on yourself, rinse the area of contact with plenty of water. If you spill chlorine outside the pool, clean it up and wash the area. 3. Never mix different kinds of chemicals. 4. Chlorine and acid should not be added to your pool at the same time. Allow approximately one hour between application of chlorine and acid. 5. When you add chlorine or acid to the pool water, do it carefully.
