Articles
About Using Pool Water to Disinfect Objects and Surfaces Against COVID-19
06.29.2021
Aquatics International | Rebecca Robledo | May 2020
While it is believed that properly treated water is safe from coronavirus transmission, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is suitable to disinfect other things. In a series of webinars featuring representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they were asked if, in public settings, pool water was enough to disinfect shared items such as toys and equipment. The officia…
Anti-Carbon Movement Spreads, Sees Backlash
06.29.2021
Pool and Spa Newsl | Rebecca Robledo | May 2021
As certain states increase the pressure to impose laws meant to help reduce carbon emissions, others are taking note — but taking their efforts in a different direction. California, in particular, has seen a number of counties and cities pass regulations banning the use of natural gas and propane in favor of electrically powered appliances or alternative energy sources. So far, 30 to 40 …
The Clean Solution
06.29.2021
Aquatics International | Sigura – Pulsar Systems
Efficiency, cost, effectiveness and safety top the list of considerations for keeping pools sanitized. And calcium hypochlorite and liquid bleach rank as the most popular options to reach sanitation goals. But while some people perceive liquid bleach to be simpler and more cost-effective, in reality, calcium hypochlorite provides a number of key advantages. Liquid beach is the familiar househo…
Why Swim Coaches and Instructors Should Never Also Serve Simultaneously as Lifeguards
06.29.2021
Aquatics International | Jeff Fryer | April 2021
On February 18, 2014, a 19-year-old North Dakota student in a required “Fit for Life” physical education class was found unresponsive in the deep end of the school pool. He died eighteen days later. On November 14, 2018, a 14-year-old high-school competitive swimmer was found unresponsive during an “open gym” swim practice. He was pronounced dead two days later. On Nov…
Corrosion Mitigation and Control in Swimming Pools
04.20.2021
Aquatics International | By Ray Engelhardt | March 2021
This is the third installment of a three-part series on corrosion. In the first part, I presented a basic overview of the corrosion process from a physics viewpoint. The second column defined the specific types of corrosion attack. In this article, I will provide some insight into how to prevent or slow down the corrosion process. But, before we discuss how pool technicians and builders can m…
How to Get the Most from Your Chlorine
04.20.2021
Pool and Spa News | Emily Johnson | February 2021
In order to protect customers from harmful microorganisms, pool-care experts and pool owners alike should have an understanding of sanitization. Sanitizers protect swimmers by killing pathogens introduced from sources such as rain, source water, swimmers, and nearby vegetation. Chlorine is the most commonly preferred among these products. Demand for granular and tableted types will likely rema…
Pool Start-Up Guidelines
04.20.2021
Horizon Pool Supply
The following procedure should be used whenever a pool is being filled for the first time, refilled following maintenance or other major repair, or when restarting the pool for the swimming season. 1. Before first filling a pool or adding substantial amounts of fresh water to the pool, either test the water using a good quality test kit or have it tested for pH, total alkalinity, calcium har…
Recognizing a Compromised Reagent
04.20.2021
Taylor Technologies
A reagent's suitability for testing is suspect if it is over one year old. Considering the active ingredients need to be just that, active, then any reduction in a reagent’s concentration or effectiveness will compromise test results. How can you tell if the concentration or effectiveness is not what it should be? If the reagent is not the color you are used to seeing (or has changed colo…
The Many Ways of Corrosion
04.20.2021
Aquatics International | January 2021
Corrosion remains a pervasive problem in the industry. However, understanding how this happens can help pool and spa professionals to diagnose and fix the issues while on the site. Last month, we had a very basic overview of the physics and chemistry involved in the corrosion process. In this second installment of a three part series on corrosion, we discuss the various forms of corrosion and …
A Closer Look at Corrosion in Swimming Pools & Spas
01.12.2021
Pool & Spa News | Ray Engelhardt | December 2020
Corrosion is a serious and expensive problem not only for the pool industry but for mankind as a whole. Per the National Association of Corrosion Engineers, the estimated total cost for corrosion damage in the USA for 2016 was 1.1 trillion dollars. In the pool industry, corrosion destroys heat exchangers, pool lights, niches, ladders and even the rebar that supports the shell. Anyone who has b…
