Articles
3 Ways to Maximize the Benefits of a Variable-Speed Pump
01.16.2019
Pool and Spa News | Rena Goldman | October 24, 2018
Variable-speed pumps have set the new industry standard for efficiency, and many customers already know the energy-saving potential of these products. What they don’t know is how to calculate that savings and get the most out of the pump they purchase. In order to maximize the energy savings from each pump, you’ll need to consider other variables. For this reason, Michael Orr, dire…
A Team Approach to Maintaining Swimming Pools
01.16.2019
Aquatics International | Kevin Post | January 2, 2018
Do you feel like you have no time because it’s all spent handling daily maintenance? Have you increased lifeguard pay in order to keep qualified candidates? Modern pools with new types of amenities call for more specialized maintenance, training and supervision. Additionally, today’s lifeguards are demanding higher pay, so it makes sense to utilize them in more ways. With proper tr…
Before You Backwash a DE Filter, Consider This ...
01.16.2019
Pool and Spa News | Niels Mastrup | July 16, 2018
Over the past several years, as parts of the nation grappled with a severe drought, the industry has developed a more water-sensitive approach to the way it maintains pools. We’ve seen numerous examples of this, such as advocating for evaporation covers, limiting the use of waterfeatures, and being more conscientious about our drain-and-refill practices. But there is another water-conser…
Here’s What the Future Holds for Energy Efficiency in Swimming Pools and Spas
01.16.2019
Pool and Spa News | November 20, 2018
The future of energy efficiency in the pool and spa industry is unfolding, thanks largely to a ruling by the Department of Energy. The DOE’s Energy Conservation Standards for Dedicated-Purpose Pool Pumps sets July 19, 2021 as the deadline by which variable-speed pumps will become mandatory for powering pool and spa filtration systems. As the deadline gets closer, the industry is working…
The Increasing Role of UV in Swimming Pools and Spas
01.16.2019
Aquatics International | Ismael Martinez | November 1, 2018
Most experts would agree that ultraviolet (UV) technology can play an important role in any commercial pool or spa. UV has proven itself as an effective tool for sanitization when properly sized, operated and maintained. Specifically, the technology has demonstrated efficacy for inactivation of cryptosporidium, a microscopic parasite that is resistant to chlorine disinfection. This has increas…
Third Edition of New Model Aquatic Health Code Released
01.16.2019
Pool and Spa News | Rebecca Robledo | August 22, 2018
After two years of revision work, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released the third edition of the Model Aquatic Health Code. It includes fine-tuning of issues such as water quality, design and lifeguarding. The MAHC is a model code for commercial pools, meaning that it only takes effect in states and municipal jurisdictions that adopt it. So far, four states, one Canadian …
Fiber Replacement Media for Swimming Pool and Spa Filters: Does It Hold Up?
10.31.2018
Aquatics International | Scott Randall | October 17, 2018
NSF International has developed a new reliability and performance test for sand-replacement media. This media is composed of a polymer fiber ball that ranges from 2 to 4 inches in diameter and replaces the sand filtration media in sand filters. These products are often touted as easier to use and less expensive because they are lightweight and composed of plastic polymers. But do they work? …
Overcoming Interferences in Water Tests
10.31.2018
Pool and Spa News | Wayne Ivusich | September 26, 2018
How confident are you in the accuracy of your water tests? An overdose of chlorine or bromine can produce readings that are at times wildly off the charts. Such errors not only foul up sanitation tests, but also make it difficult to gauge levels of pH and total alkalinity — and they affect both the drop-test and color-matching methods. Of course, excessively high sanitation isn’t …
Swimming Pool and Spa Suction Fittings: A Crucial Standard Revised
10.31.2018
Aquatics International | Kevin Schaefer | October 17, 2018
After years of development, a revision has been released of ANSI/APSP 16-2011: American National Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs. The update of this crucial standard, meant to aid in suction entrapment prevention, was conducted through the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) review process and consensus balloting of the Associ…
Water Conditioning Devices for Swimming Pools and Spas
10.31.2018
Aquatics International | Megan Pattison | October 17, 2014
The Water Conditioning Device Task Group for NSF/ANSI 50 has worked hard over the last year to design, refine and implement a testing protocol to eventually be used for the certification of water conditioning devices. What is a water conditioning device? A water conditioning device (WCD) is any technology or device that, without the use of chemicals, can improve the water quality in a pool o…
