Water Maintenance
Reminder Advices
Today, it is more than 10,000 residential pools that are equiped in Europe. |
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The pH
Shows the alkalinity or acidity of the water. It is generally a good idea to keep it at about 7 (neutral pH).
If it is less than 7: the water is acid and attacks the skin and the pool lining,
If it exceeds 7.4: it may be uncomfortable for bathers (making the eyes smart), it favours the development of algae and calcium deposits, it hinders the effectiveness of the flocculant, etc.
The TH
This is the hardness of the water which corresponds to its calcium and magnesium content.
If the value exceeds 25°, we recommend adding a calcium carbonate sequestrant once during the season (e.g.: BIO-UV ANTI-CALCAIRE).
Very hard water causes scale deposits that damages piping.
Water that is too soft (acid) may be corrosive.
The TAC
This is the bicarbonate and carbonate content of the water, i.e. its alkalinity.
It should be between 10 and 15°, and can be changed using suitable products (TAC+ or TAC-).
- Algae: these plants can develop in the pool. They are transported in large quantities by the wind. A disinfectant working on its own will be used up on the algae, which will hinder its bactericidal action. This is why we recommend using BIO-UV ALGICIDE SPECIAL CONCENTRE in addition to REMANENT products
- Organic matter: coming from the bathers, from nature and the environment, this is not harmful, and must be removed by filtration and the various treatment processes.
- Micro-organisms: bacteria, viruses and fungi are brought into the pool by the same vectors. They can be a health hazard, the BIO-UV reactor is designed to eliminate them.
Adding REMANENT ensures the remanence of protection in the pool by preventing them from developing in between 2 passages in the reactor.
- Metal ions: iron, copper, manganese, etc. They can be found in significant quantities in borehole water, or after crop treatments (sulphating). These ions may also damage the liner and discolour the water... We recommend that borehole water should not be used to fill swimming pools. It is, however, possible to use specific products to sequestrate these ions.
- Phosphates and nitrates: these are present in very variable amounts. They encourage the development of algae.
They may be the sign of pollution of ground water.
Avoid using borehole water.
Due to the environment and operating conditions of a swimming pool, it is essential to bear in mind the basic rules governing the different parameters, i.e. the
hydraulic characteristics of the pool, filtration and the water's chemical balance, that allow us to obtain a satisfactory result, whatever the type of water treatment used, while at the same time reducing the addition of different chemical products and avoiding unpleasant and costly catastrophes.
Prevention = happiness and economy
Hydraulic characteristics of the pool:
The water MUST circulate throughout the pool. An adequate number of discharge points, skimmers (or overflow discharges) provides this circulation and will reduce "dead" zones to a minimum.
The power of the pump evidently depends on the volume of water being considered, in order to be able to treat the entire volume within a reasonable period of time (4 to 5 hours).
The cross-section of the pipework must also be suitable for the volume of the pool.
Bad hydraulic characteristics will lead to the development of bacteria and algae.
Filtration:
Filtration is a basic element in water treatment.
Its role is to retain suspended matter and the various particles within the filtering material.
Good filtration favours the economic use of disinfectant products.
Filters must be maintained: backwash the filter once a week.
It must be cleaned and descaled once a year with a special product (e.g.: BIO-UV FILTRE CLEAN) that eliminates calcium deposits and the substances clogging it.
THE FILTRATION TIME MUST BE OBSERVED
Basic rule: half the water temperature. If over 28°: filter non-stop.
Flocculation:
In the case of sand filtering, a clarifier or flocculant must be added to increase the degree of filtration.
WARNING: never use a flocculant when a diatomaceous-earth filter is installed. The capacity and size of the filter must evidently be adapted to cope with the pump discharge, or even exceed it.
