Posted on: August 15, 2013
Combined Chlorine (chloramines)
Combined chlorine occurs when free available chlorine combines with ammonia or other nitrogen containing contaminants present in the pool water. Combined chlorine (or chloramine) is not an effective sanitizer for pool water applications. Combined chlorine can contribute to cloudy water, chlorine odor and eye irritation. They only way to test for combined chlorine is to test for total chlorine and free chlorine, then subtract free chlorine from total chlorine to
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Posted on: July 15, 2013
We all know having a clean pool is important while swimming in our pools, but did you know that a clean looking pool can be chemically unbalanced? Chemically balanced pool water is important for the following reasons :
1.) Prevent Disease
2.) Protect Equipment
3.) Provide the expected environment
Sanitizers are more effective in water that is properly balanced. Balanced water is more comfortable for swimmers because it reduces unpleasant odor, burning eyes & itchy skin. Balanced
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Posted on: June 19, 2013
Combined Chlorine ( Chloramines )
Combined chlorine occurs when free available chlorine combines with ammonia or other nitrogen containing contaminants present in pool water. Combined chlorine, or chloramine, is not an effective sanitizer for pool water applications. Combined chlorine can contribute to cloudy water, chlorine odor and eye irritation.
The only way to test for combined chlorine is to test for total chlorine and free chlorine, then subtract free chlorine from total chlorine to
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Posted on: April 8, 2013
As the weather warms up and you are getting your pool ready for Summer – here are some reminders about your pool chemicals:
Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on all packaging. Be familiar with emergency procedures.
Keep chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.
Store your pool chemicals in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and in an area that is well ventilated.
Containers should always be kept closed when not in use and chemicals should be k
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Posted on: February 22, 2013
Testing Pool Water Pool chemistry is affected by many different factors including bathers, chemical additions and environmental influences. Because conditions in a pool change constantly, testing is vital to ensure proper water balance and sanitizer levels. Testing Tips : 1.) The water sample for testing should be taken approximately 18” below the water’s surface. 2.) The sample should be taken from an area of the pool that is away from the skimmers and return inlets AND should be taken from the
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Posted on: February 11, 2013
With the rain we are currently having, make sure your check your pool water for proper chemical balance. The rain can bring debris, unwanted chemicals such as fertilizer, leaves and grass clippings all into your pool. These items will affect the chemical balance of your pool water. Be sure to test your water after the rain and adjust your chemicals to bring the water back to proper balance and avoid issues down the road. For more pool maintenance tips, please subscribe to our blog or find us on
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Posted on: January 25, 2013
You should always make note of the expiration date of your pool chemicals. Pool chemicals will degrade over time. Those of us in Houston, Tomball and Cypress know that our weather can be troublesome for pool chemicals. To keep your pool chemicals at optimum performance, we recommend storing your chemicals in a cool, dry location as exposure to heat, water or direct sunlight will cause problems. We suggest using a backyard shed and plastic containers to keep chemicals separate. As always, if
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Posted on: December 28, 2012
Cloudy Water: Cloudy water can be attributed to either chemical or physical causes. Common chemical causes include the following:
High PH
High total alkalinity
High calcium hardness
Low (or No) free chlorine residual
High levels of combined chlorine
Improper product addition
If the water is in proper balance, and chemicals have been added properly, then you should look to physical contributions to cloudy water. These include:
Inadequate circulation
Poor fi
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Posted on: November 21, 2012
The Importance of Proper Water Balance Water balance is important for the following reasons: 1.) prevent disease 2.) protect equipment 3.) provide the expected environment. Sanitizers are more effective in water that is properly balanced. Balanced water is more comfortable for swimmers because it reduces unpleasant odor, burning eyes and itchy skin. Balanced water will also help prevent equipment corrosion and / or scale build up. Improperly balanced water can become cloudy and unappealing for s
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Posted on: September 12, 2012
Pool Chemistry is affected by many different factors including bathers, chemical additions and environmental influences. Because conditions in a pool change constantly, testing is vital to ensure proper water balance and sanitizer levels. Testing Tips:
The water sample for testing should be taken approximately 18 inches below the water’s surface.
The sample should be taken from an area of the pool that is away from skimmers and returns and should be taken from the same location every ti
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Posted on: July 13, 2012
Handling Pool Chemicals can be very hazardous if not done properly. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts when handling Pool Chemicals:
Do not mix chemicals together
Do not store chemicals where average daily temperature exceeds 95 degrees
Do not allow Children to handle pool and spa chemicals
Do not dispose of spilled material without complying with safety instructions on the label
Do read and follow the dosage instructions on the container
Do keep your chemical storage ar
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Posted on: June 27, 2012
Pool chemistry is affected by many different factors including bathers, chemical additions and environmental influences. These conditions can change constantly so testing your pool water is vital to ensure proper water balance and sanitizer levels. Here are some testing tips to help you:
· Obtain an appropriate water sample. The water sample should be taken in a clean, plastic container approximately 18 inches below the water’s surface.
· The sample should be taken from an area away fro
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Posted on: June 14, 2012
Pool Maintenance Tip #4 – the last in our Pool Algae Series – Yellow/Mustard Algae Yellow or Mustard algae is very similar to green algae, but it is much slower growing and does not have the green pigment (chlorophyll) which accounts for its yellow color. Because Yellow algae is slow growing, it is very difficult to destroy. By the time you see it in your pool, it has probably been growing for several days or even weeks. Also, since it is low in chlorophyll which likes light, it can grow in dark
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Posted on: May 10, 2012
Pool Maintenance Tip #2 in our Pool Algae Series – Phosphates and Algae Growth It has been suggested the an effective way to eliminate algae is to remove the phosphates from the water. The belief is that this action takes away a food source and thus reduces algae by starvation. Phosphorous is the base element phosphates are derived from and it is not a “new” addition to pool water, though some marketing efforts want you to think the presence of phosphates is a new phenomenon. Phosphates make the
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Posted on: April 26, 2012
ALGAE SEASON!!! – With the warmer weather upon us, Mother Nature has also returned to us every pool owner’s nemesis….algae. This year, algae blooms are expected to be more prevalent, as well as to contain more aggressive strains than in previous years, as algae from dried up rivers, lakes, etc. has found its way into the air…and it is a much heartier type than your blooms in years’ past have been. Not to worry though, as there is a cure for all types. We will do these in a series over the c
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Posted on: April 13, 2012
Why is my pool water cloudy? Cloudy pool water can be attributed to either Improper Chemical Balance or Physical Causes.Common chemical causes can include High PH, High Total Alkalinity, High calcium hardness or improper product addition.When several chemicals need to be applied, it is usually necessary to space out the application of the chemicals. When adding larger amounts of chemicals to adjust water balance, the key thing to remember is add small amounts over a wide area of the pool, over t
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Posted on: March 19, 2012
Today’s Pool Chemical Tip: Combined Chlorine. Combined chlorine occurs when free available chlorine combines with ammonia or other nitrogen containing contaminants present in pool water. Combined chlorine (or chloramines) is not an effective sanitizer for pool water applications. Combined chlorine can contribute to cloudy water, chlorine odor and eye irritation. The only way to find your combined chlorine level is to test for total chlorine and free chlorine, then subtract free chlorine from t
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Posted on: March 15, 2012
Everyone at The Pool Man, Inc. hopes you have a safe and fun time this weekend for St. Patrick’s Day. If the warm weather this weekend makes you want to jump in the pool, please test your water beforehand to make sure your pool water is chemically balanced. If you need any help in getting your pool ready for the upcoming season, contact our Pool Service Department. For more warm weather and Pool Maintenance tips, check out your Houston Pool Builder’s blog page.
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Posted on: March 8, 2012
When/Why do I need fresh water in my pool? There are circumstance where replacing the pool water is necessary to reduce the buildup of certain chemicals. These chemicals can include calcium, metals, cyanuric acid(stabilizer) and total dissolved solids. The easiest way to remedy the situation is to partially drain the pool and refill with fresh water. It has been suggested that draining and refilling a pool before the swimming season is beneficial in keeping these substances at a happy medium. I
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Posted on: February 27, 2012
As Spring approaches, you may want to go through your pool maintenance supplies and check the expiration dates for all of your pool chemicals. Most chemicals have a shelf life and when expired will not be as effective as they are supposed to be. Be sure to check your water testing reagents; if they are expired, your test results will be inaccurate. Double check all of your pool cleaning equipment and you’ll be ready to go for the upcoming swim season. For more pool maintenance tips, check out ou
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Posted on: January 25, 2012
Pools can be great for the family dog (especially in the summer) but there are pool safety considerations you should always keep in mind. Many breeds are naturals in the water and are quite adept at swimming, however, you should never leave the pet unsupervised. If your pool has built in stairs, that’s great. If not, you may want to purchase a pet ramp they can use to get in and out of the pool. Always rinse your dog off after swimming to reduce the risk of skin irritation and make sure your poo
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Posted on: January 20, 2012
Total Dissolved Solids Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a measure of dissolved material in the water such as bather waste, algaecides, disinfectants, specialty chemicals, dirt & debris. High TDS can be an indication of “old” water. An acceptable TDS level is less than 2500 ppm (or less than 1500 ppm above source water). Note that these levels do not apply to pools equipped with a chlorine generator. At high TDS levels, the water can become cloudy. If the level is higher than 2500ppm, it is re
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Posted on: December 13, 2011
What is Total Alkalinity (TA)? It’s the amount of alkaline components in the water. TA acts as a buffer against rapid PH fluctuation. PH can be affected by environmental factors such as acid rain, pollution, run-off from the surrounding land and fertilizers – just to name a few. Keeping the TA at the proper range will help prevent PH bounce if it is too low and help prevent scale from forming if it is too high. The ideal range is 80 – 120 parts per million. Contact our Service Department if yo
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Posted on: November 23, 2011
What is PH? PART 2 Yesterday we explained what PH is – Today we will cover what happens when your PH is not properly balanced. PH too low – your water becomes acidic which will etch and pit your plaster surface, creating a roughness which is ideal for algae growth and uncomfortable to swimmers. Pool equipment can become damaged. Chlorine is activated and lost to the atmosphere quickly and you throw money away by adding chlorine when the PH is too low. While swimming your eyes and nose will burn
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Posted on: November 22, 2011
What is PH? PH is one of the most important factors in pool water balance and it should be tested and adjusted every week. PH is a way to measure the acidity or alkalinity of water. Proper PH balance protects the equipment, the plaster surface, allows the sanitizer to do its best job and it increases swimmer enjoyment. The ideal range for PH is 7.2 – 7.6 ppm (parts per million). Look for our follow-up Pool Service tip tomorrow on what happens when the PH is too high or too low. You can “like” u
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