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SWIMMING POOLS
CHEMICAL QUESTIONS
Muriatic Acid (2/5/99)
Mixing Chemicals (9/2/98)
Aluminum Sulphate / Low pH / "Glassy" Water (9/2/98)
Ammonia In The County Water (7/15/98)
Antifreeze Odor In Pool (6/11/98)
Can Sun-Brite Spa Formula Be Used In A Pool? (6/8/98)
Shelf Live And Storage Of Pool Chemicals (6/8/98)
Removing Copper Sulphate From A Pool (5/28/98)
Copper Sulfate As A Sanitizer? (5/18/98)
Use Of Copper Sulphate In Pools (4/25/98)
Is Sodium Hydrogen Sulfate The Same As Muriatic Acid? (4/16/98)
Chlorine & Copper Sulphate (4/1/98)
Lithium Hypochlorite (3/19/98)
Chlorine, Copper Sulphate, Green Hair (3/5/98)
Muriatic Acid (2/5/99)
Q:
I've just built a 4500 gal, in-ground, vinyl liner pool. The installer is out of the dry acid (granular) for lowering the pH, which the pool needs. Is it safe to use liquid acid (muriatic?) on the pool? will it harm or discolor the liner? what is the proper way to dispense it?
R.R. - Caracas, Venezuela
A:
Muriatic acid is used to lower the pH of swimming pool. No problem with vinyl.
This is a potent chemical. Avoid skin contact and splashing. Add the acid to the pool by pouring into the water in front of a return. Avoid bather contact, until water is mixed thoroughly.
1 pound of dry acid can be replaced by a pint of muriatic acid as a rough estimate.
I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely,
Alan
Mixing Chemicals (9/2/98)
Q:
Is it ok to mix a clarifier (for binding small particles) and a enzyme (such as ENZY-CLEAN) at the same time? Or would it be better to do one first?
K.S. - Lafayette, CA
A:
NEVER!!! Never mix different chemicals together.
While the mixing of different chemicals together may not always be a disaster, there is always the possibility of some type of chemical interaction.
Always add the chemicals separately and allow each in turn to dissolve. Please follow the advice.
Sincerely,
Alan
Aluminum Sulphate / Low pH / "Glassy" Water (9/2/98)
Q:
I have a big problem trying to keep the pH in balance, usually is lower than 6.8 I have added a pH increase chemical but to my surprise the water on the following day had a "glassy look" and the pH did not increase. By the way, I use aluminum sulphate to help clear the water. Do you think the "glassy look" is due to a reaction between the two chemicals?
G.M. - Caracas, Venezuela
A:
I'm not exactly sure what the glassy film is, but adding aluminum sulfate in the manner that you are describing is a BAD IDEA.
Aluminum sulfate is acidic and is soluble at acid pH. When you raise the pH above 7.0, it foams a gelatinous precipitate and will cloud the water as it sinks to the bottom. Using it on an occasional basis is one thing -- what you are doing creates nothing but problems and work.
Raise the pH up to approx. 7.8 and shut off the filter. Allow all the aluminum sulfate to precipitate to the bottom and vacuum to waste.
In the future, to help improve water clarity, try using a product such as SUN Tru-Blue.
I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely,
Alan
Ammonia In The County Water (7/15/98)
Q:
Our county water utility has taken upon themselves to add a small quantity of ammonia to mask the chlorine odor and taste. This has complicated the chemical balance in the pool. In particular every time chlorine is added a white cloud appears in the water. Our use of chlorine is at least three weeks ahead of the last two years. It appears the ammonia is tieing up chlorine and reducing the free chlorine in the pool. Have you had any experience in this type of problem? Are there any additives to neutralize the ammonia?
P.S. - Midlothian, VA
A:
This is a relatively common practice. The utility has added ammonia to convert the chlorine into chloramines, in order to prevent the reaction with traces of contaminants that might otherwise form chlorinated hydrocarbons.
There is nothing unusual about chloramines (combined chlorine) in pool water. Shock the pool in the normal manner to destroy the chloramines.
The white material is probably calcium. Check and adjust the pH and total alkalinity.
The higher chlorine consumption is probably the result of higher temperatures and/or bather load.
Enjoy the season.
Sincerely,
Alan
Antifreeze Odor In Pool (6/11/98)
Q:
This is our 1st year opening our pool with antifreeze entering the water from winterizing (yes we used the proper antifreeze!). How long does it take for the smell of the antifreeze to go away? The pool's only been open for 2 weeks, but we thought the smell would be gone by now. It's very noticeable!
J.S. - Cabot, PA
A:
None of the Winterizing Antifreeze products manufactured by Aqua Clear Ind., under the Swim-Free or SUN labels, have any noticeable odor.
It is possible that some competitive product might have an odor.
In any event, I cannot conceive of a few gallons of antifreeze imparting a significant odor to the pool water. My guess is that you are mistaking the odor of chloramines or some other chemical and attributing it to antifreeze.
Why not bring a water sample into a local pool professional and have a complete water analysis performed. This will, perhaps, shed some light as to the possible causes.
I hope that I have been of assistance.
Sincerely,
Alan
Can Sun-Brite Spa Formula Be Used In A Pool? (6/8/98)
Q:
Our dealer sold us Sun-Brite SF (for spas and hot tubs) to use in our 24' pool because he was out of Sun-Brite for pools. He told us the chemicals were the same, just packaged differently. Is he correct? Is the strength the same? Do we just follow the instructions that came with the now-empty bags of Sun-Brite that came in our starter kit?
V.P. - Burlington, NC
A:
Using Sun Brite Spa Formula in your pool will not cause a problem and it should have been used in exactly the same manner.
The regular formula should not be used in a spa.
The products contain the same active ingredient, in slightly different concentrations. The difference being that the Spa Formula has been specially formulated for Spa use, so as not to adversely affect the pH.
I hope that I have been of assistance.
Sincerely,
Alan
Shelf Live And Storage Of Pool Chemicals (6/8/98)
Q:
Please provide some estimate as to the shelf life (years, months) of pool chemicals such as: Algaecides (Algimycin in particular); Stain-out; Liquid Chlorine; Stabilized Chlorine pucks; PH-up; PH-down; Clarifier/Flocculant; Tile & Vinyl Cleaner; Stain & Scale Inhibitor; etc. including your own favorites. In particular, please comment on effect of sub-freezing winter (snow) climate and 80 to 85 F summers with storage in outside pool shed or other impacts. .
G.H. - Burlington, Ontario Canada
A:
Most pool chemical that have been properly stored can be expected to have a shelf life of at least a few years to indefinitely. It varies depending on the the individual chemical.
You should not use any chemicals that have markedly different appearances as compared to when first purchased.
Proper storage for most chemicals is "a cool dry place away from heat and protected against extremes of temperatures". Moisture can cause powders to cake and/or decompose.
Many products such as clarifiers, cleaners and defoamers, can suffer irreversible freeze-thaw damage. Many others including concentrated algaecides and mineral treatments, can resist freezing even down to sub zero temperatures and remain unaffected. Dry products are usually not affected by cold.
80-85 degrees is not an extreme temperature.
As a general rule of thumb you should seal all packages securely, store away from temperature extremes in a cool dry place.
Store chlorine away from other products for added safety.
I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely,
Alan
Removing Copper Sulphate From A Pool (5/28/98)
Q:
I had some friends that suggested to use copper sulphate to help open the pool. I put the copper sulphate in before learning about problems with copper sulphate. My question is once you put it into your system what do you do? How long is there a risk of green hair? My son is blonde. Would it be safe to put him in the pool?
S.W. - Thomaston, GA
A:
Copper sulfate should NOT be used in a swimming pool!!!!!!!!
Copper sulfate, at the chemistry of a swimming pool, can cause precipitation, staining and possible discoloration of hair. That is why the only safe way to add copper to a pool is by use of a product such as Swim-Free Non-Foaming Algaecide or SUN Copper Algaecide. These products contain chelated (stabilized) copper in order to avoid problems associated with copper sulfate.
In as much as you have already added the product, do the following. Have the water tested for copper. For each 1 PPM of copper add 1 quart of Swim-Free Hydro-Quest or Sun Mineral Control, for each 10,000 gallons of water. Hopefully this will chelate the copper and prevent further problems. Avoid adding chlorine for 24 hours after adding either product.
I hope that this information will prove helpful.
Sincerely,
Alan
Copper Sulfate As A Sanitizer? (5/18/98)
Q:
Some people I know use copper sulfate in their swimming pool instead of chlorine compounds. It is supposed to work well, but I think this procedure can be dangerous on the long run. It is surely a good algaecide, but I don't know it's bactericidal efficiency. Do you have an explanation or a suggestion about this?
M.V. - Quebec, Canada
A:
Copper sulfate can be used as an algaecide. However, I would not recommend it. At the chemistry of a typical pool, copper sulfate will precipitate and can cause discoloration and staining.
There are algaecide containing copper, such as SUN Copper Algaecide, which are chelated (stabilized) to remain in solution and avoid precipitation and discoloration.
Copper compounds are not regarded as bactericides. To maintain a safe pool, a water sanitizer such as chlorine must be used. There are non-chlorine sanitizers, however, copper sulfate is not one of them.
I hope that I have been of assistance.
Sincerely,
Alan
Use Of Copper Sulphate In Pools (4/25/98)
Q:
Can you tell me anything about using bluestone, i.e. copper sulphate in my swimming pool? I am curious as to its use, i.e. is it a shock treatment, or an algaecide or both, and how is it used as in quantity per gallon.
J.B. - Woodlawn, OK
A:
Copper sulfate is NOT recommended for use as an algaecide in a swimming pools. At the chemistry conditions, found in typical pools, copper sulfate will cause precipitation of insoluble copper compounds, resulting in staining and discoloration of the water and underwater surfaces.
If you want to use a copper algaecide in your pool, a product such as Swimfree Non-Foaming Algaecide contains a chelated (complexed) form of copper that is formulated for use in swimming pools. Only algaecides, that are registered by AG Canada for use in swimming pools, should be used. All registered algaecides have proper label instructions.
I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely,
Alan
Is Sodium Hydrogen Sulfate The Same As Muriatic Acid? (4/16/98)
Q:
I was just wondering if 'hydrogen sulfate' is the same as 'muriatic acid'. Sorry if this question seems lame, but when I ask for 'muriatic acid' and I get 'hydrogen sulfate' and don't realize it until I get home and the place is closed. I tend to wonder if it's the same thing.
Thanks for your time.
C.B. - Floral City, FL
A:
The chemical that you are referring to is sodium hydrogen sulfate...not hydrogen sulfate. It is used in the same way as muriatic acid with approximately 1 pound equalling 1 pint of muriatic acid. It is safer to handle than muriatic acid, which is a solution of hydrogen chloride. I hope I have cleared up the matter.
Sincerely,
Alan
Chlorine & Copper Sulphate (4/1/98)
Q:
I have a fairly big pool, about 120 000 liters, & treating it with unstabilized & stabilized chlorine has been ineffective. I have turned to adding 500g of copper sulphate monthly in addition to twice weekly small doses of unstabilized chlorine. This has proved a great method of keeping the pool looking wonderful, despite our high temperatures & rainfall in Africa. I have a sand filter which runs 12 hours per day. Is there any problem with this combination? Many thanks in advance.
R.V. - Harare, Zimbabwe
A:
The laws of chemistry are the same the world over!!!
Copper sulfate is not recommended for use in swimming pools because, at the conditions of a typical pool, it can precipitate, cause staining, water discoloration and green hair. If you want to use a copper algaecide, I suggest that you use one based on copper triethanolamine complex.
There are factors which diminish the effectiveness of chlorine that should be evaluated. These factors include: high pH (over 7.6), high stabilizer levels (over 150 PPM), high bather load, poor circulation, short filter cycles, high total dissolved solids.
If you have been using a stabilized chlorine, for a long time, without replacing water, it is possible that the level of stabilizer is too high and is reducing the effectiveness of the chlorine.
Try to add the chlorine at a rate that maintains a 1-2PPM level of free chlorine. It is important that you test for free chlorine and not just total chlorine.
Polymer type algaecides are generally more effective than copper algaecides and will help with the clarity.
Sand filters can channel and lose efficiency!!! Your problem could be filter- related. A sand filter should be back-washed only whenever the pressure rises too high. Repeated back-washing can reduce filter efficiency.
I hope that I have been of assistance.
Sincerely,
Alan
Lithium Hypochlorite (3/19/98)
Q:
HAVE YOU HEARD OF LITHIUM HYPOCHLORITE BEING USED INSTEAD OF CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE ?
M.B. - Tulsa, OK
A:
Lithium Hypochlorite is a granulated material with 35% available chlorine and is completely soluble in water. Calcium hypochlorite is a granulated material that typically contains 65% available chlorine. It is not completely soluble in water - the insoluble part being calcium salts.
Lithium Hypochlorite is only one of several alternatives to calcium hypochlorite for use in swimming pools. Aqua Clear is one of the leading marketers of lithium hypochlorite and is sold under the brand names "Aqua Chlor and Aqua Burn".
I hope that I have been of assistance.
Sincerely,
Alan
Chlorine, Copper Sulphate, Green Hair (3/5/98)
Q:
1. What is the most commonly used chlorine in home swimming pools? (Chemical name)
2. How does copper sulphate form in pools?
3. Why does bleached or blond hair sometimes turn green in chlorinated waters?
B.K. - St Leonards, New Zealand
A:
Chlorinated isocyanurates are the most popular form of granular chlorine used in swimming pools.
Copper sulfate does not form in pools. It is sometimes present in some algaecides and a source of copper, but does not exist as copper sulfate in the final manufactured product. Copper sulfate, as such, should not be used in a pool.
Bleached or blond hair can be subject to staining due to porosity or just because it is easier to see on a light background. Some hair preparations can add to the potential. Copper from an unchelated source: such as copper sulfate, corrosion of copper pipes or natural sources has been linked to hair discoloration in some instances. However, quality copper algaecides containing chelated copper in forms such as copper triethanolamine complex are not normally associated with green hair.
Read the labels and don't use copper sulfate.
I hope that I have been of assistance.
Sincerely,
Alan |
