These chemical outlines should not be considered as a “how to” balance your pool/spa water, but just a refer- ence on how chemical balance effects the heater and gives suggested test values. You should always consult a pool professional and follow all chemical manufacturers di- rections, unless they conflict with this manual.
CHLORINE
Chlorine levels should remain within a range from 1 p.p.m. to a maximum of 5 p.p.m. (p.p.m.=parts per mil- lion). Excessive chlorine saturation of the pool water will cause corrosive damage to the heat exchanger.
Chlorines Effect on pH
Review the diagram on the previous page. Some tablets, granular and gas forms of chlorine have an acetic nature to start with and may lower the pH of the water when introduced (see diagram on previous page). Be sure that the pH remains between 7.4 and 7.8 after adding chlo- rine. If these types of chlorine are introduced into the system in the wrong place, you can run full strength chlo- rine through the heat exchanger before it has a chance to mix with the rest of the pool water. See the next section on chemical usage and chlorinator placement.
Shock Treatments
A shock treatment is a large dose of chlorine added to the pool water all at once to reduce the amount of combined (contaminated) chlorine in the water or to kill algae. Make sure you do not over shock treat, calculate the exact amount of chlorine needed. When “shock treating” the pool make sure that the pH levels remain at the prescribed levels after the chlorine is introduced. Do not add any more chlorine to the water until the chlorine levels have dropped to normal. Prolonged high chlorine levels will cause damage to the heat exchanger. The combination of high chlorine and low pH (acetic) will deteriorate the heat exchanger at an accelerated rate. Do not add shock treat- ment or chlorine tablets in the skimmer.
Read and follow the chemical manufacturers directions when adding chemicals unless they conflict with this book- let. Contact your dealer or the factory service department for advice.
The pH level in your pool should be maintained within the range of 7.4 to 7.8. A pH test will tell you how acetic or how alkaline the pool water is. For example, acetic like orange juice or alkaline like milk. A 7.6 pH is considered the middle of the road. Lower than 7.6 means that the water has an acetic tendency. Higher than 7.6 indicates that the water has alkaline tendency.
pH Below 7.4 Will...
A lower (acetic) pH reading will cause corrosion to the heat exchanger. Prolonged exposure to low pH and / or high chlorine will damage the heat exchanger. The lower the pH the more aggressive the chlorine is and the quicker the damage takes place. The metal is oxi- dized and deteriorates.
Piping Leaks & Stains
An early indicator of low pH and / or high chlorine would be if a leak were discovered in the piping lead- ing to the heat exchanger. The copper in the piping will dissolve into a solution and mix with the pool water. This dissolved metal will show back up as a
Although there will have already been some chemical damage. You can make corrections immediately to pro- tect the very expensive cupronickel heat exchanger. Follow the chemical guidelines in order to prevent such damage from occurring. Do not wait until you see the metal stains or piping leaks.
pH Above 7.8 Will...
If your pool water is extremely high in pH (alkaline), you may get a mineral build up in the heat exchanger and piping. Restriction from build up will restrict the water flow to the heater. This condition is very rare except where mineral content is high in the tap water used for the pool.
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