An Intermediate Look at Pool and Hot Tub Water Chemistry and Testing

To ensure the health of bathers and the life of a pool or hot tub, it is necessary to monitor a handful of water-quality factors on a regular basis.

Dealing with pool and hot tub water chemistry issues is sometimes confusing and occasionally frustrating because of the many critical components involved. A basic understanding of this topic is often not enough. Sometimes it requires ‘diving in’ a little deeper and gaining a better understanding of what it takes to maintain healthy, balanced water. The first key players in attaining … Read More

Filters Play an Integral Role in Hot Tub Water Quality

It is important to educate customers about hot tub water care and the importance of filter maintenance.

One of the most memorable hot tub water care questions this author has ever received involved the topic of filters. Years later, the conversation is just as relevant today partially because it not only highlighted the importance of proper filter care, but also the integral role they play in helping keep hot tub water clean and the jets flowing at … Read More

A Case for Borates: Maintaining Water Chemistry in Pools Using Salt Chlorine Generators

One of the primary reasons borates have gained popularity is its ability to control corrosion in a saltwater pool environment.

Electrolytic chlorine generators (ECGs) or salt chlorine generators became extremely popular about 15 years ago and have continued to grow throughout the U.S., simply because pool owners love them. However, as most in the industry know, some pool owners believe that after installing a salt chlorine generator nothing else is required in terms of water maintenance. In the short term, … Read More

A Microscopic Look at How the Pool Environment Affects Cartridge Filters

Under normal conditions, cleaning a cartridge filter using a simple garden hose is sufficient to remove a large portion of the filter cake.

A child drinks 44 mL (1.4 oz) of water every hour they play in a pool; therefore, it is crucial to ensure the water is clean. One major component to the cleanliness of pool and/or hot tub water is the filter. Today, one of the most popular media used to cleanse water are filter cartridges, which are typically made with … Read More

A Look at the Trends in Heat Pump Technology

Heat pumps have been the go-to pool heating option in certain geographical locations for years. An increasing number of pool owners are opting for heat pumps over propane, natural gas, oil, and electric heaters for a number of reasons, including operating costs, environmental impact, and overall efficiency. As summer ends, some pool owners who were attracted to the low price … Read More

Communication Skills 101: How to Stay Cool When Things Heat Up

It is important for pool, hot tub, and landscape professionals to be able to maintain their cool, even if a customer, potential client, or co-worker loses their temper.

When things go awry on a job, industry professionals may blame the heat and their reaction on a tiny part of the brain. Called the amygdala, it is one of two almond-shaped groups of nuclei located deep and medially within the temporal lobes of the brain. The amygdala holds emotional memory (e.g. fear, anger) and ‘helps’ one to react without thinking. … Read More

Combining Education and Experience to Address Combined Chlorine

Experience and education concur on the practice that total and free chlorine can be tested and that chloramines are irritants and ineffective disinfectants.

Effective education incorporates the elements of sound data and practical application. While neither is effective in isolation, when combined, data and experience create solutions with dynamic impact. The advantage of employing education and experience in tandem is illustrated by one of the most commonly taught pool and spa water chemistry topics: combined chlorine and breakpoint chlorination. Field experience has proven … Read More

Understanding the Internet of Things in the Backyard

Homeowners can now use an app, to control lights, waterfalls, and equipment through a simplified user interface on a smartphone/tablet.

This is not another Internet article on some new crazy technology or app. The Internet of things (IoT), also known as the network of things or the Internet of everything, is not the next big gadget, it is already here. Chances are many are already using it without even knowing so. This technology affects daily life on every level (i.e. personal, professional, health, … Read More

Water Care Basics to Prevent Biofilm Formation

The organic matter introduced into the water by two bathers during a 20-minute soak can eliminate almost all traces of available sanitizer.

After many years working in the water chemistry field, this author still gets the same question: What is the most important aspect of hot tub water care? In speaking to hot tub customers, service technicians, water care sales teams, retailers, and store owners from all over the world, the answer remains the same: The best way to enjoy the hot … Read More