The ability to achieve proper water quality in a pool is a function of correct water chemistry values combined with an appropriately sized filtration system. If either one of these variables are lacking, the end result will be an increased difficulty in maintaining water clarity. Water chemistry, being a more interactive subject matter, is the first factor to look at … Read More
Working with Inaccessible Indoor Pool Mechanical Rooms
Many indoor pool managers will inevitably face the challenge of replacing the dehumidification system at their facility. There are hundreds if not thousands of commercial aquatic facilities in North America. The majority of these indoor pools either surpass 10 years of age or use refrigerants that are being phased out or are banned, which accelerates their obsolescence. Upgrading these facilities … Read More
Using Outside Air to Reduce Natatorium Operating Costs
An indoor pool environment has greater requirements than a commercial building because of the higher humidity. If not controlled, the corrosive condensate that forms will destroy structural components, sometimes with disastrous effects. Further, the high humidity is uncomfortable for occupants and can cause chronic respiratory condition (i.e. lifeguard lung). To manage humidity, dehumidifiers specifically designed for the pool environment are used … Read More
Mobile Technology Revolutionizes Pool/Spa Operation
The number of things people can do with a smartphone is rapidly increasing and there are no signs of it slowing down. Today, more consumers are using their mobile phones not only to stay in touch with friends and family, but to also pay bills, make travel/entertainment plans, check weather forecasts and even play games. In fact, sales of these … Read More
Trained Operators, Safer Pools
Each level of government can make legislation. Each province has a Public Health Act and accompanying regulations, which include protocols for swimming pool operation. Many jurisdictions where these regulations are in place require swimming pools to be operated by someone who is trained appropriately. In some cases, the level of training varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction; however, as each regulation … Read More
Learning to Prevent and Respond to Crisis Situations
For all pool and spa professionals, maintaining a safe workplace for both staff and the general public is the ultimate goal, one that can be best achieved by conducting regular facility audits. Audits can significantly impact how an organization prevents, prepares for and responds to emergencies, and they are an integral component of any risk management plan. In fact, a … Read More
Understanding Pool Construction Terms and Techniques
When a client requests a concrete pool, spa, or water feature design, what they are essentially asking for is a vessel constructed of a mix comprising aggregate, sand, cement, and water that is placed over structural steel. One of the great benefits of designing a concrete vessel is the only limitation is the builder’s imagination. The execution of building the … Read More
Mobile Apps for Pool and Spa Care Professionals
There’s no question that mobile apps are popular, and while no one knows exactly how many are out there, analysts estimate the number of app users is growing by nearly 30 percent annually, with 4.4 billion expected worldwide in the next few years. So it’s not surprising that mobile apps are flourishing in the pool and spa industry. There are … Read More
Solving the Saltwater pH Problem
California Polytechnic State University’s National Pool Industry Research Center conducted a study examining the rise of pH levels in swimming pools sanitized with salt. Researchers tested pH levels every Monday, Wednesday and Friday over the course of several weeks. pH was adjusted to 7.4 after every Friday reading. Over the weekend, pH spiked from 7.4 to 8.0. The pH in … Read More
Commercial Pool Sanitation
Salt chlorine generation has been used as a primary sanitizer in swimming pool applications as early as the 1960s. Today, there are more than three million salt-chlorinated pools around the world—a number that continues to grow significantly every year. Most systems can be found on residential pools but, within the last decade, this sanitation equipment has made inroads into the … Read More