f. Standards for swimming pools are stated in TB MED 575. Standards deal
with the environment of the swimming pool, bathing load specifications, construction
and design features, bathhouses, shower facilities, water closets, and spectator areas.
g. Acid-base pool chemistry is the foundation for other chemical procedures
involved with swimming pools. This lesson presents a basic discussion of acid-base
pool chemistry, to include:
(1)
Definition of ion, acid, base and a neutral compound.
(2) Definition of pH, the pH scale, and the relation of the pH scale to
(3)
The ideal pH values for swimming pools (7.2 to 8.4).
(4) The effect of pH on swimming pool operation, especially on the
effectiveness of chlorine as a disinfectant. It takes more chlorine to kill bacteria at a
high pH level. The effect of pH on pipe and mortar corrosion, algae growth, and eye
irritation is also discussed.
(5)
Factors effecting pH.
(6)
Chemicals used to control pH.
h. Chlorination is the most commonly used method of killing bacteria in
swimming pools. This lesson discusses the following aspects of swimming pool
chlorination:
(1)
The characteristics of chlorine.
(2) The reaction of chlorine in water to form hydrochloric acid, hypochlorous
acid, and hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion.
(3)
Hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion.
(4)
Free available chlorine.
(5)
Combined available chlorine.
(6)
Total chlorine.
(7)
Sources of chlorine.
MD0166
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