WATER TESTING
Testing Times! Thanks to numerous innovations, the testing of water in pools and spas is now more accurate, sophisticated and convenient than ever before. It’s a sector which doesn’t stand still for long and embraces the. latest in technology. The result – numerous products that have literally revolutionised what was once a laborious process. With water testing always a high priority for owners and operators alike, we take a closer look at a number of the latest solutions By Andrea Hartshorne
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lean and safe water is an essential part of the wet leisure experience but the last thing owners and operators of pools and spas want to do is spend unnecessary time and energy testing and monitoring water. In a normal season, hot summer weather gets people going to pools, lidos, spas and splash parks. However, with many facilities closed on the commercial side, some of the slack has been taken up by first-time domestic purchasers who will be new to looking after pool and spa water. So straightforward and accurate testing has become even more essential. Of course, commercial facilities are reopening and will continue to do so, therefore regardless of the setting, both users and owners need to be able to trust that the cooling waters that are being enjoyed are safe and in the best possible condition. Considerable money and time is spent developing and producing more efficient and user-friendly testing systems. That’s not surprising as for commercial operators in particular, where there is the possibility of infection, only the best procedures and latest products are good enough as down time or bad press should an infection occur could spell disaster to both revenue streams Lovibond’s MD100 / MD110 range of professional photometers are available in 3 and 6 parameter models
and reputation – a scenario to be avoided at all costs, particulalrly if the pool has only recently reopened! Whether it’s a newly purchased hot tub or an established Olympic-sized pool, wet leisure products are major investments for their owners and they need to be kept in the best possible condition – especially in these times where cleanliness is of paramount importance and at the forefront of peoples’ minds. Therefore having the correct products to test water conditions is essential and in this issue, we take a look at just some of the solutions.
ACCURATE WATER TESTING IS NOW MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER The last few months have shown us how important it is to control hygiene in all areas of life. This is also essential for swimming pool water. Although no one is certain how COVID-19 is affected by chlorine, it is generally thought that providing levels of free chlorine are sufficient and pH value is correct, then the virus is rapidly inactivated. The advice is to run free chlorine at the upper limit of a desired range and the pH as low as possible to ensure the chlorine is running at maximum efficiency. Above all, keep levels tested and correct.
Today’s Lovibond® range of test kits have units suitable for all types of pools and spas. Backed by over 70 years of water testing experience each kit is designed to give accurate, reliable and repeatable readings. The range includes: • PoolTester Introductory Kits for measuring chlorine, pH and other parameters. These easy to use visual kits are suitable for small domestic pools where quick testing is required. • The Scuba II Electronic Pool Tester which measures five different parameters. This small handheld device allows you to test like the professionals and give a direct digital readout. • Lovibond’s MD100 / MD110 range of professional photometers are available in 3 and 6 parameter models. The meters are easy to use, they only have four buttons, and use top of the range optic to give the best possible accuracy. Used by pools up and down the country the units are supplied in a handy carrying case complete with all accessories. The MD100 also has Bluetooth connectivity so stored results can be directly downloaded to a tablet or laptop. All Lovibond systems use tablet reagents supplied individually sealed meaning the last used is as accurate as the first. The company also offer a range of free online training courses to help users ensure testing is carried out correctly. Remember pool water testing is essential: Keep Testing, Keep Control, Keep Safe.
THE POOLLAB 1.0 – THE ONE FOR EVERYONE! Testing your pool water can be a real pain. Is my pH-value balanced? Is there still enough chlorine in the water? Is the alkalinity (acid capacity) and cyanuric acid (stabiliser) in an acceptable range? Test strips and Pooltesters are frequently used as Photometers seemed to be reserved for professionals simply because they are expensive. Luckily, time has changed and an inexpensive Photometer is offered that everyone can afford! The PoolLab 1.0 Photometer by Water-i.d. is
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www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 27/08/2020 18:23
