FAQ: Health, Safety & Regulations, Water Chemistry

Algaecides containing copper sulphate for pools can be used to :

• Control algae.
• Improve water clarity.
• Reduce the necessary amount of products containing chlorine or bromine.

They cannot :

• Control the presence of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses.
• Eliminate the need disinfectants such as pool products containing chlorine or bromine.

Since products containing copper sulphate do not control the presence of bacteria and viruses in pool water, they must be used jointly with disinfectants containing chlorine or bromine in order to protect swimmers.

Note : Although the use of an algaecide containing copper sulphate reduces the required amount of chlorine- or bromine- based sanitizers in your pool, the actual amount will vary depending on the size of the pool, its type and its location.

There are four types of devices used in swimming pools and spas :

• Chlorine and bromine generators use electrical energy to produce hypochlorous or hypobromous acid from salts. These acids are the main chemical compounds responsible for the disinfection of pools and spas treated with products containing chlorine or bromine. These devices must be approved.
• Chemical distributors are designed to automatically release approved hypochlorous or hypobromous acid in the pool water. You must strictly comply with the recommendations contained in the user guide. It is not necessary that these swimming pool devices be approved.
• Ionizers produce metal ions (such as Cu2+) to combat algae. You must also use products containing chlorine or bromine. Ion and disinfectant concentrations should be checked frequently, and the electrodes must be replaced as needed. These devices must be approved.
• Ozone generators are used to remove organic matter in pool and spa water. These devices can be a useful complement to products containing chlorine or bromine, but cannot replace them. Their main function is to oxidize organic matter. It is not necessary that these devices be approved, unless there are allegations of a sanitation effect (fight against microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses) or an algaecide effect.

When using an ionizer or an ozone generator, you must continue to disinfect the water with products containing chlorine and bromine. Care must be taken to maintain an adequate concentration of chlorine- or bromine-based disinfectant in order to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms that can cause disease.

• Read the instructions and warnings listed on the label before using these products.
• Do not smoke, do not eat food and do not drink during application of a chemical.
• Never mix these products with other chemicals.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly after manipulating chemicals for pools and spas.
• Clean all surfaces that may come into contact with food, such as kitchen counters, tables and stoves.
• Always store pesticides out of reach of children and pets and away from food and drinks.
• Always read and follow the instructions on the product label concerning proper storage procedures.

The warnings listed above are of a general nature. Always read the label for details.

You must always :

• Read the label and follow the instructions.
• Keep chemicals away from children and pets.
• Keep containers closed and, when they are not used, store them in the same containers in which they were sold.
• Wear protective equipment and clothing such as gloves, goggles and shoes.
• Use a separate and clean metal or plastic measuring cup for each chemical.
• Protect chemicals against moisture and water.
• Add chemicals to water (unless otherwise stated on the label).
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling any chemical.
• Report any pesticide-related incident to the product manufacturer (phone number on the label). The manufacturer is obliged to share this information with the Health Authority.

You should never :

• Use the contents of an unlabeled container.
• Mix different chemicals or return a spilled chemical into its container.
• Touch undiluted chemicals or smoke when handling chemicals.
• Produce dust when picking up powder or solids. Dust can react with the skin’s moisture and may cause injury.
• Store liquids above powders or solids.
• Stack containers and store materials or chemicals above head level.
• Store pool chemicals near gasoline, fertilizers, pesticides, grease, paint, tile cleaner, turpentine or other flammable materials, especially when the pool chemicals are stored in a shed or a small storage room.
• Expose chemicals to heat or flame.
• Use a dry chemical extinguisher to extinguish a fire. Only use large amounts of water. If unable to extinguish the flames, immediately leave the area and call the fire department.

Ask another person to call for medical attention.

Remove the person from source of contamination and quickly remove contaminated clothing, footwear and leather goods.

Clean contaminated area with a gentle stream of warm water for at least 15 to 20 minutes (or for a longer period if chemical is corrosive).

Controlling access to the pool is the surest way to prevent accidents. Whether you already own a pool or are considering purchasing one, its access must be controlled. Each pool owner is responsible for limiting access to his pool and ensuring constant supervision.

Always dilute products with water before pouring them in the pool. Don't forget that chlorine affects steel (rust). Most important, be sure to store your pool products out of children's reach.

Some suggestion to ensure your safety when using the pool. Good sense suggests establishing safety rules around the pool. Read these rules at the beginning of each season. The following are a few suggestions:

Rules to ensure safety when using the pool :

• Avoid running, pushing and horseplay around the pool.
• Take a shower before going swimming. This will decrease the quantity of bacteria and contaminants you introduce to the pool.
• Limit diving to the diving board and the deep end.
• Keep a buoy or life saving pole close to the pool.
• Keep glass and other fragile objects away from the pool area.
• Do not go swimming when there is thunder or lightning.

Safety Rules for young children

• Identify shallow areas where it is safe for very young children to play.
• Make sure that an adult is present to supervise the children all the time they are in the pool.
• Install a fence around the pool. (Your municipality may also require a fence).

Preparations in the event of an emergency

• Encourage all the members of your family to learn the mouth to mouth technique.
• Ensure emergency phone numbers are recorded in your telephone's memory.

A better understanding of chemicals and their intended usage will ensure that your spa water is safe and clear. It will also avoid you the expense of correcting its chemical balance and cleaning your spa. In certain cases, it may even be necessary to empty your spa.

Always dilute products with water before pouring them in the pool. Don't forget that chlorine affects steel (rust). Most important, be sure to store your pool products out of children's.

Spa Safety Rules

• To avoid risks to the bathers' health, never heat the water in the spa above 104°F (40°C).
• Limit the use of the spa to 15-minute periods to avoid causing nausea.
• Do not use the spa if you are inebriated or under the effect of medication which could cause somnolence.
• If you take medication, consult a physician before using the spa.
• Due to the high temperatures, young children should only use the spa with prudence.
• Pregnant women should not use the spa without their physician's approval.
• Do not use electric appliances near the water, for example a radio or hair dryer.
• Hot water is an ideal medium for the propagation of infections. Do not use the spa if you have an open wound.
• Always be careful when entering or leaving the spa

Preparations an the event of an emergency

• Always keep a well stocked first aid kit nearby (but out of reach of children). It should be stored in a location that is clearly identified and easy to reach.
• Keep an instruction sheet describing mouth to mouth resuscitation close to the pool. Make sure these instructions are waterproof.
• Encourage all the members of your family to learn the mouth to mouth technique.
• Ensure emergency phone numbers are recorded in your telephone's memory.

Don't forget that, for your safety, certain precautions must be taken when handling and storing chemical pool products. Be sure to read and respect the instructions concerning the recommended dosage and warnings on each label. Never put two chemical products in the water at the same time.

Always dilute products with water before pouring them in the pool. Don't forget that chlorine affects steel (rust). Most important, be sure to store your pool products out of children's reach.

Safety rules concerning disinfectant products :

• Always add the chemical product to the water; never the opposite.
• Keep chemical products away from sources of heat and sunlight.
• Never mix chemical pool products.
• Keep acid, paint, oil cloths, etc. away from chlorine based products.
• Never re-use empty chlorine containers to store other chemical products.
• Never mix two different chlorine products together.
• Never place chlorinated lime tablets in a trichlor chlorinator.
• Keep chemical pool products out of children's reach.

Here are some procedures that will allow you to keep the water in your pool or spa in top condition and that will minimize the need for analyzes.

• Change your filter sand every three to five years. However, if you use the product regularly DESERT GROVE FILTER, you can change the filtration sand to five years.
• Do cleanings weekly delivery or as needed when the gauge pressure is high.
• Never put two chemicals in the water at the same time.
• Close your pool as late as possible in the fall while keeping the clear water and the ideal alkalinity, and open it as soon as possible in the spring.
• Check alkalinity and hardness every week or, if you have a water well, every time you add water.
• Regularly check the pH and adjust it as needed.
• Put algaecide 40% early in the season and algaecide 12% weekly.
• Put chlorine regularly and do a weekly shock treatment.
• Make sure the bottles of OTO and Phenol are changed every year.
• Check the expiration date on the bottle containing the tabs AQUA CHECK or DESERT GROVE TEST 3 IN 1.
• Check if the sand is dirty, worn or contaminated (presence of algae). If this is the case, clean it with DESERT GROVE FILTER, make a backwash or change the sand (for 3-5 years).
• Make sure that there was due process algaecide according to quantity and recommended concentration.
• Check if the filter system works at least 18 hours on 24. (No stop if your system has a chlorinator or purifier).

Note: Items are processed in order of importance. This order must be followed because if one component is changed, it can affect the next component. For a complete analysis, you should use the tabs DESERT GROVE TEST 3 IN 1 or regularly bring a sample of your water at Desert Grove branch for a free analysis.

PH, or hydrogen potential corresponds to the quality of the acids and bases in water. More water is more basic pH is high. More low pH, the more acid. When the pH is not adjusted, chlorine and no longer cloudy water. Do not confuse the acidity of alkalinity and acidity of pH. Water is overcome alkalinity acid with sodium bicarbonate (ALCA +), while the pH is adjusted to the acid water with soda ash (Desert Grove PH +)

The ideal setting for a pH between 7.4 and 7.6.
To increase the pH: Use DESERT GROVE PH +.
To decrease the pH: Use DESERT GROVE PH.
The muriatic acid is not recommended since it has lower alkalinity.

The total alkalinity is the sum of the carbonates, bicarbonates and hydroxides in solution in water, such as sodium and potassium. Over there, the more water is alkaline. Unless there are, the more acid. After the lack of chlorine is the main cause of water problems. When the alkalinity is too low, it detects chlorine odor, eye heat, algae form, the pH is disrupted and chlorine disappears quickly. Warning, your water is still very clear. When the alkalinity is too high, the skin is irritated, chlorine no longer, pH malfunctions and cloudy water.

Note: Avoid using the "little cow" to increase the alkalinity because the effect is only temporary. If the pool water comes from an artesian well, water will be alkaline because the alkalinity of well water is usually between 180 ppm and 300 ppm.

The ideal setting for alkalinity is between 100-120 ppm.
To increase the alkalinity, use the + ALCA.
To reduce the alkalinity is used muriatic acid or hydrochloric acid. It is recommended to add this product in the evening.

The hardness of the water depends on the content of calcium and magnesium in water. Several factors affect the test results of the water hardness or alkalinity, pH and the amount of chlorine; so it is important to adjust before analyzing hardness. Too low hardness creates too corrosive water. Too high hardness encourage the formation of tartar.

The ideal setting for hardness is between 200 - 240 ppm.
To increase the hardness, is used DESERT GROVE calcium (CAL +).
To reduce the hardness is used DESERT GROVE MetaLoc or any other product for blocking metals in water.

Cyanuric acid is what is commonly called the chlorine stabilizer. A well stabilized water will make substantial savings chlorine during the season. When cyanuric acid is too high, the chlorine is not more and reading remains high even when chlorine is added. When cyanuric acid is too low, chlorine evaporates quickly under the effect of the sun and we must use a larger quantity.

The ideal setting for cyanuric acid is between 30-50 ppm.
To increase the cyanuric acid, is simply added DESERT GROVE STAB.
To decrease the cyanuric acid, water is added to dilute it.