King Technology POOL FROG Mineral Hybrid System Digital - Manual (Page 16)

16
Glossary
Salt: To ensure maximum benefits with the use of the sys-
tem, the ideal salt level is 4000 ppm (parts per million).
A low concentration of salt can hinder the generator’s
effectiveness. A concentration of salt above 5500 ppm
may cause corrosion damage to the pool fixtures. See
Adding Salt on page 6.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) are different from the salt
level of the pool, although TDS levels rise with the addi-
tion of salt. This does not harm the pool water chemistry
or clarity. To determine an accurate TDS, subtract the salt
level from the TDS reading.
Free Chlorine v. Combined Chlorine: The unpleasant
smells and side effects often associated with chlorine are
actually caused by combined chlorine (i.e. chloramines).
Combined chlorine is a chlorine molecule that has com-
bined with a contaminant and needs to be burned off with
a shock treatment to free up the chlorine again. With the
POOL FROG® Mineral Hybrid depending on pump-run time
per day, the combined chlorine is burned off at the point
of the cell which reduces the need to shock.The free chlorine
level in the pool should be maintained at 0.5 to 1.0 ppm.
pH is a measure of how acidic or basic a solution is. A
scale of 0 to 14 is used to measure pH. Pure water has a
pH of 7 (neutral), acid solutions have a pH of less than 7,
and basic (alkali) solutions have a pH of more than 7. The
recommended range is 7.2 to 7.8; chlorine is more effec-
tive within this range and the water is most comfortable
for bathers. Water with very high pH levels can cause scal-
ing in the pool, on the walls and in pipes. Low pH levels
cause the water to be aggressive to the pool walls, equip-
ment and bathers. To lower pH, add muriatic acid or dry
acid, and to raise pH, add soda ash (sodium carbonate).
Be sure to read and follow the respective manufacturer’s
instructions.
Total Alkalinity mitigates changes in pH. It is often
referred to as the “big brother of pH.” Keeping proper
levels of total alkalinity will help reduce unwanted fluctua-
tions in pH levels. Total alkalinity is also used to offset
high or low levels of calcium hardness (see Saturation
Index on previous page). Add muriatic acid or dry acid to
lower total alkalinity and add baking soda (sodium bicar-
bonate) to raise total alkalinity. Be sure to read and follow
the respective manufacturer’s instructions.
Stabilizer (cyanuric acid) is necessary in most outdoor
pools to prevent chlorine reduction from the sun’s ultra-
violet rays. Chlorine stabilizer should be maintained at 40
ppm to offset the harmful effect of the sun while maintain-
ing the effectiveness of the chlorine.
Nitrates and Phosphates, generally associated with fertil-
izer thrown or sprayed on nearby grass, can put very high
demands on chlorine; most often nitrates and phosphates
will bring the chlorine level down to zero (0). You can have
your water tested for nitrates and phosphates by the local
pool professional. No nitrates or phosphates should be in
your pool. To reduce phosphate levels, use a phosphate
remover from your local pool professional. To reduce
nitrate levels, the pool must be partially or fully drained,
but be sure to consult your local professional before drain-
ing your pool.
Metals (certain metals) can cause loss of chlorine and
can stain your pool. If a water test reveals the presence
of metals, refer to your local pool professional for rec-
ommended methods of removal prior to using the POOL
FROG® Mineral Reservoir.
New Pool Water in recently filled or newly refinished pools
may contain undesirable matter. The ability of the POOL
FROG® Mineral Hybrid Generator to maintain your pool
sanitation could be hindered by this matter so it is best to
balance the pool water first.
Calcium Hardness, like pH and alkalinity, affects the
water’s tendency to be aggressive or scale forming. Lower
levels of calcium hardness improve the chlorine genera-
tor’s performance and provide softer silkier water for the
swimmers.
Saturation Index determines whether the pool water is
balanced, aggressive or scale forming by comprehensively
taking into account all the relevant factors, including pH
level, alkalinity level, calcium hardness and temperature.
These factors should be tested then plugged into the
worksheet on the previous page to verify the proper bal-
ance of the pool and make adjustments as necessary.