Watermark - Monitor Pool Water Quality

CONTENTS Treating Water – The objectives ............................................................................................................. 5 A technical baseline ................................................................................................................................ 5 Toolkit ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 Occupational health and safety .............................................................................................................. 7 General.................................................................................................................................................... 9 Microbiological standards....................................................................................................................... 9 Faecal accidents .................................................................................................................................... 11 Hygiene practises .................................................................................................................................. 13 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 15 Pool inlets and outlets .......................................................................................................................... 16 Balance tank .......................................................................................................................................... 17 Skimmers, hair, and lint strainers ......................................................................................................... 20 Pumps ................................................................................................................................................... 21 Key design features ............................................................................................................................... 22 Filtration................................................................................................................................................ 23 Sand filters ............................................................................................................................................ 25 Sand filter types .................................................................................................................................... 26 Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters ............................................................................................................ 28 Vacuum (VDE) filter............................................................................................................................... 29 Pressure (PDE) filters ............................................................................................................................ 30 Diatomaceous earth safety ................................................................................................................... 31 Vacuum cleaning ................................................................................................................................... 31 Pipes ...................................................................................................................................................... 32 General safety ....................................................................................................................................... 32 Water balancing introduction ............................................................................................................... 34 ph .......................................................................................................................................................... 34 Alkalinity................................................................................................................................................ 36 Hardness ............................................................................................................................................... 37 Solution dosing...................................................................................................................................... 37 Dosing pumps........................................................................................................................................ 38 Disinfection objective ........................................................................................................................... 41 Chlorine disinfection ............................................................................................................................. 41 Chlorine standards ................................................................................................................................ 43 Calcium hypochlorite – use ................................................................................................................... 43 2

Sodium hypochlorite – use ................................................................................................................... 44 Sodium hypochlorite – safety ............................................................................................................... 45 Chlorine gas........................................................................................................................................... 45 OSEC systems – (on site Electro Chlorination Systems)........................................................................ 48 Cyanurates ............................................................................................................................................ 49 Cyanurates – safety............................................................................................................................... 50 Ozone (o3) ............................................................................................................................................. 51 Ultra Violet (UV) .................................................................................................................................... 52 Other disinfectants ............................................................................................................................... 54 Comparitive effectiveness against protozoans ..................................................................................... 54 Safety – storage and handling of chemicals ......................................................................................... 56 Storage of pool chemicals ..................................................................................................................... 56 Mixing and handling of chemicals......................................................................................................... 56 Safety clothing ...................................................................................................................................... 57 Signage .................................................................................................................................................. 57 At the entrance ..................................................................................................................................... 57 On the building ..................................................................................................................................... 58 On the container / tank ........................................................................................................................ 59 Safety data sheets ................................................................................................................................. 61 How and when do I get a safety data sheet?........................................................................................ 61 What do I do with my safety data sheets? ........................................................................................... 61 Do I always need to have a safety data sheet? ..................................................................................... 62 My chemical inventory.......................................................................................................................... 62 What do I include on my inventory?..................................................................................................... 63 Updating inventory ............................................................................................................................... 63 Small quantities of hazardous substances ............................................................................................ 63 Exceptions to this rule........................................................................................................................... 63 Mathmatical calculations ...................................................................................................................... 65 Chemcial dosing .................................................................................................................................... 68 Chemicals for pH and Alkalinity control................................................................................................ 69 Typical changes in pH and alkalinity expected when chemicals are added. ........................................ 70 Watergram / pool balancing ................................................................................................................. 71 Pool dosing calculations – hand dosing example ................................................................................. 72 Pool dosing calculations – automation dosing example ....................................................................... 73 Chemical water quality criteria – swimming pools and spa pools ........................................................ 74 3

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TREATING WATER – THE OBJECTIVES Whether the pool is a modern multi-pool aquatic centre or a simple 25m pool the main objective of treatment is always the same.

Sparkling attractive water with no harmful micro-organisms.

OR Adequately disinfected water The main objective is to kill harmful micro-organisms.

Management often focuses on the objectives listed below but in doing so can still meet the primary objective of adequate disinfection.

    

Preventing of eye or skin irritations Minimizing obnoxious odours Preventing algal growth Preventing corrosion Avoiding scale build up.

For water quality management to be effective, adjustments must be made to chemical dose rates to match the existing characteristics of the pool system and at the same time compensate for varying numbers of swimmers.

When the pool system cannot cope with the number of bathers and the water loses its sparkle or a faecal incident goes unnoticed or unattended, swimmers in the pool are at risk.

It is your responsibility to take appropriate preventative or remedial actions.

The course will help you understand what actions to take and provide information to effectively monitor a pool.

Faecal incidents create a health risk!

A TECHNICAL BASELINE The technical baseline for swimming pool operation is the New Zealand Standards for Pool Water Quality NZS5826:2010 Part 1. This document provides a range of guidelines to cover all pool types and if adhered to is a guarantee that pool water is correctly managed.

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Understand this document. These are the pool water quality guidelines.

Under normal circumstances these criteria are non-negotiable. If circumstances indicate that there is a need to go outside these parameter ranges this must be done by skilled trained personnel who are fully aware of the implications of their actions.

A situation typical of the need to go outside the normal parameter range is one involving the presence or the suspected presence of the micro-organism Cryptosporidium in the pool.

Basic information in the ‘toolkit’ To successfully manage pool water:    

The pool system must be set up correctly or the deficiencies must be recognised.

Chemical treatment must be appropriate.

Monitoring must be timely.

Remedial action must be implemented.

TOOLKIT To effectively treat a pool, some basic concepts need to be understood. These basic concepts are outlined in a toolkit in Appendix 1 include:     

Metrics Chemistry terms Microbiology Sampling details Laboratory test methods

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OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY The pool is inherently an unsafe workplace so personal and collective good work practices must be followed to ensure the wellbeing of staff, volunteers, patrons, and visitors.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 outlines responsibilities of staff, employees and volunteers, the thrust of the act is to identify risks and eliminate or mitigate them.

The principles of the Act are generally incorporated into the management protocol developed for each specific aquatic facility. An individual must be familiar with the content of the protocol.

Despite a safety framework in the form of a protocol, safety is still very much an individual’s own personal responsibility.

Consider these high-risk areas of a pool:

Safety is your responsibility.      

General environment Changing rooms Treatment plant rooms Heating and ventilation systems Activities and people behaviour Chemical storage and handling facilities

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GENERAL The approach to pool management depends on many factors, not least whether the pool is an indoor pool or an outdoor pool.

Outdoor pools:      

Sunlight effects unstabilised chlorine residual in water Windblown debris can be a problem.

Bathers sweat less because water temperatures are less than for indoor pools.

Algal growth can be a potential problem.

Contamination of pool surrounds can be a problem.

Body waste, internal and external are generally less or a problem.

Indoor Pools:     

Body wastes, sweat, urine, mucous and skin fragments are significant problems.

Body washed wastes: sunburn lotions and oils, make-up etc are a significant problem.

Environmental pollution is not a major concern.

Can be difficult to maintain correct disinfectant concentrations.

Pool hall odours can be a problem.

The main concern with pollution, particularly the organic loadings contributed by bathers is the variability, the protective nature of much of it and the often-high associated microorganism count.

To cope, pool management must be of a high standard so that potential health risk issues are readily identified and actioned.

Swimmers are at risk of infections from micro-organisms that may be present in inadequately treated pool water. Many of these micro-organisms are normal inhabitants of the body and when present in certain concentrations can enter the body through broken skin, by swallowing or through the ear and nose canals.

MICROBIOLOGICAL STANDARDS The populations of micro-organisms in even well managed pool water can be very high but fortunately many of the micro-organisms do not cause infections. The NZS5826:2010 have maximum allowable limits on some of these micro-organisms and this data is used to indicate the microbiological quality of the pool.

If the count exceeds limits this indicates that treatment processes are inadequate, or the system cannot cope with the number of bathers.

The chlorine concentration gives an indication of microbiological quality.

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Chlorine residuals in pool water are the primary indication of microbiological water quality because they give instant results. Microbiological information is not available for at least 24 hours after sampling, so the importance of the data is that it is ‘confirmatory’.

Table 4 from NZS5826:2010 defines limits for the four important groups of bacteria.

TEST Standard Plate Count Faecal coliforms Staphylococcus aureus Pseudomonas aeruginosa

LEVEL Less than 200 per millilitre Less than 1 per 100 millilitres Less than 100 per 100 millilitres Less than 10 per 100 millilitres

Results from laboratory tests should be interested in the following context:    

Counts give a general measure of the quality of pool water.

Coliforms are ‘indicator bacteria’.

Counts are not absolute values.

Counts allowable per volume are indicative of relative importance re infection.

Faecal Coliforms: are from the gut of worm blooded animals, are relatively easily inactivated by chlorine and their presence in water is a SERIOUS problem. Escherichia coli (E Coli): is a well-known member of this group that is now recognised as being resistant to antibiotics.

Standard Plate Count: is a measure of the bulk of bacteria in the water. Changes of the population size need to be monitored.

Staphylococcus Aureus: are normal skin, ear and nose flora that can cause skin and wound infections. They are resistant to chlorine.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa: is an opportunistic pathogen identified as a causative agent for ear, nose, and throat infections. It exists widely in the general environment and is found on and in humans. Resistant to chlorine and is difficult to inactivate with chlorine particularly under high temperature conditions such as a spa pool.

Because microbiological sampling is a snapshot of the quality of a pool, the presence or absence of non-complying counts must be considered in context.

If numbers of bacteria above approaching the limits specified in the standards is reached it is probable that other possible infective micro-organisms are also present.

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The presence of faecal coliforms in a pool is a serious problem.

Typical examples include: Causative Agent Staphylococcus Adeno viruses

spp,

Infection Type

Comments

Conjunctivitis

May also have a physical cause

Mycobacterium

Skin ulcerations

Shigella, salmonella campylobacter Yeast, fungi

Gasto intestinal upsets

Possible to get infected from unhygienic floors Faecal sourced

Entero viruses Naegleria fowleri

Gastrointestinal upsets Primary Amoebic Meningo-encephalitis Respiratory illnesses

Staphylococcus, Streptoccus spp Giardia Cryptosporidium

Skin and feet infections

Severe gastrointestinal complaints Severe gastrointestinal Symptoms which can be fatal in immuno compromised individuals

Possible to get infected from unhygienic floors Specific to hot pools i.e., hot pool amoeba Infective bacteria protected against chlorine by mucous Protozoan – widespread in the environment and relatively resistant to chlorine. Approximately 5-7 micron in size Virtually resistant to chlorine. Less than about 5micron in size.

FAECAL ACCIDENTS Pools most at risk are toddlers and paddling pools and the health risks are increased if these pools do not have separate circulations and filtration systems. The micro-organism population added to a pool during a faecal incident is very high. Some of these microorganisms will be potentially harmful and will infect a swimmer given the right combination of circumstances.

The actions taken following an incident will depend on circumstances but regardless:  Action is required.  The incident must be fully documented.

A generalized plan is outlined below. Modify to suit circumstances and take particular care of personal safety. Think Hygiene.

Factors that will affect the approach include:    

Pool turnover time Filtration type Age group of swimmers Is the circulation system separate or combined?

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 What disinfectant is used?  Water quality profile Faecal Solids - Remedial procedure:     

Evacuate the pool and remove the solids.

Spot chlorinate (in excess of 100mg/l) being milligrams per litre.

Clear the pool for at least 30 minutes of 5mg/l FAC has been reached throughout pool.

1 hour in typically large volume or deep pools (e.g. diving pools) Check the chlorine residual before allowing swimmers to re-enter the pool.

If the contaminated pool cannot be isolated, then this procedure needs to be applied to all affected pools.

Diarrhoea – Remedial procedure: An incident involving diarrhoea may create a higher health risk situation than an incident involving solid material because it has a potential to introduce micro-organisms such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, to pool water. These micro-organisms are difficult to remove from water by conventional pool water treatment processes.

Consider:    

Is a child involved?

Spring is a high-risk time.

Is the pool in a rural area?

Have there been outbreaks in the catchment area of the pool in recent times?

N.B. If the answer to any of the above is YES rethink the plan of action.

Health risks!

   

Evacuate the pool and rope the area off.

Vacuum the solids to waste or remove solids with a scoop.

Increase the FAC to greater than 5mg/l Use pool turnover time as a guideline for how long the pool has to be kept empty (typically three turnovers)

Alternatively The following options may be useful:  Evacuate the pool and ozonate at 1mg/l for 3 turnovers.  Drain the pool, disinfect the pool and start again.  Shock does with another disinfectant (seek advice) Similar actions and personal safety precautions should be taken with vomit or blood introduced to the pool. If the incident occurs poolside or in the changing rooms neutralise with a strong solution of chlorine, diluted chlorine added from a squeeze bottle or watering can or add household bleach direct from the container.

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N.B. Definition of vomit also known as emesis and throwing up – the involuntary, forceful expulsion of the stomach through the mouth and sometimes the nose.

Notifiable Disease Outbreak: The Public Health Service may require a swimming pool to close if there is a link or suspected link with a disease outbreak in the community.

The ideal approach often involves a number of measures that could range from closing the aquatic complex for days to restricting access to a particular age group. Whatever the approach:  Filtration effectiveness should be examined.  Disinfectant efficiency should be re-examined.

HYGIENE PRACTISES Cryptosporidium outbreaks have heightened the awareness of the need for personal hygiene.

The principles should be applied on a day-to-day basis.

Practical features:       

Changing room hygiene Toilet area hygiene standards Showers Handbasins Garbage disposal Floors Scum lines

The human factor:      

Signage Compulsory showering Nappies, babies, and parents Nappies in the pool People suffering from diarrhoea.

Personal hygiene

Health risk mitigation is complex and requires attention to detail. The aquatic environment provides an ideal environment for the spread of infection whether it be via medium of pool water or spread via unsanitary conditions in the changing and ablution area.

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INTRODUCTION A well-designed pool will:  Return pool water to the filters for removal of solids and subsequent disinfection.  Disperse chemicals throughout the whole volume of the pool.

To ensure a high standard of pool water treatment is achieved guidelines for the design of components of a pool system have been standardized.

New Zealand Standard NZS441:2008 Code of Practice for Swimming Pools is the guideline document.

If a pool does not conform to NZS441:2008 it is not necessarily unhygienic, but it does mean that it may be difficult to maintain pool water quality within the limits specified in NZS441:2008. The situation is typified by, for example, exceptionally high bather loads.

A stylised layout for a small pool is as follows:

Keep an eye on the water level in the pool.

A stylised layout for an aquatic centre or large pool is as follows: 15

POOL INLETS AND OUTLETS For an aquatic centre the commonest circulation system is a series of inlets along the centre of the pool with overflow of water through overflow channels at deck level.

A stylised overflow circulation system is as follows:

There are variations in this circulation system all with the common objective of removing contaminated surface water and dispersing chemicals throughout the pool.

Screens are usually installed at the end of the overflow channels to collect debris. These screens need to be cleaned and care needs to be taken to prevent debris entering the balance tank.

Maintenance and operational issues: 16

     

Broken or warped grates on the overflow channels Slime coated grates and channels.

Deck wash water disposal Damaged inlets Changed inlet pattern on the water surface.

Regular screen cleaning

BALANCE TANK Water from the overflow channels enters a sump known as the balance tank.

This tank:     

Collects the water from the overflow channels.

Provides a means of controlling pool make up water.

Provides a reserve volume for filter backwashing (sand filters) Has reserve volume to accept the volume of water displaced by bathers.

Assists in heat retention due to being enclosed as heat cannot escape.

Can you see the water inlet pattern on the pool surface?

How does a balance tank work?

The following diagrams are from NZS441:2008 and shows balance tank operations.

General features of a balance tank:

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Balance tanks are confined spaces.

Work in pairs if there is a need to enter the tank.

The sound of continuous water flow from the make up pipe suggests a problem.

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Maintenance and operational issues:    

Failure of or faulty valves Continuous make up water feed.

Water levels contravenes Health (Drinking Water) Amendment Act 2007 Damaged or blocked pump foot valve.

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SKIMMERS, HAIR, AND LINT STRAINERS Small pools, with flow patterns from one end of the pool to the other or across the pool and spas, normally have a series of inlets at one end of the pool and skimmers for outlets at the other end of the pool. The skimmers typically have a slot size of 3 – 7mm.

Pools with skimmers do not have a balance tank.

A typical skimmer has a flap to allow the surface water to ‘skim’ off solids and an internal basket to remove hair and debris.

Why is my pool water level rising?

A skimmer is always installed on the pump suction line.

Maintenance and operational issues:      

Broken overflow flap Debris basket blocked.

Desk lid hard to remove.

Blocked throat Pool water level too low Pool water level too high

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PUMPS A centrifugal pump is commonly used to circulate pool water. The rotating corrosion resistant impeller inside the casing sucks water into the central part of the pump and the vanes of the impeller impart energy so water can be pumped through the filter and the pipework.

Centrifugal pumps have limited capacity to suck water so the suction lift should be kept to about 1 metre in vertical height.

Noise?

Motor hot?

Oil leaks?

A typical pump set-up.

Maintenance and operational issues:           

Correct setup is very important.

Coupling rubbers Noise e.g., stones in the pump Temperature of motor Leakage from the shaft yes or no, normal, or abnormal.

Flow indication Non return valve near the discharge end of the pump Foor valve on the suction pipeline Foundations not rigid Lubrication Pressure gauges readings normal or abnormal

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KEY DESIGN FEATURES The physical features of the pool and the typical bather load must be matched so that the correct chemical parameters in the pool can be achieved and maintained.

Bather Load: Swimmers introduce contamination into the pool. The higher the number of swimmers the greater the degree of contamination. This relationship can be expressed as bather load: The number of pool users a pool is designed to cope with is based on the instantaneous bathing load. Refer NZS441:2008.

Pool water surface areas are used to determine instantaneous bathing load.

Water depth (m) <1.0 1.0 to 1.5 >1.5

Pool water surface area per pool user (m2) 2.2 2.7 4.0

For public pools not heated above 35oC, where, in the judgement of an experienced pool designer, the instantaneous bathing load at all times will be lower that the value calculated for the table above, the value may be reduced, but in no case, to less than 70% of the value calculated in the table above.

For public pools heated above 35oC, the instantaneous bathing load shall be no less than the number of available seating places.

The maximum bathing load shall be recorded by the pool designer and advised to the pool owner/operator. To maintain good water quality, bather numbers should not be permitted to exceed this value during the operation of the pool.

Upgrades of small pools at schools The instantaneous bathing load of a school pool having a depth less than 1m and a surface area less than 150m2, may be reduced provided the water quality requirements of NZS5826:2010 are complied with, but shall not be less than 50% of the value calculated using the table above. In all respects the requirements of the above table shall apply.

Turnover period The higher the pool loading the faster the water must be circulated back through the filters.

The time taken for the whole volume of water to be filtered is defined as the turnover period.

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Indicative turnover period for public pools Pool type Competition pool 50 m long, with 1.2 m shallow end Public lane pool 25 m long with 0.9 m shallow end Dive Pool Hydrotherapy pool Child’s pool Leisure water < 0.5 m deep Leisure water 0.5 m to 1.5 m deep Leisure water 1.0 m to 1.5 m deep Learner/trainer pool Water slide landing pool Spa Pool Domestic pool School Pool

Indicative turnover period (hours) 3 to 5 2 to 3 5 to 8 0.5 to 1.0 0.25 to 0.5 0.25 to 0.75 0.75 to 1.5 1 to 2 0.5 to 1.5 0.5 to 1.0 0.1 – 0.3 2 to 6 1.5 to 2.5

Consecutive Dilution As water is circulated through the filters, clean filtered water and disinfected water is continuously being mixed with the contaminated water in the pool. This concept known as consecutive dilution helps explain why pool water does not instantly become clear after, for example, a large number of bathers have used the pool.

FILTRATION Filtration is a complex process involving straining, physio-chemical reactions, and electrostatic reactions etc. to remove solids from water.

Filtration by itself cannot achieve the required water quality. For this to be achieved the filtration and disinfection systems must be operated optimally.

Two types of filtration are used in pools: Media filtration – Sand

horizontal and vertical pressure systems and vacuum systems

Precoat filtration - Diatomaceous earth

vacuum and pressure systems

Sand filtration can remove solids down to about 5-10 micron in size and with the addition of a coagulant/flocculant onto the sand bed can achieve removal rates equivalent to diatomaceous earth filtration.

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Generally, diatomaceous earth can remove solids more efficiently than sand filtration, however diatomaceous earth filtration and enhanced filtration can be considered to perform equally well if well managed.

One measure of how a filter performs is the turbidity reading after the filter. Typically, a wellmanaged pool will have a turbidity of up to 2 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) and an efficient filter will be able to reduce turbidity to less than 0.1 NTU. NTU is the unit used to measure turbidity of a fluid or the presence of suspended particles in water. The higher the concentration of suspended solids in the water, the dirtier it looks and the higher the turbidity.

The below chart illustrates typical sizes of particles that may affect water quality.

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SAND FILTERS Under normal circumstances solids are removed in the top 100mm or so of the sand bed and as the bed clogs, the flow of water through the filters will decrease so the sand bed will need to be backwashed or cleaned.

Backwashing is a process which involves reversing the flow of water (normally pool water or mains water) through the bed to restore the original properties of the sand bed.

Three steps are involved:  The dirt attached to the sand grains must be loosened.  Dirt must be flushed to the top of the sand bed.  Dirty water must then be flushed from the filter tank.

For pool filters, these three functions are carried out by water flow but some of the larger aquatic complexes use an air compressor to loosen the dirt from the sand grains so that it can be flushed to waste. This is called air scour sand filter.

Head loss gauges measure the extent of filter clogging and when the maximum allowable head loss is reached the filters must be backwashed.

A filter may need backwashing every few days. Backwashing is required on pressure differential, and not on a timeframe. Gauges will identify when backwashing is required.

One drawback of cleaning sand filters is that it takes some time before the full capacity of the sand bed to remove solids is restored so immediately after a backwash is a high-risk water quality period.

Air scouring sand filter

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SAND FILTER TYPES Open sand gravity filters are used for portable water treatment and there are some units at older pools in New Zealand, however most pool filters are pressure filters.

Pressure filters can be vertical or horizontal pressure filters constructed in mild steel, stainless steel, or wound fiberglass.

Vertical pressure sand filter

Horizontal pressure sand filter

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Multiport control valve

Pressure gauge – head loss gauge

Vacuum sand filters Vacuum sand filters operate on the princials of using atmosphereic pressure to do the work.

Because the pump is located after the media bed, the entire system operates as a low head, high efficiency structure. Smaller pumps can be used and the configuration eliminates the wasteful high pressure environment of typical pressure filters.

The entire filter system is designed and manufactured under controlled conditions and is shipped to the project site as a complete unit.

Features & Benefits  Ideal water clarity for all pool types including spas.  Certified to provide water quality required by all codes and regulations.  Furnished as complete circulation, filtration, and treatment systems.  Heavy-gauge stainless steel construction, pre-engineered  Suitable for in-ground, on-ground, or elevated use  NO hair and lint strainers to clean- daily maintenance is eliminated.  Eliminates the need for separate surge or balance tanks.

Vacuum sand filtration

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Maintenance and operational issues for sand filters:           

Backwash should continue until the water runs clean.

Air from the air release valves.

Valve settings Change valves in slow motion.

Identify direction of water flows Head loss gauges Annual inspection and clean Backwash water odours and colour Corrosion Valve condition Flow indication

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (DE) FILTERS A DE filter consists of an open tank (vacuum system) or a closed vessel (pressure system) containing a series of elements (septa) covered by a fine terylene cloth to which a fine material (diatomaceous earth) adheres.

Water passes through the DE coating, terylene cloth and is captured for return to the pool.

DE is a silica based skeletal remains of ancient alga mined as a geological deposit and processed to be used as a filter media.

In contrast to sand which is inert, DE can expand and provide a large filtration surface area per unit volume. A 50kg bag can expand to about 150 litres.

Wood cellulose fibre (Purifibre) can be used instead of DE. However, if left on the elements for a full 6-to-8-week, cycle may decompose when used under some operating regimes.

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Perlite can also be used. Perlite is 30% lighter than DE, therefore 30% less is required. It will operate at higher pressures, however, will require a greater backwash burst in order to circulate it through a filtration system. That is, may need to have short burst cycles for reversing the flow through the system.

VACUUM (VDE) FILTER Water is drawn from the balance tank through the ED coated elements by a pump and returned to the pool. The pump suction creates a vacuum to hold the DE on the elements. A typical vacuum is 40-80mm of mercury or mins 70kpa. A filter run of 6-8 weeks is achievable under normal circumstances.

VDE filter

VDE filter side view

Is the precoat dosing pump working?

Maintenance and operational issues for VDE filters:  Even DE coating  DE feed rates.  Removal of floating debris from filter tank 29

There are three main steps involved in operating a VDE filter: PRECOAT – The addition of a bulk amount of DE to the tank to build up an even coating of 23mm on the cloth covering the elements.

BODY FEED – Low concentration continuous feed of DE to the tan to mix with the suspended solids in the water and build up a thickness of the DE on the elements.

CLEANING – The plant is shut off, The DE ‘cake’ slumps to the bottom of the tank and the whole tank is hosed down and sluiced to waste. This waste material forms a ‘cake’ in the sewer so most Local Authorities require a sump or holding tank to trap solid material.

What is the level in the solution tank?

PRESSURE (PDE) FILTERS Pressure DE filters operate up to about 60Psi. DE is fed into the pumped line to the filter and the elements are coated in much the same way as the elements of a VDE filter. PDE filters come in various shapes and sizes but operate using the same principles as a VDE filter.

In contrast to VDE filters, body feed DE cannot be added to the filter tank, so filter runs of only about 5-6 days are achievable. These short runs can be lengthened by using the ‘drop cake’ technique. Using this process, the pump is turned off after several days, the DE cake drops to the bottom of the tank and is then recirculated, in the tank to recoat to elements.

Before the filter returns water to the pool, filtered water is filtered to waste because it is this initial flush of water that may contain high levels of bacteria and body fat.

To clean the filter, turn off the pump, open the bottom bleed valve and flush to waste.

Periodically the top needs to be taken off the filter to ensure there is no buildup of DE on the elements.

Pressure PDE filters

Elements inside pressure DE filter

Monitor the pressure gauge 30

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH SAFETY Full protective respiratory gear must be worn to avoid breathing in the hazardous dust. The silica-based dust can cause long term respiratory and lung damage.

Diatomaceous Earth is nonhazardous to handle so all that is required after using the product is to wash hands etc.

Purifibre is wood cellulose fibre based so is not rated as a respiratory hazard.

Avoid contact with the wash water/cake from a DE filter because it will contain a high bacteria population. Observe general hygiene precautions when cleaning the filter.

When lifting the lid from a PDE filter ensure that all chains, ropes, and hoists are used in the approved manner and staff are not likely to be injured by falling equipment.

DE dust is a respiratory hazard.

VACUUM CLEANING Some of the solids added to the pool sink to the bottom and can only be removed by vacuuming.

Handheld cleaners are normally coupled to a portable pump or the main filter system.

Vacuum cleaning using a handheld system is a tedious process that must not be hurried.

Automatic cleaners can be lowered into the pool and on a preprogrammed random basis will cover most of the area if left in the pool for a period of time. Some systems are notorious for twisting the attached cables.

Safety issues:     

Disposal or cleaning of cartridges after general cleaning and after a faecal incident Safety: electricity and water DO Not Mix Cord damage from abrasion and flexing Cleaning of impeller Lifting and placing in the pool without banging against pool wall

Manual vacuum cleaning of a 25m pool should take 2-3 hours 31

PIPES Modern aquatic centre pipework is normally pressure rated PVC or fiberglass with copper for the hot water circuits. Older pools may have a mixture of pipe work materials: cast iron, steel, PVC etc.

Pipes should ideally be colour coded with directional arrows.

Modern butterfly and ball valves should be moved SLOWLY. Older type valves should be scheduled for repacking as part of a preventative maintenance program.

GENERAL SAFETY The plant room is a HIGH-RISK area because of the combination of water, stairs/steps, confined spaces, moving machinery parts, chemicals, and electricity.

Plantroom doors shall remain (or shall be) locked at all times other than when authorised persons are inside.

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WATER BALANCING INTRODUCTION Water balance is important to ensure bather comfort and to ensure that the fittings and structure of the pool are not damaged by scale or by corrosion.

Water balance is a complex relationship of the following factors:    

pH total alkalinity calcium hardness total dissolved solids pH influences all chemical processes in the pool.

pH Water (H2O) exists in molecular form or as charged hydrogen or Hydroxyl ions.

H2O

=

H+

OH-

The degree to which H2O ionizes determines the acidity or pH of water and this is expressed as a mathematical term pH. pH is the measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in water The recommended pH range for pools is pH 7.2–8.0 with the most desirable value being pH 7.4 – 7.6.

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pH must be checked regularly – before use and every 3 hours until closure for the day. Spa pools are before use and every 2 hours until closure for the day. This applies when the pools can be used i.e., operating hours.

Chemicals that can LOWER the pH of water include:     

chlorine gas chlorinated iso cyanurates sodium bisulphate hydrochloric acid carbon dioxide

Full chemical specific safety precautions need to be followed when using these chemicals.

The pH at which pool water is maintained is important because pH determines:       

how corrosive water can be whether the water has a tendency to form scale how bathers are affected how efficient chlorine disinfection is the concentration and type of chloramines formed whether cloudy water will be a problem the affect of water on pool surfaces

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ALKALINITY Alkalinity is defined as: ‘The content of negative ions which minimize changes in pH by neutralizing acids introduced into water.’

The key to successful pool water management is to control pH. Whenever an ‘acid content’ chemical is added to pool water the pH will change unless there is sufficient chemical buffer (alkalinity) in the water to neutralise the acidity (hydrogen ions) added to water.

The chemical reaction of hydrogen ions with alkalinity produces a neutral chemical plus H2O The alkalinity (buffer) range should be:  100-200 mg/L for gas chlorinated pools and pools treated with trichloroisocyanurate with the ideal about 120-150 mg/L.  50-200 mg/L for pools with other forms of chlorination with the ideal range of 60120mg/L. To provide this alkalinity buffer there is a choice of three chemicals.

Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3)     

Common name – baking soda Slug/shock dosed to the pool to boost alkalinity levels.

Safe to handle.

The maximum pH reached is pH 8.3.

No special dosing equipment is needed.

Sodium Bicarbonate is a safe and easy chemical to use and is the preferred option.

Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3)      

Common name: washing soda.

Can be slug/shock dosed or diluted and added with a dosing pump.

Increases pH and alkalinity almost in proportion.

Reasonably safe to handle.

Gloves and eye protection needed.

Alkalinity and pH can be raised too high if too much chemical is added.

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)       

Available as a solution or in solid form.

Very corrosive and FULL protection gear needed.

Normally used to stabilize pH when chlorine gas is used.

Greater effect of pH than alkalinity Freezing point of supplied 45% solution is approximately 5 degrees C Special storage facilities are needed.

On-site shower and eye wash required.

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HARDNESS Total hardness is ‘a measure of the calcium and magnesium concentration in water’. If particularly the calcium concentration exceeds a threshold value, calcium will settle out to the bottom of the pool or form scale in the heat exchanger.

Calcium hardness can form scale.

The ability of water to ‘hold’ calcium is temperature related. When water is heated in a heat exchanger the calcium holding ability of water decreases in direct proportion to the increase in temperature if the calcium concentration is above a threshold value of 40gm/L300gm/L. Most New Zealand town water supply have a low calcium content so if the calcium-based products are not added to the pool, scale formation will not be a problem.

Powered chlorine (calcium hypochlorite) used for disinfecting some pools has a high calcium content and if not pre-dissolved in a tank or bucket before use, can lead to an unacceptable increase in calcium concentration in a pool.

For pools using only sodium-based chemicals the problem may very well be corrosive water.

Calculations can be carried out to establish how corrosive water is and remedial addition of calcium chloride to stabilize the water.

SOLUTION DOSING Chemicals such as sodium carbonate and caustic soda and slurries such as diatomaceous earth must be prepared in a suitable form to be dosed by a dosing pump.

To do this successfully:  The solution must be made up to a constant strength which is in the accepted range for that chemical of slurry.  Solution strength is usually expressed as % strength.

E.G: a 5% solution has 5g/100ml or 50g/litre.    

The circulation rate of the system must be known.

The required dose rate in g/m3 and litres/hour must be known.

The dosing range of the dosing pump must be known.

The added chemical must be monitored.

As a general rule the only chemicals that can be slug/shock dosed are sodium bicarbonate, calcium chloride and cyanuric acid.

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All other chemicals should be added using appropriate equipment:

Chemical Chlorine gas Carbon dioxide Solutions and slurries

Equipment type Gas chlorinator Gas pressure regulator Dosing pump

DOSING PUMPS A dosing pumps of the type used in pools are illustrated below.

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Maintenance and operational issues:                 

Pump turned on or off Leaks from the head of the pump Overuse of chemicals Stationary bubbles in the discharge tube Kinking tubing Motor hot or cold Indicator lights Correct settings Sediment in dosing head Flusher operational Solution tank level Tank stirrer Chemical store tidy and safe Calibration curve Low pump output Condition of the suction line Pump on but no discharge

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DISINFECTION OBJECTIVE The main reason pool water is disinfected is to prevent the transmission of disease i.e., the pool is disinfected.

By achieving the objective of adequate disinfection, the end result will be:    

Clear ‘blue’ sparkling water Water that is free of harmful microorganisms and unsightly algae Water that is pleasant to swim in and non-irritating.

A pool hall atmosphere that is not objectionable

Disinfection alone cannot produce the required result. Filtration must efficiently remove the solids from the water and the chemical balance of the water must be stable to allow the disinfecting chemical to work effectively.

Chlorine kills harmful bacteria.

CHLORINE DISINFECTION When the pool is blue i.e., sparkling, this indicates that there is no suspended material in the pool, so it is easier to effectively disinfect the pool. Clarity and blueness is a result of effective chlorination, and filtration.

For example, if a pool is filtered but not chlorinated the water will gradually become opaque.

Chlorination and filtration work synergistically.

An effective disinfection system relies on:  Eliminating all installation problems  Using a reliable testing procedure; DPD testing method.

Chlorine used extensively to disinfect water is available in three forms:  Gas (100% available chlorine) o CL2 + H2O  Solid (60 – 65% calcium hypochlorite) o Ca(OCL)2 + 2H2O  Liquid (13% - 15% sodium hypochlorite) o NaOCL + H2O

HOCL

+

HCL

2HOCL

HOCL

+

+

Ca(OH)2

NaOH 41

Irrespective of the source of the chlorine used, the active end product is always:

HOCL

or

Hypochlorous Acid or

FAC Free Available Chlorine

The chemistry of hypochlorous acid is determined by the pH of the pool water. When the pH of the water is above pH8 much of the activity of hypochlorous acid is lost.

TAC = FAC + CAC Total available chlorine = Free available chlorine + Combined available chlorine

Hypochlorous acid inactivates micro-organisms, so it is important to control pH to less than pH 8 Before chlorine in the form of FAC can inactivate micro-organisms, it must first react with ammonia and other organic wastes.

The end products of these reactions are: Monochloramine

NH2C1

Dichloramine

NHC12

Trichloramine

NC13

Collectively known as combined available chlorine, CAC or chloramines. They can be recognised by that familiar chlorine odour in the pool hall!

The break point of chorine with organic material is best illustrated in the BREAKPOINT GRAPH

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CHLORINE STANDARDS The chemical standards provide significant safety margins to ensure that the microbiological standards can be met. If a manager has to operate outside the limits of the standard particularly for pH, then a decision has to be made as to the correct chlorine residual to use.

REFER NZS5826:2010

CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE – USE Calcium hypochlorite powder contains 60-70% active chlorine. The powder should be prepared for use by mixing as a solution (30g/litre) maximum.    

Half full a tank with water Add the required amount of powder Top up the tank with water to facilitate mixing Allow contents to settle overnight

Add the clear solution to the pool via the dosing pump or by skimmers.

Calcium hypochlorite is potentially a dangerous product.          

Do not mix calcium hypochlorite with anything other than water.

Store in a cool dry place Store in original container Always keep covered.

Keep storage area clean.

Keep combustible materials, oil, paint products well away from calcium hypochlorite.

Never store calcium hypochlorite near a heat source such as pipes Always measure calcium hypochlorite in a non-metallic container Use clean dry hands.

Provide safety glasses or goggles for use.

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 Keep securely stored out of reach of children.  Dispose of split calcium hypochlorite by immediate flushing.  Always refer to material date sheet prior to use.

Calcium hypochlorite is a strong oxidizing agent, so be careful. A rule of thumb is to avoid problems. When mixing powder is always add powder to a large volume of water.

Maintenance and operational issues    

Solution strength Blocked solution lines or strainer Make-up tap location.

Safe storage.

SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE – USE Sodium hypochlorite is available in bulk (m3), 200 litre drums or 20 litre containers. The slightly yellow stabilized solution can be used as it is or diluted to accommodate a wide range of dosing pumps.

Liquid chlorine The stability of sodium hypochlorite depends on five main factors.     

Temperature of the solution Exposure to light Hypochlorite concentration Content of catalysts Alkalinity/pH value

The term ‘half-life’ is used to define the stability of sodium hypochlorite. A half-life is defined as the number of days required for the available chlorine content of a solution to be reduced to half its initial value. At the concentration supplied, sodium hypochlorite can lose half its strength in about 6-8 weeks.

A normal dosing system such as a diaphragm pump or a peristaltic pump can be used with either a bulk storage tank or 200 litre drums. If the solution is stored for longer periods that about a month, sodium hypochlorite strength should be checked, and an adjustment made to the dosing pump rate.

Care should be taken with loading and off-loading the 200 litre drums because the drums are tightly sealed for delivery and become pressurized.

Maintenance and operational issues  Dosing pump issues  Solution strength consistency  Blockages at injection point 44

 Metallic components

SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE – SAFETY  Because of its caustic soda content, sodium hypochlorite is classified as a caustic chemical.

Sodium hypochlorite is also a strong bleach.  Clothes and skin splashed with sodium hypochlorite should be liberally washed with water.  200 litre containers should have the pressure released before an attempt is made to move the container.  Spillages can be readily flushed away with water.  An approved eye bath should be available.

APPEARANCE ODOUR

Clear, light-yellow liquid Of chlorine

The Main Hazards: (a) Dangerous contact with the eyes. (b) A strong oxidizing agent Emergency Procedure

IF THIS HAPPENS FIRE LIQUID IN EYE LIQUID ON SKIN VAPOUR INHALED SPILLAGE

DO THIS NON-FLAMMABLE: however, keep tank cool with water spray to prevent decompositions and minimize the evolution of chlorine.

Fire fighters should use breathing apparatus DO NOT DELAY. Flood eye gently with clean fresh water forcing the eye open if need be. Continue washing for at least 15 minutes.

DO NOT DELAY. Flood effected areas with water and remove contaminated clothing. Continue washing for at least 15 minutes REMOVE the victim to fresh air. If breathing has stopped or is weak or irregular, call an ambulance and administer first aid.

AVOID contact with the liquid. Wear full protective clothing and breathing apparatus. Flood with copious amounts of water.

Inform Local Authorities if a major spillage occurs.

CHLORINE GAS Chlorine gas is supplied in 70kg cylinders or 1 tonne drums and is metered into the pool using a specialized piece of equipment called a chlorinator. The chlorinator is automatically controlled.

Specialized equipment is required for safe use.

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The key to successful disinfection using chlorine gas is based on:     

An understanding of the gas itself A knowledge of how a chlorinator works.

Knowledge of the correct installation for the chlorinator Maintenance of the chlorinator Safety considerations

Chlorine is manufactured by the electrolysis of sodium chloride (salt). The chlorine gas produced is dried and refrigerated to liquefy it and then stored in cylinders or drums.

Characteristics of Chlorine gas:  Heavier than air  High concentration – chlorine gas is greenish yellow, but danger levels are below the visibility levels.  Pressure in a chlorine container varies with temperature therefore pressure cannot be used to gauge the contents.  Liquid chlorine has a high rate of expansion so never restrict chlorine in valves in the pipeline.  A liquid leak is dangerous because it expands to form large volumes of gas.  Wet chlorine is corrosive to most metals.  Dry chlorine does not corrode steel but when mixed with moisture from the air, chlorine gas becomes corrosive.  Reacts strongly with combustible material particularly oils, grease etc.  Respiratory irritant  Can be smelt at about 3g/m3.

Chlorine leaks must always be attended to. They always get worse. What may start off as a minor leak may become a major problem.

Always take action if a chlorine leak is suspected.

Drum (920kg)    

Contains 907kg liquid chlorine.

90% full for safety reasons Continuous withdrawal rates up to 10kg/hour In the event of a direct fire, hot spots should be cooled with appropriate foam.  Gross weight = 1700-1750kg  Dimensions = 220cm x 80cm

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980kg chlorine drum

chlorine drum valves

Low-capacity differentially regulated chlorine gas feeder

Maintenance and operational issues The operation of a chlorine gas system is a specialized operation and full training is required.

Chlorine containers should not be disconnected to connected by someone without the correct tools, skills and back up.       

‘sniff’ test Rotameter reading Suction sound on the venturi Access is not hindered Spanner on valve Ammonia bottle available Correct tools on site

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OSEC SYSTEMS – (ON SITE ELECTRO CHLORINATION SYSTEMS) These systems use a controlled flow of brine solution from a separate tank and feed this through a series of cells to form sodium hypochlorite solution with unreacted brine and hydrogen gas as a by-product. The effective concentration of the final product depends on the unit being used but ranges between 0.7 and 4% chlorine.

It is important to ensure that only soft water low in calcium content is used in these units because it readily cakes on the electrodes. Because of the low strength of the hypochlorite the solution is extremely stable, and the sodium hypochlorite produced can be bulk stored or fed by dosing pump into the pool.

Maintenance and operational issues      

Electricity and water do not mix.

Salt tank level Keep surfaces clean.

Indicator lights spillages difficulty maintaining chlorine levels in the pool.

Example of a OSEC system workings – automatic system

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Example of a OSEC system workings – small manual system

CYANURATES Cyanuric acid and chlorinated cyanurates are unique because they stabilize hypochlorous chlorine against breakdown by sunlight, without interfering with the disinfection process if concentrations are kept within normal limits.

Cyanuric acid can be used as an independent chemical in conjunction with any form of chlorine to achieve the required stability or used as a combination chlorine/cyanuric acidbased product known as iso-cyanurate.

All are solids. Cyanuric acid is difficult to dissolve white powder, dichloro-isocyanuric acid is very soluble white powder and trichloro-isocyanuric acid is a chlorinous smelling large (10 – 15cm) white tablet. Iso-cyanuric acid is white ‘rice’ looking solid.

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Prevents chlorine loss in outdoor pools. .

The action of cyanuric acid or isocyanuric is illustrated above.

Maintenance and operational issues  solubility problems  effect on pH  overdosing or underdosing problems

CYANURATES – SAFETY These products pose no hazard if stored under clean dry conditions. However, if allowed to decompose or come in contact with organics or moisture, they then pose a serious hazard.       

Handling and mixing must be carried out in a well-ventilated room.

Full protective overclothes should be worn, as should a dust mask.

The building should be fireproof.

Subject to decomposition if mixed with organic materials.

Cyanurate containers should be flushed out then burnt or disposed of safely.

They should be stored separately from all other chemicals.

Disposal of pool water to water courses and sewers requires specific authorization.

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The main risks associated with particularly decomposing cyanurates, is the excessive buildup of nitrogen trichloride. The conditions under which this can occur is not known in any detail but the recommendation is to take special care with the storage of cyanurate based products.

OZONE (O3) Ozone is generated by passing an electric discharge through clean, dry air or oxygen. The current disassociates the oxygen molecule, which reforms into a three-oxygen molecule called ozone. i.e. 302

203

Ozone is a very strong oxidizing agent that can be smelt at concentrations less than 0.1g/m 3, and when in concentrations higher than this, is a severe eye, nose, and throat irritant. The unstable nature of ozone is the basis of its ability to disinfect.

Because of its instability, ozone must be generated onsite and used immediately. A typical ozone facility commences with a pre-treatment step, whereby air is cleaned, filtered, dried, and sometimes refrigerated.

The production of ozone is very dependent on the flow rate of purified gas and the power applied.

Ozone is generated in a tube, or a plate type water cooled ozonator. A high-tension electrode provides the voltage in the range 4,000 – 30,000 volts at a frequency between 50 – 100hz. As the applied voltages increase, so does the amperage and quantity of ozone produced. This process is also called corona discharge.

Some ultraviolet light systems produce very small quantities of ozone but are not suitable for pool treatment.

OZONE BREAKS DOWN CHLORAMINES

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Diagram of an Ozone pool system

Microbiologically ozone is an effective disinfectant over a wide concentration range, although the contact time is critical in determining survival rates.

Ozone is:      

Effective against protozoans and other resistant micro-organisms Breaks down CAC residuals in a pool.

Must not enter the pool.

Must be used in conjunction with a residual generating disinfectant.

Residuals can be difficult to test accurately with manual gear.

Produces good swimmable water.

Ozone is effective against protozoans.

ULTRA VIOLET (UV) The UV pool system is installed so that the water goes through the pool's filtration system first, and then through the UV rays. The water flows through graphite housing where a UV light destroys bacteria, algae, viruses, and other microorganisms by attacking them through their cell walls.

UV sanitation, when used as a supplementary sanitiser alongside your chlorinator, is one of the most effective ways to clear pool water of all contaminants. They are a fantastic and affordable addition to all pool systems and will provide cleaner, healthier water for your swimmers.

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An ultraviolet (UV) pool system uses the power of ultraviolet light to enable pool and spa owners to lower the FAC residual level in the pool. UV eliminates chlorine by-products, making pools safer, healthier, and easier to maintain. UV pools systems destroy pathogens that enter your water and reduce the need for chemicals.

Diagram of a UV sanitation system

An example of a UV sanitizer Maintenance and operational issues    

Replacement of the UV lamp regularly Cleaning of sleeve Monitoring of UV system dosage and performance Check power is always available to the unit ensuring solenoid valve is open.

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OTHER DISINFECTANTS Other chemicals can be used to inactivate harmful micro-organisms. There is no chemical available that can compete fully with chlorine but some of the available chemicals have unique characteristics and abilities that make them suitable for niche applications.

Suitable systems include:    

Chlorine dioxide Baquacil Bromine based product Chemicals based on specific bactericidal active ingredients

COMPARITIVE EFFECTIVENESS AGAINST PROTOZOANS

Disinfectant Chlorine Ozone Chlorine Dioxide Ultraviolet

Effectiveness Against Giardia Cryptosporidium Fair Almost nil Excellent Excellent Good Fair/Good Excellent Excellent

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SAFETY – STORAGE AND HANDLING OF CHEMICALS Many of the chemicals used in swimming pools are potentially dangerous and there are risks associated with mixing or storing chemicals. All chemicals are supplied with Material Data Sheets – so please use them.

MDS are valid for 5 years. Each sheet has a date on them showing the date of issue and a review date. Supplier logo shall be on the MDS along with brand name of chemical.

Material data sheets shall be supplied by your supplier.

STORAGE OF POOL CHEMICALS  All instructions should be read carefully.  Chemicals should be kept in their original container in a clean, dry place and the label should not be defaced.  Always cover a container  For particular hazardous chemicals, put warning signs on the storeroom wall.  For those chemicals that constitute a fire hazard, make certain they are kept under fireproof conditions.  Never smoke or vape while in the chemical storeroom.  In general terms, chemical storage areas should be cool, dry, well-ventilated, and secure with the provision for separation of chemicals.  Alkaline and acid chemicals shall not be stored together without solid robust separation.

Chlorine based compounds are the most volatile compounds used for swimming pool treatment. Special care should be taken when storing chlorine compounds. They should not be mixed with organics or any other product and in particular, cyanuric acid-based products should not be stored with chlorine-based products.

MIXING AND HANDLING OF CHEMICALS  Always read the label. If the label is complicated, simple instructions should be noted in a book or noted on a poster close to where the chemicals are being mixed.  Protective clothing must be worn at all times. For hazardous chemicals such as caustic soda, and chlorine special clothing is required.  Add chemicals to water, not vice versa. Always be careful using containers that have residues of chemicals. Make certain that equipment used to mix chemicals is clean and preferably not metallic.  Have eye wash bays and mouth wash facilities available.

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 Ensure that flushing facilities (such as a hose), are readily accessible for both the worker and for flushing chemicals away.  Never allow split chemicals to build up on the floor or around the mixing area. Never smoke or vape when handling or mixing chemicals.

SAFETY CLOTHING  Overalls should be supplied for handling particularly chlorine-based products or aggressive products such as caustic soda.  Generally, clean, dry hands are preferable to using gloves for most chemicals.  For hazardous chemicals a safety hat complete with face mask is preferrable to the use of goggles.

SIGNAGE HAZCHEM signage can be confusing to people unfamiliar with the various symbols and codes used to convey important information quickly.

This short explanation is designed to give you the basics, so you know how to be safe when encountering any of these signs and have a general idea of what they mean.  The ability to read a sign may make the difference between a minor event and a major catastrophe.

AT THE ENTRANCE Often when you first enter a site that stores hazardous substances, you will see a large sign on the gate with a warning “HAZCHEM”, this usually includes a set of hazard diamonds and some emergency contact information.

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All businesses that store hazardous substances over a certain threshold are required to advise people that these are present by placing signs at every vehicle and pedestrian entrance.

The hazard diamonds are internationally recognised symbols that inform people of the “class” of hazardous substances on site.

Below you will see the “Class 3 Flammable Liquid”, “Class 6 Toxic Substances” and “Class 8 Corrosive Substance” diamonds.

Emergency contact information normally directs people to call 111 in an emergency, however, may also include site specific contact details.

ON THE BUILDING As you get closer to where specific hazardous substances are stored, you will notice that the signage gets more detailed like the example below.

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In the case above the signage includes ‘No Smoking”, “No Naked Flames or Ignition Sources” and “Protect Drains Contain / Clean Up Spills.”

It also contains the contact number for specialist advice.

ON THE CONTAINER / TANK When you get to the container or tank holding the hazardous substances you will often see a placard that contains various numbers and codes. In the example below you can see the first line includes a code “2YE”. This is HAZCHEM Emergency Action Code and is specifically designed to let emergency services / fire brigades know five pieces of vital information very quickly as shown below in the table and associated key.

The code “2YE” lets emergency responders know:     

Fine Spray / fog needs to be used to extinguish the fire.

The substances can react violently or explosively.

Self-contained breathing apparatus and full fire kits must be worn.

Any spillage must be contained and prevented from entering drains or water courses.

There is a public safety risk and evacuation may be required.

The second piece of information is the UN Number, which is an internationally recognised number for the specific hazardous substance and avoids confusion when chemicals may have several common names.

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Next there is the common name for the hazardous substance, in this case its “Liquified Petroleum Gas”.

Finally, the emergency contact details.

BE OBSERVANT AT ALL TIMES

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SAFETY DATA SHEETS Safety data sheets provide important information about your hazardous substances. It is mandatory to have a current safety data sheet for each of the hazardous substances in your workplace regardless of the quantity you hold.

A safety data sheet (SDS) provides comprehensive information about the properties of a hazardous substance, how it affects health and safety in the workplace and how to manage these risks. An SDS explains how the substance should be safely used, stored, transported and disposed of. It provides first aid information, information about the personal protective equipment that the person handling the substance should wear and what to do in the event of an emergency, such as a spill or fire.

HOW AND WHEN DO I GET A SAFETY DATA SHEET? The supplier of a hazardous substance to a workplace must provide a HSNO compliant SDS with their products.

There is also a duty on the PCBU that is being supplied with a hazardous substance to obtain a SDS: 

when the hazardous substance is first supplied. This includes if it is the first time it has been supplied to the workplace in five years.



when the hazardous substance is first supplied after the SDS has been amended.

WHAT DO I DO WITH MY SAFETY DATA SHEETS? A current SDS for each hazardous substance (or a condensed version of the key information from the safety data sheet, for example a product safety card) must be kept with your inventory. It must be read, the risks posed by the substance understood and the appropriate measures put in place to manage them.

The full SDS, or the condensed version, must be readily accessible to people who may handle, or be exposed to, the hazardous substance such as workers and emergency services personnel. Readily accessible means that the document is capable of being accessed without difficulty in hard copy, electronic, or other form.

Workers will also need to be trained on and made aware of the dangers associated with a new hazardous substance, or on an existing substance when the SDS changes.

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DO I ALWAYS NEED TO HAVE A SAFETY DATA SHEET? There are a few exceptions. You don’t need an SDS for:  a hazardous substance that is in transit.  a hazardous substance that is a consumer product to be used in quantities consistent with household use.  a hazardous substance in a retailer’s premises that is a consumer product and is in that workplace only for the purpose of supply to other premises and is not intended to be opened on the retailer’s premises.  anhydrous ammonia contained in equipment that forms part of any other equipment in which anhydrous ammonia is used as a refrigerant (unless the quantity of anhydrous ammonia is more than 100 kg).

However, in any of these exclusions you must make sure that information about the safe use, handling, and storage of the substance is readily accessible to workers.

MY CHEMICAL INVENTORY Businesses are required to have an inventory of all their hazardous substances. It’s important to know what hazardous substances you have in order to safely manage their risks to your workers and others who may be exposed to hazardous substances in your workplace.

There are three main things you need to do:  have an inventory of all the hazardous substances used, handled, manufactured, or stored at your workplace.  keep it up to date.  make sure it is available to emergency services workers.

An inventory is a list of hazardous substances (including hazardous waste) that are used, handled, manufactured or stored at any workplace that you, as a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), manage or control. It will help you understand the substances you have on site, work out the requirements you must comply with and plan your emergency procedures.

Your inventory tells emergency workers, compliance certifiers or health and safety inspectors what hazardous substances you have. It must be readily accessible to any emergency service workers attending the workplace, both during an emergency and after the workplace has been evacuated. This means that the document is capable of being accessed without difficulty in hard copy, electronic, or other form.

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WHAT DO I INCLUDE ON MY INVENTORY? For each hazardous substance your inventory must include: the substance’s name and UN number (if available) the maximum amount likely to be at the workplace its location any specific storage and segregation requirements a current safety data sheet or a condensed version of the key information from the safety data sheet  any hazardous waste

    

UPDATING INVENTORY An inventory must be kept up to date but it’s not a daily calculation of quantities held.

Instead, it represents the maximum quantity of each hazardous substance likely to be at each workplace. You will need to update your inventory whenever the substances change, or the maximum number of substances likely to be at your workplace changes. When you update your inventory, you should also review and, if needed update, the measures you take to manage your substances.

SMALL QUANTITIES OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES Any quantity of hazardous substance means you must have an inventory. However, one of the exceptions to this requirement is that you do not need an inventory for substances that are consumer products to be used in quantities, and ways, consistent with household use.

EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE There are two types of workplaces with exceptions to the inventory requirement:  Transit depots. This is because goods in transit remain in their packaging and are subject to the Dangerous Good Transport Rules. Instead, the PCBU at the transit depot must have a list of the product or chemical name and the quantities of each hazardous substance at the depot or transfer zone.  You don’t need an inventory if you are a laboratory using hazardous substances in research and development, analytical testing, or teaching. (Laboratories do need to keep a record of tracked or unapproved substances).

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MATHEMATICAL CALCULATIONS Area (plane) SQUARE

Area = L x B L = 5m and B = 5m Area = L x B = 5m x 5m = 25m2

RECTANGLE

Area = L x B L = 5m and B = 3m Area = L x B = 5m x 3m = 15m2

TRAPEZOID

Trapezoid Trapezium W1= 23m W2 = 15m H Area = (23 + 15) x 3 2 = 57m2

TRIANGLE

Area = (H x B) 2 H = 7m B = 8m Area = (7 x 8) 2 = 28m2

CIRCLE

Diameter = (Ø) say 20 m Radius = (r) say 10 m Circumference = 2 x π x r Area = π x r2 = 3.1416 x 10m x 10m = 314.16 m2

(US) (UK) =

9m

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NOTE: In all calculations relating to circles, cylinders, cones, spheres, the contact PI (π) is used, π = 3.1416 (π = circumference/diameter) Area (Solid) It is often necessary to know the surface areas of 3 dimensional solid figures.

CUBE

Area = (2 x L x B) +(2 x L x W) + (2 x B x W) L = 5m B = 7m W – 4m Area = (2 x 5 x 7) +(2 x 5 x 4) + (2 x 7 x 4) = 70 + 40 + 56 = 166m2

CYLINDER

Area = (2 x π x r2) + (2 x π x r x H) R = 10m H = 5m Area = (2 x 3.1416 x 102) + (2 x 3.1416 x10 x 5) = 628.32m2 + 314.16m2 = 942.48m2

PIPE

Area = outside surface area + inside surface area + ends OD = 10m ID = 8m R = 4m L = 20 Outside surface area = 2 x π x r x L = 2 x 3.1416 x 5 x 20 = 628.32m2 Inside surface area = 2 x π x r x L = 2 x 3.1416 x 4 x 20 = 502.66m2 End = (π x r2) outside - (π x r2) inside = 3.1416 x 52 – 3.1416 x 42 = 28.47m2 Total = 628.32m + 502.66m + 28.47m

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VOLUME Volume = L x B x H L = 50 m B = 16m H = 2m Volume = 50 x 16 x 2 = 1600m3 Volume = (B x H) x L 2 B = 16m H = 2m L = 50m Volume = (16 x 2) x 50 2 = 800m3 Volume = (W1 + W2) x H x L 2 W1 = 6m W2 = 4m H = 5m L = 15m Volume = (6 + 4) x 5 x 15m 2 = 375m3 Volume = π x r2 x H r = 5m H = 7m Volume = 3.1416 x 52 x 7 = 549.78 m3 Volume = (π x r2 x H) 3 r = 5m H = 7m Volume = 3.1416 x 52 x 7 3 = 183.26 m3 67

CHEMICAL DOSING Chemical

Method

Calcium hypochlorite Decide on concentration required e.g. 5mg/l = 5g/m3 – manual dosing Measure pool volume (L x W x D) 15x5x1 Multiply concentration of chemical required by volume domestic pools only e.g. 5 g/m3 x 75m3 = 375g adjust as Calcium hypochlorite is normally 65% effective so weight to be added 375g x 100 = 577grams 65 Rounded to 580grams to the pool Calcium hypochlorite Decide on concentration required e.g. 5mg/l = 5g/m3 – For continuous dosing using 3% solution (30g Establish the recirculation flow say 15,000 L/hr powder/L = 30,000mg/l.

This equates to 1.95% Dose = recirc flow (L/hr) x concentration (mg/l) ÷ 100 chlorine.

65 The maximum solubility = 15,000L/hr x 5mg/l ÷ 30,000mg/l x 100 is only 3%.

65 Solubility is the ability of = 75,000 ÷ 30,000 l/hr x 100 a solid, liquid, or gaseous 65 chemical substance to = 3.8 l/hr dissolve and form a solution.

Calcium hypochlorite Decide on concentration required e.g. 5mg/l = 5g/m3 – manual dosing using 3% Measure pool volume (L x W x D) 15x5x1 Then chemical weight required in pool = 5 g/m3 x 75m3 x 100 = 577g 65 Allowance for low (3% or 30g/l) solution strength of 30g/l Dose = weight required in pool ÷ solution strength = 577g ÷30g/l = 19.2L Therefore, add approximately 12.5 L of solution.

Cyanuric Acid

Decide on concentration required e.g. 30mg/l = 30g/m3 Measure pool volume (L x W x D) 15x5x1 Concentration of chemical required (g/m3) x pool volume (m3) = 30g/m3 x 75m3 = 2250g or 2.3 kg approximately

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CHEMICALS FOR PH AND ALKALINITY CONTROL

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TYPICAL CHANGES IN PH AND ALKALINITY EXPECTED WHEN CHEMICALS ARE ADDED.

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WATERGRAM / POOL BALANCING

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POOL DOSING CALCULATIONS – HAND DOSING EXAMPLE

ALKALINITY School Pool = 64m3 You require 100g/m3 of alkalinity.

You already have 35g/m3.

Therefore, you need 65g/m3.

65 x 64 = 4160 grams of alkalinity chemical required However, alkalinity chemicals are not 100% efficient.

Sodium Bicarbonate (chemical of choice) is only 60% efficient.

4160 x 100 60 = 6933g or 6.9kg chemical required (4160 x 100 ÷ 60 = 6933.33)

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POOL DOSING CALCULATIONS – AUTOMATION DOSING EXAMPLE

You require 6g/m3 of chlorine.

You already have 2g/m3 Therefore, you need 4g/m3 Recirculation flow Recirculation flow 3 rate 12m /hr rate 12m3/hr Pool volume – 48m3 Turnover = 4 hours

Bulk addition of chlorine Existing chlorine is 2g/m3 Required 6g/m3 = 4g/m3 x 48m3 = 192g Given 12% as the chlorine source how many litres will be required?

12% contains 120g/litre So 192g ÷120g/litre = 1.6 litres Using output of dosing pump Chlorine required 12m3/hr x 4g/m3 = 48g If 12% as the chlorine source is used how many litres is required?

12% contains 120g/litre Dosing pump needs to be set to dose 48g ÷ 120g/l = 0.41 or 400ml 73

CHEMICAL WATER QUAILITY CRITIERIA – SWIMMING POOLS AND SPA POOLS

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