Testing for metals in pool water.

Metal rest properly conducted with precisely calibrated scientific instruments are very accurate. But common liquid dropper and strip format tests, while easy to use, have limitations. Sequestering agents and other chemicals interfere with these tests, frequently showing metal levels that have tested significantly lower than they actually are.

When testing for metals, make sure the kit contains a releasing agent, and is measuring total and not just “FREE” metal concentrations. In general, two-step metal testing procedures measure total metal concentrations, while one-step procedures only measure “FREE” metal concentrations.

Once you know the metal load of your pool water, you need to take action to minimize staining. One effective temporary measure is to add a sequestering agent. These chemicals tie up the dissolved metals and prevent them from oxidizing on the pool surface. Unfortunately, sequestering agents do not effectively remove metals from pool-water, and they break down over time, losing their ability to bind metals continually.

Questions or comment call Richard at: 609-313-0300….www.paradisepoolandspa.com