Keeping the pool and spa balanced during lockdown

By David Lloyd

In these times of concern regarding transmitting viruses and bacteria, correct water balance and filtration has never been more important.

As we would have all read by now through various channels, there is no evidence that Covid-19 can be spread to humans through the use of properly maintained pools and hot tubs. Proper operation, maintenance and disinfection of pools and hot tubs should remove or inactivate the virus that causes Covid-19.

Start by using correct levels of an approved sanitiser such as chlorine. We need to make sure there is a good residual of free available chlorine by testing the pool water on a regular basis, and not just keeping high levels of total chlorine which may be holding high levels of chloramines hindering the efficiency of the chlorine.

The next step – and just as important – is to keep the pH level within the standard range of 7.2 to 7.6. If this pH level is allowed to increase upward to say 7.8 to 8.0, you will lose around 80 per cent of the direct killing power of the sanitiser, allowing bacteria and algae to bloom.

Keeping the total alkalinity in check will make life a lot easier to assist with keeping the pH balanced, meaning the efficiency of the chlorine is at its best to keep the bacteria at bay.

If you are treating an algal bloom, it is suggested that a good quality algaecide is used in conjunction with the chlorine. These products work synergistically in treating the algae and will allow the chlorine to do its job of killing off bacteria and viruses.

The use of a chlorine dioxide precursor is also recommended, as this will remove any biofilm build-up from the surface, pipework or filter, further reducing the chance of bacteria and virus build-up within the water.

These tips are supplied by International Quadratics’ David Lloyd. For more information call (02) 9774 5550.