Rule 511-3-5-.17. Chemical Operational Parameters

The chemical operational parameters in swimming pool or spa water shall not exceed the maximum level or be lower than the minimum level given in the following parameters. Where no minimum or maximum is given, additional information is within this Chapter to assist the pool operator.

Minimum Ideal Maximum Comments (1) Disinfectant Levels (a) Free chlorine, ppm in pools not using cyanuric acid or a stabilized chlorine compound use (b),1.-5.   In a pool, hot weather/heavy use may require operation at or near maximum levels. Regular superchlorination is recommended (see Remedial Practices below). (b) All public pools except as listed below: 1.0 1.0-3.0 10.0 1. Spas 3.0 3.0-5.0 10.0 2. Activity/interactive/ Wading Pools 2.0 2.0-5.0 10.0 3. Interactive Water Play Pool(Spray Pad) 2.0 2.0-5.0 10.0 4. Wading Pools 2.0 2.0-5.0 10.0 5. Water Attraction Pump Reservoirs 2.0 2.0-5.0 10.0 (c) Free Chlorine level in pools using cyanuric acid or a stabilized chlorine product 2.0 2.0-5.0 10.0 Combined chlorine, ppm None None 0.4 High combined chlorine results in chloramine formation and reduced chemical efficacy. Take remedial action to establish break point chlorination (See Remedial Practices below). Other signs of combined chlorine: -Sharp chlorine odor -Eye irritation -Algae growth Bromine, ppm Pool 3.0 Spa 4.0 Pool 3.0-5.0 Spa 4.0-6.0 Pool 8.0 Spa 8.0    (2) Chemical Values   pH 7.2 7.4-7.6 7.8 If pH is: Too High: - Low chlorine efficiency - Scale formation Cloudy Water Too Low: - Rapid dissipation of disinfectant - Eye discomfort - Plaster and concrete etching - Corrosion of metals and vinyl liner damage Alkalinity (buffering), ppm as CaC0₃ 60 ppm 80-100 for halogen compounds with a high pH 100-120 for halogen compounds with a low pH 180 If total alkalinity: Too Low: - pH bounce - corrosion tendency Too High: - Cloudy water - Increased scaling potential - pH tends to be too high Total dissolved solids (TDS), ppm   These values are offered as guidelines rather than absolute values to indicate concern for accumulation of impurities in the course of operation. Excessive high TDS may lead to hazy water or corrosion of fixtures, and can be reduced by partial draining with addition of fresh water. High initial TDS may indicate poor water quality due to corrosive mineral salts, humus or organic matter. Consult local water authority. Increasing TDS indicates build-up of impurities to be controlled by partial drain/refill with fresh water. Calcium hardness, ppm, as CaCo₃ 150 200-400 to balance water 1000 Operations of pools, spas and hot tubs at maximum hardness will depend on alkalinity (buffering) requirements of the disinfectant used. Maximum alkalinity and lower pH must be used with maximum hardness (over 500 ppm) Heavy metals, ppm None None    If heavy metals, such as copper, iron, manganese, silver are present: -Staining may occur -Water may discolor -Chlorine dissipates rapidly -Filter may plug -May indicate pH too low or corrosion. (3) Biological Values   Algae None None None If algae are observed: -Shock treat pool (See Remedial Practices, Shock treatment) -Supplement with brushing and vacuuming. -Use approved algaecide according to label directions (See Remedial Practices below) Bacteria None Recognized Water quality Standard    If bacteria count exceeds maximum allowed: -Superchlorinate and follow proper maintenance procedures -Maintain proper disinfectant residual. (4) Stabilizer (if used)   Cyanuric acid, ppm - 30-50 90 If stabilizer is: Too High: - May reduce chlorine efficacy Too Low: - Chlorine Residual rapidly destroyed by sunlight Note: Stabilizer is not needed in indoor or brominated pools and spas. (5) Remedial Practices   Break point chlorination dosage in ppm. Superchlorination   When combined chlorine is over 0.4 ppm, superchlorinate by adding ten times the combined chlorine in ppm and subtract the current disinfectant level. (e.g. combined chlorine is 0.5 ppm, superchlorinate by adding 4 ppm. (5 ppm -1 ppm current chlorine level = 4 ppm) Applied at the end of daily usage, hold this level for 1-4 hours to clarify the water, remove ammonia (combined chlorine), and to kill any algae present. Can also be applied when no bathers are present and as required to maintain clear water and the required halogen residual. Superchlorination frequency Pool- monthly Pool- Every other week Spa- Daily Pool- Weekly when the temperature is over 85 °F Note: Some high use pools may need superchlorination three times a week or more as a preventative measure or when combined chlorine is over 0.4 Shock treatment, dosage in ppm 10.0 -------- --------- Nonchlorine oxidizers are not considered biocidal, but may reduce organic contaminants. Clarifying/Flocculating frequency ------ When needed --------- Use all clarifiers following manufacturer's directions. Algaecides   Follow manufacturer's directions. Use E.P.A. registered products. Water replacement   Water in spas that have high bather use may require partial or complete replacement of water periodically to dilute dissolved solids, to maintain water clarity and to do necessary routine maintenance. Foam None None None Foam may harbor persistent microorganisms. If foaming is not adequately controlled, consider daily shock treatment, water replacement or an appropriate antifoam agent. Follow manufacturer's directions. (6) Temperature°F -- 78 -82 °F or Bather preference 104 °F If temperature is: Too High: - Health hazard - Bather discomfort - Excessive fuel requirement - Increased evaporation - Increased scaling potential - Increased use of disinfectants - Increase potential for corrosion Too Low: - Bather discomfort - Increase chance of hyperthermia (7) Water Clarity   Water turbidity Must be able to see main drain covers or marker tile on the bottom of the deepest portion of the pool. -- -- If water is turbid: - Disinfectant level may be low - Filtration system may be inoperative - Improper chemical balance - Bottom should be clearly visible at the deepest part of the pool or spa. - Consult remedial practices (8) Oxidizers   Ozone, low output generators Contact concentration mg/L when ozone is injected and not removed prior to entry into pool. Above pool and spa levels -- 0 -- 0 0.1 0.05 Serves as oxidizer of water contaminants. Indoor installations should have adequate ventilation. (9) Oxidizer Reduction Potential   ORP 750 MV -- -- When chlorine or bromine is used as the primary disinfectant, ORP can be used as a supplemental measurement of proper disinfectant activity. The use of ORP testing does not eliminate or supersede the need for testing the disinfectant level with standard test kits and ORP reading may be affected by a number of factors including (1) pH, (2) probe film and (3) cyanuric acid. Follow manufacturer's recommendations.

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 31-2A-6, 31-12-8, 31-45-10.

History. Original Rule entitled "Chemical Operational Parameters" adopted. F. Oct. 15, 2013; eff. Nov. 4, 2013.

Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Jan. 11, 2017; eff. Jan. 31, 2017.