Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we use chlorine in swimming pools
We use chlorine because it is one of the most abundant, powerful, and naturally occurring disinfectants know to man. In the United States there where 25,000 deaths from cholera every year during the early 1900s but by 1960 this figure had fallen to less than 20 due to the introduction of chlorination of drinking water. According to the World Health Organisation, "disinfection by chlorine is still the best guarantee of microbiologically safe water".
How strong is the chlorine in the swimming pool
Chlorine is present in our pool water in minute amounts. Chlorine concentration is measured in milligrams per litre (mg/l) and all our pools operate with chlorine concentrations of between 3.0-5.0 mg/l. Simplified this means that for every one million (1,000,000) litres of water we use around 4 litres of dissolved chlorine. Fortunately for humans most micro organisms cannot survive in an environment that contains even the slightest trace of chlorine.
Why do we use acid in the swimming pool
Contrary to popular belief, we do not use acid to "burn out" bacteria. Acid is used to control the pH of the pool water. At the pools we aim to keep the pH between 7.2 and 7.6. That way our water is pH neutral. This means chlorine works effectively and the water is as gentle as possible on your skin and eyes. When the pH begins to rise we add small amounts of acid to maintain the pH neutrality.
How often is the water filtered
The pool is filtered 24 hours, 7 days a week for the entire season. Water passes slowly through large gravity-fed, slow rate sand filters. The top layer of filter media is also pre coated to allow us to filter out particles as small as 20 microns in size. After moving through the filters the water is then tested and if need be, chemically balanced before being returned to the pool.
How often is the swimming pool water tested
Our pool water is tested by trained on site staff three times everyday using the latest computerised test kits. All of our pools are also equipped with fully automated monitoring and dosing systems that are programmed to maintain our water quality 24 hours a day. On top of that, once a week a laboratory technician also takes a microbiological sample that is sent to Sydney for testing by an independent NATA Accredited Laboratory (National Association Testing Authorities).