Waterline Technologies Inc.

Seasonal Maintenance: Filters Part 2

Tom Berrey — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 17:59:50 +0000

If the filters are D.E., this cleaning may need to be done anywhere from once a year (residential pools) to four times per year (public pools & spas). A complete cleaning & maintenance involves soaking of the grids for 12-24 hours in a solution that removes the build up of oil and grease. cleaning with a disinfectant to remove residual bacteria and algae spores, cleaning of the tank and lid, replacement of the lid gasket, inspection of the backwash valve and grid manifold.

Sand filters are normally thought to be exempt from the need to clean. However, sand filters can become clogged with oils, grease, calcium and metal deposits that create a ‘crust’ on the top of the sand bed. This reduces the efficiency of the filter and causes an increase in backwashing. Sand filters need to be cleaned biannually to remove any build-up and assure that the sand is in good condition. A biannual cleaning would include: soaking in a solution to remove oils and grease for 12- 24 hours, microscopic inspection and lubrication of back wash valves, clean site glass, check valves & flow meter. If necessary, the biannual cleaning would include the removal and replacement of sand media and the inspection of the laterals.

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Seasonal Maintenance: Filters Part 1

Tom Berrey — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 17:49:10 +0000

The purpose of the filters is to remove bacteria, bather residue (skin, hair, etc.) and other debris brought to the pool by bathers and weather. When operating efficiently, the water of the pool is inviting and sparkles, however, without maintenance the filter is not capable of filtering as much debris, which leaves the water dull, cloudy, or hazy. Filter runs become shorter, requiring more backwashing, there is an increased demand for chlorine to clear debris normally filtered and clarifiers are used more frequently to clear the hazy water. Not only does the lose it’s inviting appearance, the maintenance costs are increasing.

A complete cleaning of the filters is a requirement!

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Seasonal Maintenance: Pumps

Tom Berrey — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:41:18 +0000

The heart of the pool circulation system is the pump, without this piece of equipment there is no pool. Pumps are relatively easy and normally require little maintenance, however, it is wise to check the basket to assure that there are no holes that will allow debris to pass into the impeller needs to be checked to assure that there is no wear and that it is properly aligned to allow proper water flow, the seals need to be checked. Any worn or broken parts need to be replaced.

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Seasonal Maintenance: The Basics

Tom Berrey — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:23:39 +0000

This is the time of year that maintenance on pumps, filters, chemical feed systems and heaters needs to be scheduled. After a hot summer of heavy use it is time to provide the equipment with the needed service that will assure continued efficient operation throughout the coming year.

Each of the pieces of equipment that you are dependent on for the continued operation of the pool needs to be checked at least annually to prevent any problems from becoming disasters. Owners and operators worst nightmare is telling bathers that the pool is closed for repairs.

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Why is ORP So Useful for Spa & Pool Professionals?

Tom Berrey — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 20:23:36 +0000

There are two basic reasons for using ORP in spa and pool sanitation:

ORP gives a simple reliable, accurate reading of sanitizer activity and water quality. With one single measurement, one can get information that otherwise requires a series of time-consuming and expensive chemical and bacteriological tests. In particular, ORP shows the effects of incorrect pH and cyanuric acid levels, both of which cause serious problems in commercial spas. Equally important, ORP works with all standard sanitizers (chlorine and bromine), as well as with alternate sanitizers, i.e. ozone, metal ions and UV systems…if they are used properly.
ORP is an electronic measurement, and as such it can be easily analyzed by electronic instruments to show a display of water quality or even better to turn chemical feeders on and off, as required to maintain perfect water chemistry.

The combination of these two key advantages has given rise to the modern technology of chemical automation. This technology has been used for many years in standard water treatment applications and in large public pools.

With ORP, one can determine instantly- i.e., in the field and in real time whether the water is free of germs and bacteria, or whether it is contaminated.

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Regulations and Requirements

WTI — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 04:00:27 +0000

You would think the delivery of bulk chemicals would be as easy as putting some tanks and hoses on a truck. But with all the trucking regulations, training, invoicing procedures, DOT/CHP rules it’s just not that simple any longer.

Company Regulations

Each Hazmat supplier must have the following in place or face the stiff fines and or penalties from the various regulating agencies.

Company must have an EPA establishment number and comply with regulations concerning containers, bulk storage reporting and repacking regulations.
Company must comply with the Federal and State EPA lot reporting and FFIRA tracking delivery.
Company must have Bulk Repacking agreement in place and carry a copy of the chemical label with each delivery.
Label must have the company listed as a legal re-packer from the manufacture.
DOT Federal Haz Matt license.
Cal-DOT Haz Matt license.
Member of the Chem-Trec and 800 numbers listed on all Invoices. Chem-Trec is a national emergency reporting company if any chemical spills.
Have in place a business emergency plan, which includes inspections by the Haz Matt Fire Department and County Environmental Health while storing and delivery of a registered pesticide.
All training, shipping papers must comply with CFR-49 DOT.
Delivery Site assessments are complete and on file for each delivery location.
Customers conform to basic safety storage requirements and have in place a Haz Matt security and safety program.
Customers have Double Walled Containment, proper safety signs, cam-lock fittings, eye-wash station within 10 feet.

Equipment Requirements

All Haz Matt delivery trucks must comply with the following:

Must be registered with the State and Federal DOT
Must carry current Haz Matt license.
Must be enrolled in 90 day inspection program according CRF-40 and federal DOT regulations.
Any IBC totes carried must comply with DOT regulations. If an exemption is in use it must be displayed and carried on the truck at all times. Totes and Tanks must be inspected annually with test dates properly displayed as per CFR-49.
Drivers must carry route sheets and invoices at all times. Driver is to never leave the truck unattended.
All drivers must have attended Federal DOT training. Site Assessment and Cargo Security training is required.

Chemical Requirements
Sodium Hypochlorite is a registered Pesticide in California. Companies must comply to all CAL/FED EPA regulations.

Small Bulk delivery companies must have written contract between delivery company and manufacture.
Registered Chemical label with sub-registration number must be carried at all times.
Lot of tracking must be in place.
Sodium Hypochlorite must be NSF listed and certified.
Written cleaning and refilling procedures must be in place.
MSDS sheets must be offered at each delivery.
Containers must meet DOT regulations.

Top

Please be sure that Waterline Technologies complies with every regulation listed above. This should make a difference with whom you decide to deliver your chemicals. We hope this will give you confidence that we will deliver your chemicals safely, accurately, and on time!

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Alert: DOJ Extends ADA Compliance Deadline

WTI — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:27:13 +0000

Effective today the Department of Justice (DOJ) extended the deadline for existing pool and spa compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) until January 31, 2013. This extension does not apply to newly constructed pools or spas, or those going under alterations. The extension for existing pools and spas was issued through DOJ rulemaking and was based on public comments received by affected parties.

The final rule can be viewed here.

For more information about the ADA as it relates to pools and spas, visit ADA.gov.

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Rola-Chem Issues Advisory

Tom Berrey — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:22:24 +0000

Rola-Chem Corp. has issued an advisory for customers who have purchased one of the company’s peristaltic pumps without a chemical controller.

The firm did this after receiving a unit with a compromised timer knob. “This appears to have caused the pump to operate in a continuous mode,” the letter stated.

Last year, the manufacturer settled a lawsuit that involved a similar concern.

In 2008, two residents of a Southern California condominium complex received second-degree burns after using a spa on the property. It was claimed that the chemical feeder, produced by Rola-Chem, had been operating in the “on” position, thereby dumping a large amount of chlorine into the small body of water.

A service technician also named in the lawsuit said he had put the feeder in “timer” mode so the unit would periodically inject a set dosage of sanitizer into the water. He alleged that a defect must have caused it to change modes.

The case was settled, and Rola-Chem never made an admission of liability. However, some came to believe there is a defect in the product. The attorney representing the service firm said he’d heard anecdotal evidence that several such failures had occurred, while the company’s insurance carrier reported receiving a similar claim.

Last month, Rola-Chem issued the letter. According to the advisory, the manufacturer recently examined a failed pump that was more than 10 years old. “Our tests have confirmed that excessive corrosion in the potentiometer is the likely cause of the problem,” the letter stated. “Because this could affect other older Rola-Chem peristaltic pumps, we have issued this advisory letter.”

Rola-Chem recommends that the timer/pot assembly be switched after five years of use. The manufacturer said it would provide replacements free of charge. As an immediate remedy, the letter continued, the minimum necessary amount of chemical should be hooked up to the feeder.

The recommendation doesn’t apply to products being managed by a chemical controller and not utilizing the timer function.

Source: Poolspanews.com

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Employee Recognition Program

WTI — Mon, 21 May 2012 17:11:59 +0000

Employee Recognition Program is designed to recognize and reward Waterline Technologies employees for their individual achievements. Did you or your company receive great service from one of our employees?

Please fill out the form below and let us know!

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Customer Appreciation BBQ

WTI — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 01:57:23 +0000

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