Watermaid ecoblend Owner's Handbook Manual - 13.2
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Copyright © 2017 Watermaid Pty Ltd
Version 20170223
Total alkalinity is a measure of the alkaline chemicals in the water such as bicarbonates and carbonates. It
affects the speed and ease of pH change. If the total alkalinity is too high, keeping the pH within the desired
range is difficult. Keeping the total alkalinity between 150 and 200 ppm will help keep the pH below 7.8.
Adding sodium bicarbonate will also help to protect newly-surfaced marblesheen, pebble, quartzon and tiled
pools, as it will react with calcium salts and form a coating of calcium carbonate over the surface. This in turn
will slow down the leaching out of lime from the fresh cement (which contains up to 60% calcium oxides),
thereby making it easier to achieve the desired water balance.
The pH remains stable and within the required range for pools with inert surfaces such as fibreglass,
fibreglass concrete, painted concrete and vinyl-lined surfaces, which also have a naturally occurring total
alkalinity of 80 - 100 ppm. As this is an ideal situation, there is no need to add pH buffer to these pools.
If hydrochloric acid is to be used to lower pH, it should be added SPARINGLY and only according to the
instructions given by an 'Acid-Demand' test kit.
Avoid the over-use of hydrochloric acid for pH balancing. In alkaline-surfaced pools, too much acid can cause
damage to the pool walls.
White vinegar can be used as an alternative to hydrochloric acid. Two (2) litres of white vinegar equates to
about 300mL of hydrochloric acid.
13.2
Salt Level
For the chlorinator to produce chlorine, the correct amount of salt in the water is required. Please refer to
the table below. The required salt level varies depending on the model of cell.
WM44 Cell Model
Salt Level Required
RP7
3,000 to 4,000ppm
RP9
3,000 to 4,000ppm
RP11
3,000 to 4,000ppm
RP13
(Low Salt)
1,000 to 2,000ppm
For every eight (8) bags of salt added to the water, it is recommended that one (1) bag (25 kg or 55 lb) of
magnesium chloride be added to protect the cell electrodes. The entire bag may be added at the one time,
to the deep end of the pool.