Swimming pools need a certain level of chlorine to stay healthy. It is recommended that the chlorine concentration in a swimming pool be between 1 and 1.5 parts per million (ppm). In addition to chlorine levels, pH levels should be between 7.2 and 7.6 to maintain swimmer safety. To establish how much to add to the pool, you must first know its exact size. This is a critical step in the process to ensure proper concentration.
If chemicals used in swimming pools and spa plant rooms are not utilised correctly, they might cause considerable injury by generating a poisonous atmosphere. The following chemicals and gases can be found in swimming pool plant rooms: sodium hypochlorite, hydrochloric acid, bromine, carbon dioxide gas, chlorine gas and ozone gas. All these compounds have the potential to cause major injury to pool employees or the public. This article will look at the precautions that should be taken when utilising these compounds, specifically chlorine in swimming pools.
Gaseous chlorine is toxic and can cause severe damage to the upper and lower respiratory tracts. It has a strong scent and is 2.5 times heavier than air, thus dangerous quantities accumulate at ground level, making it easy to miss. Fortunately, its greenish tint, paired with its pungent fragrance, provides a few clear warning indicators. It is utilised in a variety of industrial purposes, but it was also used as a chemical weapon during World War II. When chlorine gas comes into touch with human components including the throat, eyes, and lungs, it can cause catastrophic damage. Chlorine exposure causes the following symptoms:
- Blurred vision
- Burning pain, redness, and blistering skin
- Difficulty breathing
- Burning sensation in the nose, throat, and eyes
- Fluid in lungs
- Nausea, vomiting, watery eyes.
When exposed to high quantities of chlorine, long-term health problems are most likely to arise, and these health concerns include fluid in the lungs, known as pulmonary edema, which may not be immediately evident. Bronchitis, lung illness, and tooth erosion are all potential long-term concerns.
The severity of chlorine poisoning is determined by the level of chlorine exposure and the length of time the person is exposed to the gas. Those exposed to low quantities of chlorine, such as 1 to 3 ppm, may have eye or mouth discomfort. An outbreak of lung symptoms can occur at 15 ppm, and 30 minutes of exposure at 430 ppm can be lethal.
A gas detection solution is essential for mitigating the health risks posed by chlorine. With the initial hazard coming from the plant room, the first consideration should be a fixed system installed in this location. The detector should be placed near where chemicals will be mixed to provide the quickest warning of a dangerous gas leak. Our staff has extensive experience in fixed gas detection commissioning and installation.
| Products used for Gas Detection in Swimming Pools |
| Crowcon Xgard 1Q |
| Crowcon Xgard Type 1 |