by Kurt C. Peterson, Publisher
During the hottest month of the year, many people turn to swimming pools for relief. Whether it’s the local YMCA or community pool, or your own private swimming hole, there exists some measure of risk in this time-honored activity. Treatment of pool water to maximize the health and safety of swimmers is of paramount importance throughout the warmer season, but it shouldn’t end there. As time and technology advance, there are new products and methods to accomplish the goals of those who are engaged in pool water treatment. At the top of the list are chlorination and ozonation. Which is best? That is an open-ended question, for which the answer depends on the end user as well as the the company offering these technologies. In addition, the continuing drought may well be a determining factor in how to treat pools and other water resources.
In this issue, Marc DeBrum of ClearWater Tech examines the use of ozone in residential sectors. Often thought of in terms of much larger applications, such as municipal and industrial use, ozone has been used in pool water treatment for some time, though not to the extent that it has been able to compete with chlorination. In addition, ozone for potable water treatment is also on the rise. Terry Arko of HaloSource’s HaloKlear segment, offers a host of tips on maintaining pools and water features with the least amount of chemicals and treatment. His article is focused on preventive measures that will help pool and spa owners keep their play areas clean and healthy in the face of drought restrictions. There are plenty of good tips for everyone, whether they are impacted by diminishing water supplies or not. For those dealers who have branched out to treat pools and spas, this article offers some interesting insights and tips regarding treatment.
Last year, a toxic algae bloom seriously and adversely impacted the source waters for thousands of water customers in Ohio. And it may happen again. A recent study released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) indicated an even more severe event is likely to strike Lake Erie again this year. Public Health Editor Kelly A. Reynolds, MSPH, PhD takes a look at how and why warmer temperatures make these blooms worse and what water customers can do to protect themselves when municipal water treatment fails.
We often call it the dog days of summer, when temperatures are hotter, but recent weather patterns have changed what we used to call ‘normal’ for this season. It may be this way for awhile, which means keeping an eye on changing methods for the best treatment of our precious and limited water resources. Are you in the game or watching from the sidelines? We hope to see you in Tucson for the WQA Mid-year Leadership conference, where there will be much to see and hear. Until then, stay cool!