Home Table of Contents

007.04.3 Appendix B. Arkansas Pool Chemical Operational Parameters

AR ADC 007.04.3 Appendix BArkansas Administrative Code

West's Arkansas Administrative Code
Title 007. Department of Health
Division 04. Environmental Health Services
Rule 3. Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Swimming Pools and Other Related Facilities
Ark. Admin. Code 007.04.3 Appendix B
007.04.3 Appendix B. Arkansas Pool Chemical Operational Parameters
Below are operation parameters for the proper chemical treatment and maintenance of pool/spa water. Chemical treatment alone will not produce sanitary pool water. A filtration system in proper operational condition is also required to attain sparkling clear, polished, sanitary water. *Mandatory tests for compliance
Disinfectant Levels*
Min
Ideal
Max
Comments
Testing Interval
Free chlorine, ppm
Pool
1.0
1.0-3.0
5.0
Hot weather/heavy use may require operation at or near maximum level. Regular Superchlorination is recommended.
Daily
Spa
2.0
3.0-5.0
5.0
When stabilizer is used
1.5
5.0
Disinfectant Levels*
Min
Ideal
Max
Comments
Testing Interval
Combined chlorine, ppm**
Pool
None
None
0.2
High combined results in reduced chemical efficacy.
Daily
Take remedial action to establish break point chlorination.
Spa
None
None
0.2
Other signs of combined chlorine: Sharp chlorine odor, Eye irritation, Algae growth
Disinfectant Levels*
Min
Ideal
Max
Comments
Testing Interval
Bromine, ppm
Pool
2.25
2.25-4.0
4.0
Daily
Spa
2.25
3.0-5.0
5.0
Disinfectant Levels*
Min
Ideal
Max
Comments
Iodine, ppm
–––
–––
–––
Levels not established
Note: Local Health Department officials must be consulted before use.
Temperature
Max
Comments
Check
Spa
104°F
For 15 minute intervals on a timer
Daily
Oxidation Reduction Potential
Min
Ideal
Max
Comments
Testing Interval
ORP
650
–––
–––
When chlorine or bromine is used as the primary disinfectant, ORP can be used as a supplemental measurement of proper sanitizer activity. The use of ORP testing does not eliminate or supersede the need for testing the sanitizer level with standard test kits. An ORP reading may be affected by a number of factors including (1) pH, (2) probe film, (3) cyanuric acid, and (4) other. Follow manufacturer's recommendations.
Daily
Chemical Values
Min
Ideal
Max
Comments
Testing Interval
pH*
7.0
7.4-7.6
7.8
If pH is:
Daily
Too high: Low chlorine efficiency, Scale formation, Cloudywater, Eye discomfort
Too low: Rapid dissipation of disinfectant, Plaster and concrete etching, Eye discomfort, Corrosion of metals, Vinyl liner damage
Total Alkalinity*(buffering) as CaCO3 chlorite (ppm)
60
80-100 calcium, lithium, sodium hypochlorites 100-120 sodium dichlor, trichlor, chlorinegas, bromine compounds
180
If total alkalinity is:
Weekly
Too Low: pH bounce, Corrosion tendency
Too High: Cloudy water, Increased scaling potential, and pH tends to be too high
Cyanuric acid*(ppm)
None
25-40
90
If stabilizer is:
Weekly
Too Low: Chlorine residual rapidly destroyed by sunlight
Too High: May reduce chlorine efficacy
Note: Stabilizer is not needed in indoor or brominated pools.
Total dissolved solids
300
1000-2000
3000
These values are offered as ppm guidelines rather than absolute values to indicate concern for accumulation of impurities in the course of operation. Excessively high TDS may lead to hazy water, corrosion of fixtures, etc., and can be reduced by partial draining with addition of fresh water. High initial TDS may indicate poor water quality due to corrosive mineral salts, humus, or organic matter. Consult local water authority.
Monthly or Suspect
Calcium hardness (ppm)
150
200-400
500-1000
Operation of pools at maximum hardness will depend on alkalinity (buffering) requirements of the sanitizer used. Minimum alkalinity and lower pH must be used with maximum hardness (Over 50ppm)
Monthly or Suspect
Heavy metals
If heavy metals, such as copper, iron, manganese, are present: Staining may occur, Water may discolor, Chlorine dissipates rapidly, Filter may plug, May indicate pH too low, corrosion, etc.
Suspect
NOTE: The number of “Daily” testing intervals will vary based on type of facility, hours of operation, & bather load.

Credits

Amended Aug. 1, 2012.
Current with amendments received through February 15, 2024. Some sections may be more current, see credit for details.
Ark. Admin. Code 007.04.3 Appendix B, AR ADC 007.04.3 Appendix B
End of Document