Is your Commercial Pool Using Too Much Sodium Bicarbonate?

Posted by admin on November 1st, 2008 at 08:21am

Why is Sodium Bicarbonate Important for Commercial Pools?

Sodium bicarbonate, also known in the commercial pool business as sodium bicarb, is used to raise alkalinity and pH. Sodium bicarbonate is also known as baking soda, an ingredient used in the baking industry to help dough rise. Additionally, sodium bicarb is also used in fire extinguishers as a less corrosive means of putting out fires, but in the commercial swimming pool industry, we use it primarily to raise alkalinity levels.

Pool Supplies Minneapolis, MN

As the leading distributor of commercial pool supplies in the Minneapolis, MN area we were recently called out to a Twin Cities community center to help the CPO (certified pool operator) determine the reason for suddenly using so much sodium bicarbonate. Earlier this year his old pool had been demolished and replaced with 3 pools including a lap pool, diving well and wading pool with swim features for the kids. He explained that in the past he never had problems controlling his alkalinity, but now was adding bags of it on a daily basis. He was wondering if the humidity (or lack thereof) played a role in the excessive consumption of sodium bicarbonate he was experiencing.

Low Humidity Will Cause Evaporation of Pool Water

When we tested the humidity we found it to be at only 27%! When the building was remodeled, a new air handler had been added and was now creating such dry conditions in the pool area he was losing a lot of water to evaporation. Because the air was so dry and there was so much surface area between all three bodies of water, he was losing hundreds of gallons of water to evaporation every day. Because there was an auto-fill valve designed to add water automatically as needed, he was not able to see all the water being added to the pool on a daily basis.

Control Evaporation and Use Less Pool Chemicals

As the balanced pool water evaporated, new untreated city water would come in with very low alkalinity which would need to be treated. Our suggestion was for him to work with their HVAC (Heating Air Conditioning) people to raise the humidity. We also reminded him of the importance of having the air temperature 1-2 degrees warmer than the pool water. This will also help minimize evaporation. Additionally, they already had plans on installing a sliding window in the concession area so humidity isn’t escaping out to the front lobby area.

You Can Count on Horizon for Commercial Pool Supplies in Minnesota

If you need pool supplies or pool related equipment for your Twin cities commercial pool, give me a call 651-303-4261. My Name is Dave Trosdahl and I would be happy to come out, test your water and offer consulting advice for free.

Tags: commercial pool supplies, pool chemicals, pool supplies, sodium bicarbonate, twin cities