The Water Lab is a colorimeter laboratory for rapid, accurate measurement of pool or spa
water chemistry. The Water Lab may be used to identify the causes of water quality
problems and to determine appropriate corrective treatment. The test results obtained
with this laboratory may be employed in most computer programs for pool water
treatment. The outfit is portable, compact, and easy to use. An inexperienced operator
with no knowledge of chemistry can learn to use the Water Lab in a matter of minutes.
Careful attention to the procedures given in this manual is all that is required to produce
consistently accurate and reliable test results.
The central component of the Water Lab is the battery-powered colorimeter, which
electronically measures the color produced in the chemical test reactions. A separate
User’s Guide provides general operating procedures for the instrument and describes the
proper technique for operating the Direct Reading Titrators used in the alkalinity and
calcium hardness tests. Once you have become familiar with the general operating
techniques of the Water Lab and its components, you will only need to refer to the
condensed instructions provided on the separate laminated card.
TESTER’S GUIDE
*WARNING: Reagents marked with a * are considered to be potential health hazards.
To view or print a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for these reagents see MSDS CD
or www.lamotte.com. To obtain a printed copy, contact LaMotte by e-mail, phone or fax.
When conducting a series of tests on a given pool sample, you only need to set the
•
colorimeter to 0.0 (zero) with the pool sample blank one time.
•Keep ALL reagents tightly capped between tests.
•
Do not touch reagent tablets with your fingers. Use the tube cap or tweezers.
•
Fill the test tubes to the line, with the bottom of the liquid (meniscus) on the line.
•
Carefully wipe off colorimeter tubes before reading. Use a clean, soft tissue.
•
Do not mix up pipets (eye droppers).
•
When adding drops of reagents, hold dropper bottles and pipets vertically to insure
consistent drop size.
•
Thoroughly wash and rinse out test tubes when finished with testing. Use deionized
water to rinse tubes.
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FREE AVAILABLE, TOT AL & COMBINED CHLORINE
DPD METHOD
Chlorine is added to pool water as a sanitizing agent to kill bacteria and other disease
producing organisms. Chlorine is also used to control algae and to remove undesirable
odors and colors.
Depending on what commercial chlorine product is used, chlorine may be added to pool
water in a variety of forms - chlorine gas, liquid sodium hypochlorite, granular calcium
hypochlorite, or organic chlorine compounds. When chlorine is added to water, it
quickly forms hypochlorous acid, HOCl, the active ingredient which is responsible for
chlorine’s sanitizing capabilities. The hypochlorous acid is also known as the Free
Available Chlorine. The presence of other compounds in the pool may consume the
hypochlorous acid, or free available chlorine, and form other chloro compounds, such as
chloramines or other organic nitrogen compounds. As chlorine combines with other
compounds in the pool water, much of its sanitizing capability is lost, and higher levels of
chlorine are necessary to achieve the same germ free water. Therefore, it is essential to
chlorinate to the point of establishing a free available chlorine residual and then
maintain it at the recommended level. For most pools, the free available chlorine
residual should be maintained between 1.0 - 3.0 ppm.
The LaMotte DPD liquid test method distinguishes levels of Free Available Chlorine,
Combined Chlorine and Total Residual Chlorine, using a single test sample.
RANGE:0.1 - 5.0 ppm
METHOD:In the absence of iodide, free available chlorine reacts instantly
INTERFERENCE:The only interfering substance likely to be encountered in pool
Continued on next page...
with the buffered diethyl-p-phenylenediamine indicator
(DPD) to produce a red color in proportion to the amount of
chlorine present. Subsequent addition of potassium iodide
produces a rapid color response from the combined forms of
chlorine (chloramines).
water is oxidized manganese. The extent of this interference
can be determined by treating a sample with sodium arsenite
to destroy the chlorine present, so that the amount of
interference can be measured.
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Page 6
PROCEDURES
A. FREE AVAILABLE CHLORINE
1. Fill the water sample bottle (0688) with the pool water sample.
2. Dispense the water sample into a clean colorimeter tube (0967), until the tube is
filled to the 10 mL line.
3. Insert the tube containing the untreated sample into the colorimeter chamber, and
press the “Chlorine” button once. When the display indicates “Blank 0.0,” press the
“Chlorine” button again. Remove tube.
4. Add 5 drops of DPD 1A Free Chlorine Reagent (P-6740) and 5 drops of *DPD 1B
Free Chlorine Reagent (P-6741).
5. Cap and mix. The development of a pink color indicates the presence of Free
Available Chlorine.
6. Insert the treated sample into the colorimeter chamber. Read result in ppm Free
Available Chlorine. Do not discard this treated sample if the test for Total Chlorine
is to be made.
B. TOTALRESIDUALCHLORINE
1. Add 5 drops of *DPD #3 Total Chlorine Reagent (P-6743) to the sample from Step
A.6. Cap and mix. An increase in color indicates the presence of Combined
Chlorine.
2. Insert the treated sample into the colorimeter chamber and press the “Chlorine”
button. As soon as the display stabilizes, read result in ppm Total Residual Chlorine.
C. COMBINED CHL ORINE
The Combined Chlorine concentration equals the difference between the Total
Residual Chlorine reading (B.2.) and the Free Available Chlorine reading in (A.6.)
above.
TotalResidualChlorine- Free Available Chlorine = Combined Chlorine
A Combined Chlorine level of 0.2 ppm or greater should be treated.
NOTES:
·
If either Chlorine reading exceeds 5.0 ppm, the display will flash, repeat the test
procedure on a diluted sample and multiply the test result by the appropriate dilution
factor.
·
Levels of Chlorine above 10 ppm can cause a bleaching effect of the DPD indicator
and may give a false indication that no chlorine is present. If it is possible that the
chlorine concentration may be greater than 10 ppm (e.g., after shock treatment),
perform the test on a diluted sample and multiply the test result by the appropriate
dilution factor.
·
If, after adding both DPD 1A Free Chlorine Reagent and *DPD 1B Free Chlorine
Reagent, a cloudy precipitate is present, retest by adding reagents first and water
sample second to the tube.
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BROMINE
Like chlorine, this member of the halogen family is an effective germicidal agent. It is
sometimes used in place of chlorine for pool water disinfection. The desired level for
bromine in pool water is 2.0 - 4.0 ppm.
RANGE:0.22 - 10 ppm
METHOD:Bromine reacts with buffered diethyl-p-phenylene diamine
INTERFERENCE:The only interfering substance likely to be encountered in pool
PROCEDURE
1. Fill the water sample bottle (0688) with the pool water sample.
2. Dispense the water sample into a clean colorimeter tube (0967), until the tube is
filled to the 10 mL line.
3. Insert the tube containing the untreated sample into the colorimeter chamber, and
press the “Bromine” button. When the display reads “Blank 0.0,” press the
“Bromine” button again. Remove tube.
4. Add 5 drops of DPD 1A Free Chlorine Reagent (P-6740) and 5 drops of *DPD 1B
Free Chlorine Reagent (P-6741).
5. Cap and mix. The development of a pink color indicates the presence of Bromine.
6. Insert the treated sample into the colorimeter chamber. As soon as the display
stabilizes, read result in ppm Bromine.
(DPD) to produce a pink-red color in proportion to the
concentration of bromine present.
water is oxidized manganese. The extent of this interference
can be determined by treating a sample with sodium arsenite
to destroy the bromine present, so that the amount of
interference can be measured.
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Page 8
COLORIMETRIC pH
The term pH is an index of the amount of hydrogen ions present in a substance. A high
pH means that the substance is alkaline, or basic, while a low pH means the water is
acidic.
Sanitation of pool water is best accomplished at a slightly basic pH (pH 7.2 - pH 7.8). If
the pool water is maintained under acidic conditions, the pool water may be corrosive
and may allow the chlorine to escape from the pool as a gas. A highly basic pool water
may also suppress the effectiveness of chlorine in the pool. The pH of pool water can be
decreased by the addition of acids, such as hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) or sodium
bisulfate (dry acid), or increased by the addition of alkaline substances such as sodium
carbonate (soda ash) or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
RANGE:Phenol Red, pH 6.8 - 8.2
METHOD:The Phenol Red Indicator exhibits a specific color change over
INTERFERENCE:Sample color and turbidity interfere with the colorimetric pH
PROCEDURE
1. Dispense the water sample into a clean colorimeter tube (0967), until the tube is
filled to the 10 mL line.
2. Use a 0.5 mL pipet (0369) to add exactly 0.5 mL of the *pH Indicator (WL-7027) to
the tube. Cap and mix.
3. With “pH” appearing on the meter display, insert the treated sample into the
colorimeter chamber. As soon as the display stabilizes, read the pH value.
NOTE: If the colorimeter reading is out of range in either direction (i.e., pH is
either less than 6.8 or greater than 8.2), adjust the pH by appropriate treatment and,
after one complete filter cycle, test again.
a narrow pH range. The color changes are measured
colorimetrically.
measurement. Chlorine interference has been eliminated by
the addition of a chlorine inhibitor to the pH indicator.
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CYANURIC ACID
Cyanuric acid is added to swimming pool water as a stabilizing agent for free available
chlorine. It minimizes the loss of chlorine in pool water due to the action of ultraviolet
rays from sunlight. After the pool has been stabilized with cyanuric acid, the free
available chlorine residual should be maintained at the recommended level of 1.5 ppm
to ensure proper sanitation.
The recommended level of stabilizer in pools is between 25 and 100 ppm. When
readings above 150 ppm are encountered, it may be necessary to replace some of the
pool water with fresh make-up water to reduce the concentration of cyanuric acid. If
stabilizers are used, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for their product to maintain
the recommended levels of cyanuric acid.
RANGE:10 - 200 ppm (Readings below 10 ppm may not be reliable.)
METHOD:A buffered solution of melamine forms a precipitate with
INTERFERENCE:No known interference from compounds normally found in
PROCEDURE
1. Use the 5 mL syringe (0807) to dispense 5 mL of *Cyanuric Acid Reagent
(WL-4856) into the colorimeter tube (0967). Dilute to the 10 mL line with pool
water sample.
2. Cap tube and mix thoroughly. The development of a white precipitate indicates the
presence of Cyanuric Acid.
3. Wait one minute. With the “Cyanuric Acid” text appearing on the meter display,
mix and insert the treated sample into the colorimeter chamber. As soon as the
display stabilizes, read result in ppm Cyanuric Acid.
cyanuric acid in proportion to the amount of cyanuric acid
present. The density of particles in suspension is measured
turbidimetrically.
pool water. For best results, the temperature of the sample
should be between 70°F and 80°F. As the temperature of the
sample increases, cyanuric acid readings will decrease even
though the actual concentration has not changed.
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COPPER
Copper imparts an undesirable blue-green color to pool water. Acid water may cause
corrosion of copper pipes and fittings and result in contamination of the pool. When
copper compounds are used in the pool to control algae growth, it is essential to
maintain the copper concentration at the recommended levels for an effective
treatment, otherwise high concentrations of copper may cause staining problems.
Copper concentrations above 0.5 ppm should be avoided in pool water.
RANGE:0.0 - 3.0 ppm Copper
METHOD:Cupric ions form a magenta color with bicinchoninic acid
INTERFERENCE:If the Calcium Hardness is high, a precipitate may develop in
PROCEDURE
1. Fill colorimeter tube (0967) to the 10 mL line with the water sample.
2. Add one Copper Tablet (WL-3808) to the tube. Cap and mix to dissolve tablet. The
development of a purple-red color indicates the presence of copper.
3. Wait 2 minutes. With the “Copper” text appearing on the meter display, place the
treated sample into the colorimeter chamber. As soon as the display stabilizes, read
result in ppm Copper.
under neutral conditions, pH 6 - 8, in proportion to the
concentration of copper in the sample.
the copper test. If this occurs, repeat the test but add two drops
of *Iron Reagent 1 (4450) to the 10 mL sample before adding
the Copper Tablet.
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IRON
Iron is a major source of staining in swimming pools. The unattractive orange-brown
discoloration may appear on pool surfaces and also appear as a fine-particle sediment.
Iron is readily oxidized by chlorine and oxygen in the water and may settle to the bottom
as the insoluble ferric (Fe+3) form of iron. Usually levels of iron above 0.2 - 0.3 will
cause staining to pool surfaces, therefore iron levels should be maintained below this
concentration.
RANGE:0.1 - 7.0 ppm
METHOD:Ferric Iron is reduced to ferrous iron and subsequently forms a
INTERFERENCE:Copper in excess of 5.0 ppm may cause interference.
PROCEDURE
1. Rinse and fill colorimeter tube (0967) to the 10 mL line with water sample.
2. Use the 0.5 mL pipet (0369) to add 0.5 mL of *Iron 1 Reagent (WL-4450) to the
sample in the tube.
3. Use the 0.1 g spoon (0699) to add one level measure of *Iron 2 Powder (WL-4451)
to the sample. Cap tube and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. If a cloudiness persists
in test sample, shake vigorously for another 10 seconds. (If the Iron concentration is
expected to be greater than 3.0 ppm, add a second level measure of *Iron 2 Powder
to ensure color development.)
4. Wait 3 minutes for maximum color development. With the “Iron” text appearing on
the meter display, place the treated sample into the colorimeter chamber. As soon as
the display stabilizes, read result in ppm Iron.
colored complex with bipyridyl for a quantitative measure of
total iron.
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ALKALINITY
Alkalinity refers to the amount of bicarbonates, carbonates and hydroxides present in
water. More specifically alkalinity is a measure of the buffering capacity of the water or
the ability of water to resist changes in pH. If the alkalinity is too low, the pH will
fluctuate erratically, while high alkalinity water may resist changes of pH altogether.
A low alkalinity water is indicated by great changes in pH values with small additions of
an acid or base. Under low alkalinity conditions, the pH is extremely difficult to
maintain. To raise the alkalinity to the desired range (usually between 80 - 125 ppm for
most pool waters) sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is added. Sodium Carbonate (soda
ash) can also be used to raise the alkalinity; however, it may also raise the pH drastically.
Water with a high alkalinity resists changes of pH. Acid has to be added in order to
destroy the bicarbonates, carbonates, and hydroxides for the alkalinity to be lowered to
the desired range.
RANGE:0 - 200+ ppm as Calcium Carbonate (CaCO
METHOD:The alkalinity of pool water is determined by a titration
procedure involving the use of a standard acid that is titrated
to a Bromcresol Green-Methyl Red Indicator endpoint at
about pH 4.6.
INTERFERENCE:Sample turbidity and color may interfere with the
determination of the endpoint. Cyanuric Acid may contribute
to the alkalinity of pool water. High chlorine values may cause
a yellow rather than red endpoint.
DIRECT READING
TITRATOR METHOD:
Carefully read the User’s Guide manual for use of the Direct
Reading Titrator before performing the titration procedure
described below. The titrator is calibrated in terms of
Alkalinity in parts per million Calcium Carbonate and each
minor division on the Titrator scale equals 4 ppm.
PROCEDURE
1. Fill the titration tube marked “ALK” (0644) to the line with the water sample to be
tested.
2. Add one Alk 1 Indicator Tablet (WL-T-2311) to the sample. Cap the tube and
shake to dissolve the tablet. A green-blue color will develop.
3. Fill the Direct Reading Titrator (0382) with Alk Titrant (WL-4493).
4. Titrate the test sample, while mixing, until the green-blue color changes to red. Read
the test result directly from the scale where the large ring on the Titrator meets the
Titrator barrel.
5. If the titration endpoint has not occurred when the plunger tip reaches the 200 ppm
mark, refill the Titrator and continue the titration. Be sure to include the original
amount added in the test result.
6. Results are expressed as Total Alkalinity in ppm Calcium Carbonate (CaCO
7. Use the alkalinity test result to read the Acid Demand Index on the next page.
)
3
).
3
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Page 13
CALCULATING THE VOLUME OF POOLS & SPAS
Measurements in Feet
Rectangular Shape:
Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.5 = Volume in gallons
Round Shape:
Oval Shape:
Diameter x Diameter x Average Depth x 5.9 = Volume in gallons
Length x Width x Average Depth x 5.9 = Volume in gallons
ACID DEMAND & pH ADJUSTMENT
The Acid Demand Index states the amount of Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric Acid 31%)
required to reduce high alkalinity in pool or spa water to an optimum range of 80 - 120
ppm CaCO
Alkalinity test procedure.
Alkalinity
Reading ppm
. This table is used in conjunction with the alkalinity test result; see the
Pints Muriatic Acid x 16=Fluid Ounces Muriatic Acid
Pints Muriatic Acid ÷ 8=Gallons Muriatic Acid
Fluid Ounces Muriatic Acid x 0.09=Pounds Dry Acid (Sodium Bisulfate)
Pints Muriatic Acid x 1.4=Pounds Dry Acid
Gallons Muriatic Acid x 11.2=Pounds Dry Acid
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ACID DEMAND ADJUSTMENT
In 10,000 gallons of water . . .
1a lbs. of Sodium Bicarbonate increases the Total Alkalinity 10 ppm.
1 pt. of Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric Acid 31%) reduces the Total Alkalinity 6 ppm.
2b lbs. of Sodium Bisulfate (dry powder) reduces the Total Alkalinity 10 ppm.
NOTE: Always consult manufacturer’s recommendations regarding maximum amount
of acid to be added to pool at one time.
Example A: A round spa with a diameter of 8.5’ and average depth of 3.0’ gives an
alkalinity test result of 205 ppm CaCO
.
3
1. Calculate volume of water (see p. 13):
8.5’ x 8.5’ x 3.0’ x 5.9 = 1279 gallons
2. On the 205 ppm line in the Acid Demand Index above, read this volume as:
4. 34 pints ÷ 8 = 4.25 gallons x 11.2 = 47.6 lbs (see Note above.)
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BASE DEMAND & pH ADJUSTMENT
In certain cases it may be necessary to monitor and adjust the alkalinity and/or pH of the
pool water to a higher level for a better balance of chemical characteristics. Titration of a
pool water sample with a standard base reagent to pH 7.4 provides a factor for corrective
adjustment with soda ash or equivalent base chemical.
NOTE: For accurate results in pools with low pH and high alkalinity readings, the
alkalinity level must be adjusted to the proper range before performing the Base Demand
test.
PROCEDURE
1. If the pH sample is yellow to orange, there is a base demand. Hold the tube flat
against the pH coloruler (3164), parallel to the center channel, with the two
standard colors on the right. Grasp the comparator tab and test tube between thumb
and index finger, and hold toward a window or light. Use the glass pipet (0371) to
add Base Reagent (WL-6460), one drop at a time, to the tube. Swirl the tube several
times after each drop. Count the drops and continue titrating until the color
matches the pH 7.4 standard color.
2. Use the number of drops added and the base demand table below, to determine the
amount of Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate, Na
water to an optimum pH of 7.4.
SODA ASH REQUIREMENT
Pool or Spa
Volume in
Gallons
100
250
500
1,000
2,500
5,000
10,000
20,000
25,000
50,000
0.00.10.10.10.20.20.20.30.30.4
0.10.20.30.40.50.50.60.70.80.9
0.20.40.50.71.11.11.21.41.61.8
0.00.10.10.10.20.20.20.30.30.4
0.91.82.73.55.35.36.27.18.08.8
1.83.55.37.110.6 10.6 12.4 14.1
3.57.110.6 14.1
7.114.1
8.8
1.12.23.34.46.66.67.78.89.911.0
Number Of Drops Of Base Titrant Added
12345678910
1.31.82.72.73.13.54.04.4
1.11.72.23.33.33.94.45.05.5
Ounces Soda Ash
) required to adjust pool or spa
2CO3
1.01.1
1.31.31.51.82.02.2
Pounds Soda Ash
Example: A rectangular pool measures 20’ x 40’ with an average depth of 5’ and gives a
base demand test result of 8 drops of Base Reagent.
1. Calculate volume of water (see p. 13):
40’ x 20’ x 5’ x 7.5 = 30,000 gallons
2. In the Base Demand Table, read this volume as:
20,000 + 10,000
3. ReadingfromTable=3.5+1.8=5.3lbsSodaAsh
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CALCIUM HARDNESS
Calcium Hardness is a scale forming element that will leave deposits on the side of a
pool at the air-water interface where evaporation takes place. Calcium deposits inside
pipes and fittings restrict flow and affect the heat exchange capacity of pool heaters.
Recommended levels in pool water for Calcium Hardness are from 175 - 400 ppm
Calcium Carbonate.
RANGE:0 - 500 ppm as Calcium Carbonate (CaCO
METHOD:Calcon is used as the indicator at pH 12 - 13. Calcon yields a
red color in the presence of calcium. The color changes to blue
when the calcium ions are sequestered by EDTA.
INTERFERENCE:Excessive amounts of heavy metals can interfere.
DIRECT READING
TITRATOR METHOD:
Carefully read the User’s Guide for use of the Direct Reading
Titrator before performing the titration procedure described
below. The Titrator is calibrated in terms of Calcium Hardness
in parts per million Calcium Carbonate and each minor
division on the Titrator scale equals 10 ppm.
PROCEDURE
1. Fill the titration tube marked “HARD” (0645) to the line with the water sample to
be tested.
2. Add six drops of *Hard 1 Reagent (WL-4259) to the test sample. Cap and mix.
3. Add one Hard 2 Tablet (WL-T-5250). Cap and mix to dissolve the tablet. A red
color will appear if Calcium Hardness is present.
4. Fill Direct Reading Titrator (0383) with Hardness Titrant (WL-4487) and titrate the
test sample until red color changes through purple to blue. Read the test result
directly from the scale where the large ring on the Titrator meets the Titrator barrel.
Results are expressed as Calcium Hardness in ppm Calcium Carbonate.
CALCIUM HARDNESS ADJUSTMENT
In 10,000 gallons of water . . .
1 lb. Calcium Chloride increases Calcium Hardness 11 ppm.
)
3
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PARTS LIST & SERVICE
DPC-52 WATER TESTING LABORATORYCODE 3509-01
To order reagent refills or part replacements, contact LaMotte Company at
800-344-3100. Order Reagent Refill Package by prefixing “R” before the kit code
(R-3509-01). The Reagent Refill Package consists of a complete set of reagents exactly
as furnished in the original outfit. Alternatively, reagents (and accessories) may be
purchased individually, using the code numbers given in the parts list below.
If you have any questions regarding the DPC-52 Water Testing Laboratory, call LaMotte
Company, Technical Services at 800-344-3100.
This Instrument is guaranteed to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the original purchase date.
In the event that a defect is found during the warranty time frame,
LaMotte Company agrees that it will be repaired or replaced without
charge except for the transportation costs. This guarantee does not cover
batteries.
This product can not be returned without a return authorization number
from LaMotte Company. For warranty support or a Return Authorization
Number, contact LaMotte Company at 1-800-344-3100 or
tech@lamotte.com.
Limitations
This guarantee is void under the following circumstances:
• Damage due to operator negligence, misuse, accident or improper
application.
• Damage or alterations from attempted repairs by an unauthorized
(non-LaMotte) service.
• Damage due to improper power source, AC adapter or battery.
• Damage caused by acts of God or natural disaster .
• Damage occurred while in transit with a shipping carrier.
LaMotte Company will service and repair out-of-warranty products at a
nominal charge.