Pool Operations Test Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

To prevent a bather from diving into too shallow of water, depth markers should be ___

on horizontal surfaces around the pool, on vertical surfaces within the pool, a minimum of every 20 feet.

Why is high pH a problem in a swimming pool?

Irritates eyes of patrons, reduces effectiveness of chlorine, results in cloudy water.

Cyanuric acid is sometimes used as a stabilizer and must never exceed ___

50 ppm

Which filter type removes the smallest particle size?

Diatomaceous Earth Signup and view all the answers

Algae primarily forms in a pool because of ___

poor water circulation Signup and view all the answers

A skimmer is designed to ___

prevent floating debris from re-entering the pool. Signup and view all the answers

If you need to raise free chlorine quickly, how long should patrons wait after manually adding chlorine to the pool?

30 minutes Signup and view all the answers

If swimmers complain of a chlorine odor (from chloramines), it can best be removed by:

Breakpoint chlorination Signup and view all the answers

The acceptable level of free chlorine in a swimming pool is ___

1-3 ppm Signup and view all the answers

The acceptable level of free bromine in a swimming pool is ___

3 ppm Signup and view all the answers

To lower the pH, what may be added to the water?

Muriatic Acid Signup and view all the answers

What chemical should you use to raise the calcium hardness?

Calcium Chloride Signup and view all the answers

What could be the problem if the hypochlorinator appears to be working, but no chlorine is in the pool?

Hypochlorinator tubing may be damaged, Liquid chlorine vat may be empty, Injection fitting might be clogged. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended range for pH in pools?

7.2-7.8 Signup and view all the answers

Stains on the interior pool surfaces are usually caused by ___

Iron Signup and view all the answers

Backwashing is complete when ___

the water in the sight glass is clear. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of reversing water flow to remove particles from a sand filter?

Backwashing Signup and view all the answers

What is used to raise pH?

Soda ash Signup and view all the answers

What type of algae can penetrate into the plaster of pool surfaces and cause damage to the pool?

Black algae Signup and view all the answers

Sodium hypochlorite:

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

As dirt accumulates inside a filter, the amount of water that can pass through the filter ___

decreases. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if the Phenol Red Reagent turns bright yellow while testing pH?

pH is too low. Signup and view all the answers

The strongest point of suction in a pool is the ___

main drain. Signup and view all the answers

Bromine is sometimes used as a disinfectant because ___

combined bromine is still an effective sanitizer. Signup and view all the answers

Combined chlorine is calculated by ___

subtracting measured value of free chlorine from total chlorine. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for maintaining the daily pool operation log?

the certified pool operator. Signup and view all the answers

The objective of adding chlorine to water is ___

to sanitize the water and prevent growth of algae. Signup and view all the answers

How do you remove stains from the interior of the pool?

The pool must be drained and acid washed. Signup and view all the answers

Why is low pH a problem in swimming pools?

Corrosion of pool components. Signup and view all the answers

What is the surface area of a rectangular pool 30 feet wide by 25 feet long?

750 Signup and view all the answers

Cloudy water may be caused by ___

filter malfunction, excessive bather load, chemical imbalance in pool water. Signup and view all the answers

What is the chemical name of liquid chlorine?

sodium hypochlorite. Signup and view all the answers

What is the volume of water in a rectangular pool that is 12 feet wide, 34 feet long, and 3 feet deep?

9,155 Signup and view all the answers

Low alkalinity levels in a swimming pool will cause:

A and C Signup and view all the answers

What chemical can you use to lower the level of free chlorine?

Sodium Thiosulfate. Signup and view all the answers

The surface area of a rectangular pool 50 feet wide and 100 feet long is ___

5000 square feet. Signup and view all the answers

Chloramines are ___

weak disinfectants, created when sodium hypochlorite reacts with nitrogen and ammonia, and are irritating to the body. Signup and view all the answers

Chlorine can be used in which of the following forms?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Chlorine gas is ___

heavier than air, requires special handling, and must be stored in rooms that are well ventilated. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary type of algae found in improperly maintained swimming pools?

Green algae. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term channeling mean when discussing swimming pool filters?

A damaging condition that occurs over time in a sand filter. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if the main drain cover is broken?

Close the pool immediately. Signup and view all the answers

What is an acceptable level for chlorine in a spa?

4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the surface area of a circular pool with a diameter of 20 feet?

314 square feet. Signup and view all the answers

What is a problem resulting from low total alkalinity?

pH bounce Signup and view all the answers

When handling chemicals, the pool operator should wear ___

gloves, goggles, and an apron. Signup and view all the answers

What is an acceptable level for bromine for a spa pool?

3 Signup and view all the answers

What is the max temperature for spas?

104 degrees Fahrenheit. Signup and view all the answers

If you observe bubbles on the surface, what could be the cause?

hair and lint strainer lid is not secure or the gasket is damaged. Signup and view all the answers

What is the turnover time for a swimming pool?

6 hours. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pool Operations Essentials

Depth markers should be placed on horizontal and vertical surfaces around the pool every 20 feet to prevent diving into shallower water.
High pH levels irritate eyes, reduce chlorine effectiveness, and cause cloudy water.
Maximum level for cyanuric acid as a stabilizer is 50 ppm.

Filtration and Water Quality

Diatomaceous Earth filters remove the smallest particle sizes.
Algae formation is typically due to poor water circulation.
Skimmers prevent floating debris from re-entering the pool.
Acceptable free chlorine levels range from 1-3 ppm, while for bromine it is 3 ppm.

Chemical Management

To lower pH, muriatic acid can be added; to raise pH, use soda ash.
Calcium hardness can be increased using calcium chloride.
Combined chlorine is calculated by subtracting free chlorine from total chlorine levels.
Sodium thiosulfate is used to lower free chlorine levels.

Pool Maintenance Practices

Backwashing is complete when the sight glass water appears clear.
If chlorine odor is present due to chloramines, it can be best eliminated through breakpoint chlorination.
Stains on pool surfaces are usually caused by iron.
Bather load, filter malfunction, and chemical imbalance can lead to cloudy water.

Operational Protocols

Certified pool operators are responsible for maintaining the daily pool operation log and ensuring that chlorine is added properly.
After adding chlorine manually, patrons should wait 30 minutes before swimming.
The main drain has the strongest point of suction in the pool.

Algae and Contamination

Black algae can penetrate plaster surfaces and cause significant damage.
Green algae is the primary type found in improperly maintained pools.
Chloramines, a byproduct of chlorine and nitrogen/ammonia reactions, are weak disinfectants and irritants.

Health and Safety

The maximum allowable temperature for spas is 104°F.
Proper handling of chemicals requires wearing gloves, goggles, and aprons to ensure safety.
A broken main drain cover should result in immediate pool closure.

Important Measurements

Turnover time for pool water is typically 6 hours.
The surface area of a rectangular pool measuring 30 x 25 feet is 750 square feet, while one measuring 50 x 100 feet is 5000 square feet.
Volume of water in a rectangular pool that is 12 feet wide, 34 feet long, and 3 feet deep is 9,155 gallons.
The surface area of a circular pool with a 20-foot diameter is approximately 314 square feet.

Chemical Properties

Sodium hypochlorite, while effective, deteriorates quickly in sunlight and at high temperatures, and is heavier than air.
pH should ideally be maintained within the range of 7.2 to 7.8.
If Phenol Red Reagent turns bright yellow during pH testing, it indicates that the pH level is too low.

Common Issues and Solutions

Bubbles on the pool surface indicate potential issues with the hair and lint strainer lid; check if it’s secure or if the gasket is damaged.
Low total alkalinity can cause pH bounce, making it difficult to maintain stable pH levels.
To remove stains from the pool interior, draining and acid washing the pool is required.

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Description

This set of flashcards covers essential concepts in pool operations, including safety measures and water chemistry. Test your knowledge on depth markers, the effects of high pH, and the role of cyanuric acid in maintaining pool stability. Perfect for pool operators and aquatics professionals.