Ozone (03) Technology – Underused and Misunderstood

If you look at the original plans for many commercial aquatic facilities, it’s surprising the number of them that were designed with plumbing and electrical systems meant to accommodate ozone systems. Yet, many never had the systems installed. Likewise, when I talk to facility managers and pool operators, they may know some things about ozone …

The Role of Technology in a Better Bathing Experience

It’s a valid question: For those of us in the aquatics industry, what are we really and truly selling? The answer, ultimately, comes down to: An experience! When you break it all down, aquatic professionals of all types are ultimately selling the aquatic experience, which includes a variety of enjoyable and beneficial aspects. It’s the …

The “New” App – Remote System Monitoring

Controlling the many variables that impact recreational water stands as the prime objective for the water-quality professional. That may seem an obvious statement, but it’s also much easier said than done. Issues with water balance, filtration, sanitation, disinfection by-products, water-related illnesses, organic contaminants, and, ultimately, bather load all conspire to make the job of creating …

Water Health – The Tipping Point in Commercial Pools

You don’t have to be a hydrologist to know that water has both a light and a dark side. On one hand, we know all about the existential importance of water as a natural resource, we simply cannot live without it. And, we know that water provides a spectrum of recreational activities and aesthetic appeal …

Reliable Industry Information – One Great Example

It’s no secret that at times I’ve been critical of the state of education in the aquatics/pool/spa industry. It’s not my nature to complain; yet throughout my long tenure in the industry, I’ve consistently found it difficult to find adequate informational resources — a shortcoming that has become a common refrain among many in our …

End Users – Their Feedback Is Key

I recently had the pleasure of attending the 14th Annual World Aquatic Health Conference in Denver, Colorado. It was the second time I’ve made it to the event, which is produced by the National Swimming Pool Foundation. Like the first time around, I found the experience incredibly stimulating and inspiring. As the name suggests, the …

Automated Water Testing and Monitoring – The Benefits

It always circles back to chemistry. Managing water quality is always, very much, an exercise in manipulating chemical values so that water remains sanitized, balanced and appealing. The only way to do that—to ply the trade of the water quality professional—is to be proficient in water testing. Whether it’s through traditional reagent-based tests in vials, …

Facility Water Management – How SRK Can Help

Water treatment and the resulting water quality it does — or does not — provide are issues at the very heart of all aquatic facilities. The water is the essence, the lifeblood of places where people take the plunge. But there’s far more to it than simply managing the rigors of chemistry, hydraulics, filtration and …

Perfect Water Quality for All – Idealism or Reality?

I’ve always believed that to make something real, you first have to visualize it. It’s true in most, if not all, aspects of life. Creating a different reality requires seeing it in your mind’s eye. Only then can you begin taking the steps needed to make it real and affect positive change. That’s why when …

What is a “Water Quality Manager”? – And Why Do We Need Them?

For several years, I’ve promoted the idea of establishing a new type of aquatic professional – the water quality manager (WQM). Because water quality is the key factor for any type of aquatic facility, commercial or residential, I believe it makes sense that our industry provides a class of professional who goes beyond the traditional …