The Automated Aquatics Blog

Anti Entrapment Standard Updates – 2021

One of the most comprehensive resources is this YouTube video. To summarize, previous anti-entrapment cover manufacturing/testing standards including ASME ANSI/APSP-16 2011 have been updated with new criteria for approving the maximum flow and sump compatibility. Contact our office for more information or to request assistance in determining which retro-fit cover options are optimal for your pool.

Alberta COVID-19 Relaunch Info (Sept 2020)

The province has given the green light for re-opening. Click to read more.

The effect of CYA on Free Chlorine

Some factual discussion on how CYA effects pool water disinfection

Head to Head – Chemical Dosing Pumps

What are the basic differences between diaphragm and peristatic chemical dosing pumps?

Anti-Entrapment Compliance – 5 Common Misconceptions

Anti entrapment compliance can be a complicated assessment process. Check out the top 5 misconceptions we get asked about.

TDS – What is it good for?

TDS is often tested and referenced as being ‘bad’ but what does it actually mean?

Overlooked Equipment: Pump Strainers

Pump strainers are often overlooked as a simple piece of equipment that doesn’t really affect your system. In reality, they are extremely important to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your circulation pumps and keep your pool filtration system operating at peak performance. There are a lot of different strainers on the market, but the vast majority of them are simple T-Style strainers. A T-style is pretty basic and does catch debris, but it is far from the most efficient

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Chlorine Gas Injection – Safe Design Practice

Despite the many hazards, gas chlorine is still an established method for swimming pool chlorination. Chlorine gas is pulled from a pressurised cylinder under vacuum through supply lines. This is the safest way to feed gas chlorine, any break in the gas line results in a loss of vacuum instead of a dangerous pressurised gas leak. Vacuum is created by water passing through the injector nozzle. The design of which accelerates the water to create a venturi effect that pulls

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The Clear Issue

Pool water quality isn’t often a topic of discussion you see in the mainstream media but it took the front seat during the Rio Olympics this summer. On Tuesday Aug 9 the 3,725,000 Liter dive pool took the ‘going green’ movement very literally. As with any current events news topic, the facts were inconsistent at best. Speculation ensued from pool experts everywhere. Sources closer to the event also had some varied explanations. ESPN reported a Rio spokesman explaining it was

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Combined Confusion – Part 1

When troubleshooting pool chemistry issues related to fluctuations and inconsistencies, I often joke that the only way to keep pool chemistry in perfect balance is to not let anyone use it. When the heat is off and no bathers are present, pools almost take care of themselves. Trace amount of chlorine give very high ORP values (the measure of the quality of disinfection) and very little chlorine is consumed to maintain those levels. Not only is the chemistry stable but

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SVRS Testing

SVRS (safety vacuum release system) and Automatic Pump Shut Off devices provide a layer of anti-entrapment protection for pools that don’t have multiple submerged suction outlets.  These devices are designed to disable pump suction (mechanical or electrical disconnects) in the event of a detectable entrapment.  There are several approved devices on the market, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the operation of your specific device.   Most devices require a system test is performed at the initial start-up and anytime system

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Equalizer Lines & Anti Entrapment

If we were to discuss major operational changes over the last 10 years in aquatics, it would be hard to think of anything more prominent than anti-entrapment compliance.  As of Dec 2007, the United States federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act catapulted anti-entrapment risk management to the attention of aquatic operators and health inspectors across North America.  The AB pool standards have been heavily influenced by this American policy change.  When we talk about anti-entrapment, main drains

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Getting Social!

We hope you are enjoying the new website, keep checking back as we add more info and products. I intend to post some technical writing here to discuss trends/technologies and solutions to common pool problems. We also have some how-to videos planned to cover metering pump maintenance. Like and Follow us on Facebook! We’re also on Twitter! @AutomatedAqua