Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
How Increase in pH Affects Pool and Spa Water
How Increase in pH Affects Pool and Spa Water
Doug Latta, Kim Skinner, and Que Hales, onBalance members, penned down an article in the Aqua Magazine, April issue. In the piece, they contended that the pH limit of 8.0 is very limiting. Furthermore, it is an inconsiderate directive to shut down pools when the pH is 8.0-8.5. The well-advised response is by Richard Young, from the commercial aquatics consultants. The column illuminates key issues concerning pH and Cyanuric acid. In a situation where the pH of the water is 8.0 when added a disinfectant with a lower pH, the after-effects have been debatable for years. Moreover, the article discusses crucial issues on the pH effect after adding a disinfecting compound necessary for the pool and spa water. The name of the disinfecting compound is the hypochlorous acid.
Medics and researchers have discovered that the HOCl compound is the activation agent that gets rid of viruses, bacteria, and pathogens. The feature further mentions that the nature of HOCI depends on several factors. CYA, pH, and the minimal effects of high levels of undissolved solids impact the resulting state/form the HOCl. Knowledge of chemistry is relevant to comprehend this information.
Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) and Cyanuric Acid (CYA)
HOCl is a naturally unstable and very reactive compound. The introduction of CYA stabilizes the chlorine compound to reduce the impact of UV sunlight rays. HOCl is an excellent oxidizer and sanitizer because of its unstable nature. Stabilizing it with excess CYA levels (over 20-30 ppm) lowers the chlorine compound capacity to perform its role. Such levels may not affect backyard pools meant for decoration, but the effect differs for public pools and spas.
Your pool and spa water pH affects HOCl. When the pH reduces, more hydrogen ions are present to integrate with the Hypochlorous ions, enabling the formation of HOCl. When the pH increases, the hydrogen ions are minimal. This leads leading to the formation of more hypochlorous ions. This is the ionization of the HOCl process. It explains the definition of pH, which is an inverse logarithm of hydrogen ions in water or as Dr. Clifford White, usually referred to as doctor of chlorination described it, the dissociation of hydrogen ions.
Total dissolved solids (TDS) have a minor impact on HOCl compared to increased pH levels. The disintegration of hydrogen ions is an automatic and natural process. A higher pH reduces the formation of HOCl, while a lower pH increases the HOCl formed.
In summary, this means that when the pH is 8.0 or above, some level of disinfection will still take place. Pool and spa water does not require a lot of HOCl to disinfect. This explains why years back, chlorine residues of 0.2-0.4 were applicable for pH levels 7.4 to 7.8. With chlorine range of 1.0–3.0, the pH levels having little effect on the disinfection rates. Let us find out the reason health professionals prefer high Chlorine levels.
Oxidation of Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)
Oxidation is the elimination of one or more electrons from a compound altering its molecular form. It is a very key process many are ignorant about. Many times, viruses and bacteria get into our pool and spa water. Organic compounds such as urine, sweat, saliva are also introduced and require elimination. Oxidation, in conjunction with HOCl, makes the above process possible.
You may have come across the term oxidation reduction potential (ORP). To illustrate, this is a millivolt measurement produced in water, taking electrons from a calibrated sensor. HOCl unstable nature now plays in during this process. It takes away electrons from another compound, disintegrating/oxidizing it. Oxidation changes some compounds to elements, for example, Nitrogen.
Oxidation reduction potential is the unit that measures chlorine efficiency in most pool chemical control systems. It is more about the quality rather than the quantity of HOCl. For instance, if the measurement is 3ppm with free chlorine present, the OPR reading may be 740mV at a 7.4 pH. If the pH rises to 8.0, the ORP will record a drop of about 40-50mV, and the new reading is 690-700mV. Adding effects of CYA when the levels are over 50ppm or the TDS is high is dangerous, especially when it comes to the increase in pathogens.
World Health Organization prescribes an ORP reading of 650mV as the smallest limit for efficient bacterium destruction. This is approximately 1ppm free chlorine in 8.8 pH water. The rise in pH causes a low ORP reading. The decrease in pH results in a high reading of the ORP. The rate of pathogen destruction is directly connected to the ORP levels. High levels of ORP increase oxidation of organic compounds in pool and spa water. If the organic compounds are not destroyed, they join with the HOCl forming combined chlorine referred to as chloramines that are distinctive organisms.
Increased pH levels cause oxidation of HOCl a rise in the concentration of HOCl ions. This lowers the ORP levels, making the destruction of the microbes slow, though still happen. When the ORP levels are high, the pathogens’ destruction is faster. Researchers concluded a survey on the pathogens’ inactivation at different ORP values to establish these facts.
Finally, the pH values should be at the desired levels to prevent a negative response, especially in active pools.
Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
Darlly Filtration Partners With The Grit Game on Private Label Pool Filters
DAVENPORT, Fla., Darlly Filtration, one of the largest filter cartridge manufacturers in the world and a private label supplier to well-known names in pool and spa, has partnered with The Grit Game (TGG) to represent its pool and spa filtration line across seven states: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.
A filter program with the dealer’s name on it
For most pool stores, the replacement cartridge is the most shoppable item on the shelf. A customer brings in a dirty filter, the counter team identifies it, and the customer finds the same part number online before reaching the parking lot.
Darlly’s private label program is built to close that gap:
- Private label at no upcharge. The dealer’s logo goes on the cartridge label for the same price as a Darlly labeled filter.
- Custom part numbers. Dealers can assign their own part numbers, so the filter on their shelf is not a line-for-line price comparison online.
- No order minimums. No minimums on orders or on private label, so a dealer can start with their two or three highest-volume SKUs.
- Same ship timeline. Product is labeled when the order is picked, so private label ships as fast as stocked product.
“Every pool store we walk into has the same story. Their team does the work of identifying a filter, and the sale walks out the door to an online seller. Darlly gives dealers a real answer to that: their own name and their own part number on a cartridge built to the original spec, with no upcharge and no minimums. That is the kind of line we want to put in front of pool professionals, because it helps them run a better business,” Laci Davis, Co-Founder and CEO, The Grit Game.
Built to the spec of the original cartridge
Every Darlly pleated cartridge is built to the specification of the original equipment cartridge, with:
- Single-layer tri-lobal spun bonded polyester media that resists chlorine and bromine
- An ABS injection molded center core made with NSF certified material
- Reinforced end caps with screen mesh molded in during production
- Pleat bands for pleat stability
- A screw thread guaranteed for life
What the partnership means across the seven states
TGG’s reps will work with pool professionals market by market, starting with the filters each account moves most.
- Florida. A cartridge-heavy market where price pressure is constant. The focus is private label and custom part numbers that take the price comparison off the table.
- Texas and Louisiana. Larger filters are the norm. Reps will cross-reference the large Hayward, Pentair, Jandy and Waterway cartridge sets that dominate the region.
- Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi. Wide-open ground where D.E. filtration is still common, making universal grid kits a simple, single-line-item add alongside cartridges.
“Darlly Filtration is excited to partner with The Grit Game. The professionalism, integrity and high standards of The Grit Game Team embody what Darlly stands for,” Brad Schneider, Director of U.S. Sales Pool & Spa Division.
Pool builders, service route companies and retail store owners interested in a Darlly private label program can contact their The Grit Game rep here.
About Darlly Filtration
Hangzhou Darlly Filtration has manufactured filter cartridges for more than 25 years and is one of the largest filter cartridge manufacturers in the world, producing more than 35 million filters a year for customers in over 100 countries. Beyond pool and spa, Darlly serves the biopharmaceutical, microelectronics, medical, food and beverage, petrochemical and drinking water industries. Darlly is an OEM and private label supplier to established brands in the pool and spa industry and offers more than 600 replacement cartridge part numbers, universal D.E. grids and filtration systems. US operations run from warehouses in Ontario, California and Loveland, Colorado. Learn more at darllyfilter.com.
About The Grit Game
The Grit Game is an award-winning manufacturer rep firm and marketing agency serving the pool, spa and backyard industry across the United States and Canada. Founded in 2023 by Laci Davis and Johnny Davis, TGG works on an “education before transaction” model, connecting a vetted line of manufacturer partners with the pool professionals who build, service and sell to backyard owners. TGG was named Pool Nation Sales Rep Group of the Year in 2024. Learn more at thegritgame.com.
Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
King Technology Opens $17M Manufacturing and Distribution Center
ST. PETERS, MO, September 29, 2026 – King Technology, a leading innovator in hot tub, swim spa and pool water care, and sanitization systems, has opened a new centralized manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution center in St. Peters, Missouri. The company is investing at least $17 million in the facility, which is expected to ultimately employ 40 workers in the next three years.
“King Technology’s investment of more than $17 million in a new manufacturing and distribution facility in St. Peters is another testament to Missouri’s strong business climate, skilled workforce, and central location,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “We’re proud to welcome King Technology and look forward to seeing this family-owned company grow, create jobs, and succeed in the Show-Me State for generations to come.”
The 208,000-square-foot facility – located in the Lakeside Logistics Center in St. Peters – will enable King Technology to provide efficient world-class service to hundreds of distributors and dealers across the United States.
“Our new facility in St. Charles County is a milestone for our company’s long-term growth strategy,” said Michael Noer, President and CEO of King Technology. “The region’s commitment to growing businesses and its strong sense of faith, family, and community reflect the same values behind King Technology’s purpose to ‘Enrich Lives Daily.’”
King Technology is best known by thousands of hot tub and swimming pool owners for its FROG family of pre-filled, easy-to-use recreational water care products with patented mineral technology that keeps water crystal clear for in-ground and above-ground pools, swim spas, and hot tubs, while using significantly less chlorine. King Technology also introduced its New Water brand of products this year for mass retail across the U.S.
A third-generation, family-owned company for nearly half a century, King Technology will maintain its headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota. “King Technology’s decision to choose St. Peters for their new distribution center reflects our region’s clear strengths and our commitment to bringing new employers and new jobs to our region,” said Ron Kitchens, Managing Partner of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “Greater St. Louis, Inc. was proud to support King Technology’s first-ever expansion, and we look forward to watching them grow and thrive in St. Peters.”
King Technology worked alongside Missouri state and local partners to determine and invest in its second location, including Ameren, the City of St. Peters, the Economic Development Council of St. Charles County, Greater St. Louis, Inc., Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Partnership, and Spire.
A ribbon cutting and celebration was held on September 29, 2026, with participation by St. Peters, Missouri Mayor Len Pagano and Missouri Governor Michael Kehoe (pictured).
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
“For nearly half a century, this third-generation, family-owned company has built a legacy of innovation, growth, and commitment to its customers,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “We’re proud King Technology has chosen Missouri for this significant investment and look forward to supporting its continued success as it creates new opportunities for Missourians to prosper in the St. Louis region.”
“We’re so excited to be welcoming King Technology to our FasTrac family,” said St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano. “I’m so proud of our FasTrac economic development team, working with our partners at the local and State of Missouri level to help King Technology expand to our region. We look forward to working with King Technology and watching them grow into the future!”
“King Technology’s expansion into St. Peters reflects the continued strength of St. Charles County as a place where manufacturers can grow, invest, and thrive,” said Scott Drachnik, President & CEO of the Economic Development Council (EDC) of St. Charles County. “We are grateful for the trust they have shown in our community and look forward to their continued success.”
“King Technology’s investment in St. Peters reflects what companies continue to find across Missouri: a strategic location, strong infrastructure, and a business climate that supports long-term growth,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “This project strengthens Missouri’s advanced manufacturing footprint, creates new opportunities for Missourians, and reinforces the state’s position as a premier destination for companies serving customers across the nation.”
ABOUT KING TECHNOLOGY
King Technology, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned water care company founded in 1978 by Lloyd King and Joe King. Headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, the company is a market leader in hot tub and swim spa water care and a leading innovator in pool water care. King Technology is best known for its FROG family of pre-filled, easy-to-use water care products, which use patented mineral technology to keep water clear while requiring significantly less chlorine. The company’s mission is to Enrich Lives Daily. For more information, visit kingtechnology.com.
JED Pool Tools, US manufacturer and distributor of swimming pool and spa maintenance equipment, offers a new Pro 14” Pool Vacuum with a swivel-plastic handle for cleaning both residential and commercial swimming pools. This vac head is heavy weight and designed to make it easy to clean corners and steps. Made to handle the cleaning of any size swimming pool with durable construction. Easily maneuverable vacuum head has 360-degree swivel connector that ends aggravating hose tangling. Adapted for both 1-1/2” and 1-1/4” hose sizes. Proudly made by JED in Pennsylvania, USA.
www.JEDPoolTools.com
570-344-4137
Old Forge, PA
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