Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
Tips on Pool Water Treatment
Several customs and practices in pool and spa chemistry are reliable, although some are becoming obsolete. Unfortunately, some of these habits were ineffective in the first place despite being approved by industry professionals. Present information on water and pool chemicals is continuously changing with time. Therefore, it is proper for us to evolve as well; we must stay up to date with the latest information on chemicals and pool water treatment. Misconceptions on pool and spa chemistry may lead to devastation when figuring out how to deal with specific issues and eventually result in inefficiencies. In this present article, we shall discuss popular misconceptions about pool and spa chemistry and explain what happens in reality.
Sanitization and disinfection versus oxidation
Although sanitization/disinfection and oxidation are two different terminologies, industry experts employ these terms exchangeably. Complete sanitization of pools is obtained by destroying harmful microbes to ensure safety for human use. An essential sanitizer should do away with 99.9% of microorganisms in the swimming pool in 30 seconds. Disinfection, on the other hand, destroys all detrimental microbes in 10 minutes. The process is anticipated to have at least 99.999% kill, also known as a 5-log reduction. Disinfection is crucial, particularly in commercial pools where the pool is more vulnerable to outbursts of cryptosporidium, giardia, and antibodies. The majority of pool owners, therefore, prefer using high levels of chlorine and employ consistent draining processes.
Oxidation is vital in disintegrating and eliminating non-living impurities and pollutants existing in swimming pools. The process entails more than just using chlorine to burn out microorganisms in swimming pools, and it is a complicated procedure involving several reactions. In simple terms, chlorine, the oxidant, gets rid of electrons from a contaminant, which in turn decreases its oxidizing power. Most industry experts miscalculate the degree to which oxidation leads to depletion of chlorine. Conversely, some theorists state that the sun can lead to loss of chlorine, and specific amounts of cyanuric acid, say 30 ppm, can prevent this. However, 30ppm is considered too much stabilizer, and there is no proof that the sun causes loss of chlorine. For instance, in the human body, a lot of reactions, including oxidation, take place. During the excretion process, eliminating waste like urea and ammonia in sweat or urine requires hypochlorous acid (HOCL). Getting rid of 1ppm of ammonia requires 15ppm of hypochlorous acid. It is thus possible for the oxidation process to consume vast amounts of chlorine. Ultimately, it is safe to conclude that despite chlorine being an effective sanitizer; it is a relatively weak oxidizer.
Breakpoint chlorination: Not necessarily what you think
Breakpoint chlorination and super chlorination (also referred to as shocking) are two distinctive processes though one may think of them as the same thing. It is achieved after all chlorine has reacted with all the contaminants like urea in the pool, forming a free chlorine residual at the end. Once a chlorine-free residual is created, it indicates regular and proper oxidation of ammonia. However, at times, chlorine does not reach its breakpoint; this is where super chlorination comes in. The shocking process enables chlorine to continue reacting with pollutants until a breakpoint level, and a chlorine-free residual is obtained.
Micronutrients can indirectly contribute to chlorine demand
Microbes require nutrients to survive and procreate. Specific micronutrients affect pool treatment in a variety of ways. For instance, nitrogen manifests in distinct configurations like ammonia, ammonium, urea, and nitrates and provides food for living microorganisms in water. Nevertheless, the substance also reacts with chlorine through a complicated procedure involving several phases leading to increased demand in chlorine. Consequently, chlorine gets depleted due to over-usage.
Phosphate, another micronutrient, indirectly causes an increased demand for chlorine. These micronutrients foster the flourishing of algae, which in turn, use up chlorine. Contrary to popular belief, phosphate does not react with chlorine while in water; instead, it facilitates the growth of algae, which in turn exhaust chlorine in the water. Think of it, have you ever come across a pool dominated by algae? Did chlorine levels reduce after a certain period? Even if there was no chlorine after some time, high chances are that algae destroyed chlorine. Yes, chlorine is very useful in eliminating algae, although these microbes keep reproducing hence using up all the chlorine.
The nourishing nutrient of algae, phosphate continually encourages the growth of algae, which reduces the efficiency of chlorine. Not to worry, phosphates in water can be eliminated through phosphate removers. It is now evident that the sun does not lead to the use of chlorine; it could be the existence of nitrogen, phosphates, or oxidation of bather waste. Therefore, we suggest complementing chlorine with other elements since we largely depend on it to perform our duties. Additionally, doing this will ensure complete disinfection and sanitization of swimming pools within a reasonable time frame.
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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