Real-Life Math -- Solution
Math is an important part of being a pool manager, says Wayne Shults. He is the aquatic director of a YMCA. "The little things you learned [in math] that you think you won't ever need, you use almost daily," he says.
First, you need to determine how many fluid ounces of chlorine you'll need to raise the pH level from 6.4 to 6.8. You need 0.34 fluid ounces of chlorine for every 353 cubic feet of water.
1,412,640 cubic feet of water / 353 = 4,002
That means there are 4,002 cubic feet of water that require 0.34 fluid ounces of chlorine for each cubic foot.
4,002 cubic feet of water x 0.34 fluid ounces of chlorine = 1,361 fluid ounces of chlorine
By adding 1,361 fluid ounces of chlorine, you will be able to raise the pH level of the water to 6.8. Then you need to raise the pH level from 6.8 to 7.2. This requires only 0.17 fluid ounces of chlorine per 353 cubic feet of water.
4,002 cubic feet of water x 0.17 fluid ounces of chlorine = 680 fluid ounces of chlorine
So how much chlorine will you need in total to raise the pH level from 6.4 to 7.2?
1,361 fluid ounces + 680 fluid ounces = 2,041 fluid ounces of chlorine
You need to add 2,041 fluid ounces of chlorine to raise the pH from 6.4 to 7.2.
Shults says that because you're working around the pool, you won't always have a calculator nearby to use. This means you often end up doing the calculations in your head.
And, Shults adds, you'll use math a lot more than for just figuring out chemical balances in the pool. You'll also need it when budgeting staff hours and expenses. "Math is a big thing," says Shults. You should expect to use it every day.