The filter disk creates its own best operating level, usually between 7.4 and 8.2. Chlorine treatment in pools and spas usually asks you to keep the water’s pH between 7.2 and 7.6, because that is where chlorine performs best. It’s not necessary to lower the pH with chemicals because they may reduce the disk’s efficiency.

After the disk is installed, test the pool or spa water for pH for a few days to determine a baseline pH. This baseline pH will help in knowing when the disk needs to be replaced.

The disks tend to control water’s hardness and scale. The main reason water is hard is that calcium is present. The Swimming Pool Treatment Disk technology does not remove calcium, but it makes the water act softer by changing calcium’s cellular morphology so it cannot adhere to a surface. The calcium does not deposit scale on surfaces.

However, if you test the water for hardness in a pool or spa using the Swimming Pool Treatment Disk, the test will not show a reduction in the water’s hardness because the test does not distinguish between calcium’s various morphologies.

Chemicals may not be necessary to soften the water. In normal operating conditions, the disks will control hardness in the water.

1. How does Swimming Pool Treatment Disk technology work?

The filtration media in the Swimming Pool Treatment Disk works through the controlled release of copper-zinc ions into the water. It also works through the reduction-oxidation principle of dissimilar metals. It also creates an ORP (oxidation reduction potential) shift. The controlled release of copper-zinc ions inhibits the formation of scale as well as creates hostile conditions for growth. Redox removes heavy metals by electroplating them onto the surface of the copper-zinc media. The ORP shift changes the charges of the electrons in the water.

2. Why can’t I test for hardness?

The disks contain copper-zinc ions that self-regulate the water’s pH, reduce scale and make the water act softer. Hardness tests measure how many calcium ions are in the water. The Swimming Pool Treatment Disk technology does not remove the calcium ions. It changes their structure so they don’t become scale, and hardness tests can’t show this change.

3. Is there a test that shows whether the filter is still working?

Water becomes cloudy when there’s an increase of bacteria in a pool or spa. When bacteria increase, the water’s pH decreases.

If you test your water for pH and find it is below 7.2 and if it continues to decrease, then it’s time to replace your Swimming Pool Treatment Disk. That’s why it’s important to establish a baseline pH. Generally, these products typically last between three and five months.

4. Are there other tests I need?

You can test to determine the levels of copper and zinc ions, as these decrease over time. This is another way to determine when the disk needs replacing. If the levels fall below .30 ppm and continue decreasing, this is a sign the disks are nearing the end of their useful life.

5. What happens if my pool or spa becomes cloudy?

Under normal circumstances, the water in your pool or spa will be clear when using the disk. Cloudy water may mean the water in the pool or spa is not circulating through the disk often enough. Increase the time your pump runs to increase the circulation of water through the disk. MAKE SURE THAT WHEN WATER RUNS THROUGH THE DISK, THERE IS NO SUCTION ELSEWHERE IN THE POOL OR SPA. If the water remains cloudy, it may be time to shock the pool or spa or to replace the disk.

6. What are NOT normal circumstances?

Too many people in a pool or spa at one time creates excessive bather load and can stress the disk system. Excessive rain or heat, foliage in the water, and animals swimming in the water also are considered abnormal circumstances and can cause a spike in bacteria in the pool or spa. This sudden increase can cause the water to become cloudy.

7. If this happens, how do I get my water back to normal?

Turn on the pump and circulate the water through the disk, without suction except where the disk is located, for 24 hours. If this does not clear up the water, then you will need to give the pool or spa a shock treatment to diminish the bacteria load so the disk can resume normal operation.

8. Is shock treatment necessary?

Shock treatment using a small dose of a shocking agent, such as chlorine, may be necessary to decrease the bacteria in the pool or spa over a 24-hour period. Remove the disk during the shock treatment. When the disk is replaced 12 hours after the shocking treatment is over, it will help remove the chlorine as well as resume normal operation.

9. What happens if my water turns green?

There is nothing in the disk to cause water to turn green. Nitrogen-based compounds, such as fertilizer or herbicides or pesticides, can cause the pool to turn green if they get into your water. Consult your spa or pool expert for ways to correct this situation and remove the disk during the treatment.

10. Why does the disk darken?

It is normal for the disk to darken in color. This shows the disk is working. The disk oxidizes as it treats the water, and the oxidation darkens the copper and zinc elements.

11. About the Swimming Pool Treatment Disk

The Swimming Pool Treatment Disk is placed in your skimmer basket and comes with a black foam disk guard designed to capture sediment. If the guard becomes clogged, it decreases the flow of water through the disk. Keep the guard clean by peeling it from the disk, washing it in water and replacing it on top of the disk.

12. How do I use the Swimming Pool Treatment Disk?

Water flowing through the Swimming Pool Treatment Disks is what makes them work. A pool or spa needs to circulate the water to provide maximum contact with the disk. The best way to do this is to circulate the water for at least 12 continuous hours each day (24 hours is best) at 8 gpm in spas or the normal flow rate for pools.

Do not allow suctioning except at the skimmer basket or wherever the disk is placed. If 12 continuous hours is not possible, use the pump to circulate the water for two 2-hour periods daily AND run the pump at low speed for at least 30 minutes after spa or pool use.