Talking Pools Podcast

Here's why the LSI You're Using is Inaccurate.

August 13, 2021 Rudy & Andrea, Swimming Pool Season 1 Episode 14
Talking Pools Podcast
Here's why the LSI You're Using is Inaccurate.
Show Notes Transcript

 The Langelier Saturation Index is the basis of swimming pool water chemistry. A simple mathematical formula determines whether the water is in balance (neither corrosive nor scale forming). Realistically, not a measure of the success in preventing algae or bacteria, but a calculation designed specifically for the protection of the vessel, the swimming pool itself—a determination of calcium carbonate saturation. Let's face it; we have come to depend upon the accuracy of the pool industry LSI (Langelier Saturation Index).

The water being in balance is extremely important, and the LSI is a tool we rely upon. After all, we know water needs to have a certain amount of calcium and carbonate in solution, and the level we need varies upon both temperature and pH. If the water is found to be corrosive, it will pull calcium and carbonate from the pool walls and floor, etching the surface. When the water is scale forming, everything from a cloudy water condition to calcium carbonate deposits forming about the pool.

But, is the formula accurate? And, are the apps even necessary?

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I. Introduction

  • Explanation of Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) and its importance in water treatment
  • Brief overview of LSI inaccuracies

II. Factors affecting LSI accuracy

  • Temperature
  • Total alkalinity
  • Calcium hardness
  • pH
  • Ionic strength
  • Presence of other dissolved solids

III. Temperature

  • Explanation of the effect of temperature on LSI calculation
  • Examples of how temperature can affect LSI accuracy

IV. Total Alkalinity

  • Explanation of the effect of total alkalinity on LSI calculation
  • Examples of how total alkalinity can affect LSI accuracy

V. Calcium hardness

  • Explanation of the effect of calcium hardness on LSI calculation
  • Examples of how calcium hardness can affect LSI accuracy

VI. pH

  • Explanation of the effect of pH on LSI calculation
  • Examples of how pH can affect LSI accuracy

VII. Ionic strength

  • Explanation of the effect of ionic strength on LSI calculation
  • Examples of how ionic strength can affect LSI accuracy

VIII. Presence of other dissolved solids

  • Explanation of the effect of other dissolved solids on LSI calculation
  • Examples of how other dissolved solids can affect LSI accuracy

IX. Conclusion

  • Recap of the importance of LSI and the factors that can affect its accuracy
  • Suggestions for improving LSI accuracy in water treatment applications.