Pool test kits are commonly used by homeowners as well as by pool service professionals to measure the water chemistry parameters. Most test kits are based on methods that can give results which vary significantly from true values. These results are in turn used to add chemicals to swimming pools in order to properly balance the pool water. However, if these values are incorrect and improper amounts of chemicals are added to the pool, detrimental effects can occur. In this study, several commonly available pool water tests kits were evaluated in terms of their performance (accuracy and precision) in the measurement of typical water chemistry parameters. Dr. Damian Kachlakev is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Professor Kachlakev is a member of the ACI, the ASCE, the ASTM, the International Association for Bridges and Structural Engineering, the International Society for Plastics in Construction, the Society of Plastics Industry, and the Composite Institute. He serves as a member of the ACI Committee 440- Fiber Reinforced Polymers, and ASTM D20.18.01- FRP for Concrete Reinforcement, developing new standards and guidelines for design, construction and testing of reinforced concrete structures using FRP materials. Dr. Kachlakev is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Plasters Council (NPC) Research Foundation. Dr. Kachlakev is involved in various aspects of FRP-related research and development. The results of his investigations on performance of FRP rebars, and strengthening of bridges and structural members using FRP materials have been presented in numerous publications, and national and international conferences. He was playing a central role in the design, construction and analysis of the first bridge in Oregon to be strengthened with FRP laminates (photo, article 1). Professor Kachlakev’s efforts in designing the only FRP hollow reinforcing bar in the world have been recognized nationwide. Dr. Kachlakev leads a team of scientists and swimming pool industry companies in a strategic research dealing with many different aspects of the national swimming pool industry needs. As a result of his research, the pool industry decided to establish a long term relations with Cal Poly and constructed the only swimming pool research center in the US. The National Pool Industry Research Center (NPIRC) was built during the summer of 2004 at a cost of over $850,000 (photo of the research center). Since 2003 the National Plasterers’ Council Foundation sponsors the NPIRC on a regular basis. The annual research grants exceed $250,000. As of 2006-2007 academic year the total research grants to the NPIRC exceeded $1,250,000, which is the largest long standing research funding contributions to the College of Engineering. Professor Kachlakev is the NPIRC Founding Director. Corinne Lehr, Ph.D. has been an Assistant Professor at Cal Poly State University since 2006. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia in Environmental Chemistry. Prior to her position at Cal Poly State University, she was a Research Associate at Montana State University and a Chemistry Technician at Umweltshutz Nord in Germany.
|
