Eric Altman, Chris Desmond, Mike FitzGibbon, Brian Grode

The Problem Statement Regulating chemicals is a time consuming irritating task that needs to be done on a daily basis. Failure to do so poses health risks to those using the pool and/or hot tub and can cause damage to the pool and/or hot tub itself.

Pool Terms ALGAE: living breathing organisms that need warmth, sunlight, and CO² to thrive. ALKALINE: Alkalis are best known for being bases (compounds with pH greater than 7) that dissolve in water. Alkaline is commonly used as a synonym for base, especially for soluble bases. CHLORINE: A member of the halogen family of sanitizers, it's use in swimming pools is in the elemental form of a gas, liquid, granular, or tablet compound. When added to water it acts as an oxidizer, sanitizer, and disinfectant pH: The scale of relative acidity or alkalinity, expressed in logarithmic numbers from , with 7.0 being neutral. Hypochlorous Acid: Chlorine

Why is This a Problem? Health Risks – Can irritate skin and trigger rashes, including eczema – Can cause burning, itchy eyes – Can trigger or aggravate a variety of bronchial problems, including asthma – Possible association between chlorine exposure and certain types of cancer – Has a bleaching effect on clothing and hair Damages – Algae growth – Algae growth itself can cause damage to the pool liner over time – Improper chemical levels can shorten the life of the pool liner and the pool pump seals

Costs of Damages Average cost of a quality liner would be $2300-$4000. Average liner installation charge is roughly $1000. Average costs including installation for different sized pools. $2500-$3000 for a 16x32' pool $3000-$3700 for a 18x36' pool $3900-$4700 for a 20x40' pool