Hamilton Index
The Langelier Index (LSI)
Wilfred Langelier developed his breakthrough index in the 1930’s as a means of predicting calcium solubility in water pipes. The challenge at the time was scaling in municipal pipes which would impede water flow. Wilfred’s index not only predicted when a pipe was likely to scale, but also gave a means for prevention. Focusing on pH as the primary parameter, municipalities could simply adjust the pH to prevent pipes from scaling.
The pool industry quickly adopted the index since it provided a means of balancing to predict chemical behavior in the pool.
Over the years, modifications were made to take into account the sanitation factors in the pool, determining a preferred pH range of 7.2 to 7.4, then later 7.2 to 7.6.
Limitation of the LSI
While a major breakthrough at the time, the LSI was never intended for application outside that of pipes. When applied to a very different system, such as pools, there are certain additional factors that the LSI doesn’t take into account.
Open vs Closed
First, a pool is an open system while a pipe is a closed system. In pools, when an acids are neutralized by Alkalinity, the net resulting reactions yield water and CO2. The CO2 is then gassed off, leading to a rise in pH and drop in Total Alkalinity.
However, in a closed system like a pipe, CO2 can’t be gassed off and is forced back into solution. This is a major difference that affects the solubility of compounds.
Also, the number of compounds that can be introduced into an open system is much greater than a closed system. In a closed system – such as pipes – the source water is the major factor. However, in an open system like pools, there are many more factors; rain, wind, surrounding soil, swimmer contaminants, etc.
Sanitation
Sanitation wasn’t a factor either of the LSI – at least not in the context of a pool. A pool is a much more stagnant body of water versus water flowing through a pipe. In addition, the water in a pipe is shielded from sunlight while water in a pool is not.
This is why the LSI was needed to be modified for pool use; the pH range was limited to ensure adequate sanitation while keeping the index below saturation levels. And since pH was the determining factor in the LSI, the limitation of an acceptable pH range reduced the the flexibility of the index.
Starting from Scratch
Jock Hamilton recognized these challenges of using the LSI as a service technician. Taking it upon himself, he began studying chemistry and analyzed the conditions pools operate within. He used his Service Tech background to develop a practical system for balancing tailored to the factors of pools. Thus was born the Hamilton Index™.
Focusing on Total Alkalinity
Rather than focus on pH, Jock found direct correlation between Total Alkalinity and Staining. Total Alkalinity measures carbonates. And carbonates turn metal compounds insoluble. Using empirical data from his service pools, he developed an algorithm to predict staining based on Total Hardness. He chose Total Hardness since it includes hardness beyond just calcium hardness.
For Plaster: f(TH)=-20ln(TH)+195, for Non-Plaster: f(TH)=-20ln(TH)+185
Where f(TH) is the Total Alkalinity staining threshold.
Note: the difference in surface is that plaster contains carbonates that are released into water.
This gave a way to predict staining in a much linear fashion. Simply put, when the actual Total Alkalinity exceeds the threshold Total Alkalinity, probability of staining increases dramatically. When these values are equal, staining may occur. However, as long as the actual Total Alkalinity stays below the threshold, staining is avoided. We can use a similar format to the LSI to express this.
f(TH) = TAthreshold,
If TAactual – TAthreshold > 0, water will be supersaturated; staining likely to occur
If TAactual – TAthreshold = 0, water will be saturated; staining may occur
If TAactual – TAthreshold < 0, water will be undersaturated; staining unlikely to occur
With insight into the correlation between Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness, and Staining, we then need to address pH.
The Role of pH
Jock believed that a high pH improved sanitizer efficiency for maintenance by reducing chlorine loss from UV light.
In addition, Jock understood that if we were to maintain both a low pH and low Total Alkalinity, we increase the corrosivity of the water and likelihood of etching a plaster surface (by dissolving calcium carbonate).
It’s also worth noting that pH will naturally increase in a pool overtime: a pool will natural trend to a high pH as Total Alkalinity continues to neutralize acids in water. As this happens, Total Alkalinity itself is lowered. This is due to a pool being an “open system”, allowing CO2 to be gassed out of solution.
This makes maintaining a high pH sensible – especially if we are to focus on Total Alkalinity.
However, Jock limited the upper pH range to 8.2, since at 8.3 Calcium becomes very insoluble and can lead to scaling.
Making it practical
Jock went one step further with his findings. He understood that usability of the index is also important factor. He knew few people would carry with them the graphing calculator needed to make all these complex calculations to find threshold values.
Instead he made it as simple as possible, expressing the Index as a chart. By finding the Total Hardness value, you could see what the Total Alkalinity threshold is, and where to maintain Alkalinity below.
We have included Calcium Hardness estimates to increase usability. Although Total Hardness is preferred, Calcium Hardness tests are more common. The value of Calcium Hardness is estimated as approximately 70% of the value of Total Hardness.
Related Articles
How often should I add Pool Stain Treat to my pool?
We recommend using Pool Stain Treat every 30 days to prevent stains. You should also maintain your Total Alkalinity based on the Hamilton Index. You can find more information in the Directions tab on the product page.Where should I keep my pH?
In general we recommend you keep your pH between 7.8 to 8.2. This is the most efficient for chlorine consumption and maintenance. You can read more about how we balance by checking out the Hamilton Index.Why do I keep getting copper stains?
Copper stains can be coming from a number of places, including but not limited to: copper-based algaecides copper plumbing heat exchangers source water Also, an alkalinity above 100ppm is usually a factor. To prevent copper stains we recommend ...Why do I keep getting iron stains?
Iron stains can be coming from a number of places, including but not limited to: well water fertilizer galvanized pipes soil run-off Also, an alkalinity above 100ppm is usually a factor. To prevent iron stains we recommend lowering your Total ...What does scale look like?
Scale looks like off-white or chalky build up on the surface, similar to the build up on faucets in your bathroom and kitchen.. To remove scale we recommend lowering the Total Alkalinity according to the Hamilton Index, and using Cal Treat. You can ...