palintest Pooltest 25 User manual

1

2
Z-INST 25 PRO +
Table of Contents
1GENERAL INFORMATION........................................................................................................ 4
Instrument Layout ...................................................................................................................... 5
2BACKGROUND INFORMATION................................................................................................ 6
Introduction to Colorimetric Measurement .................................................................................... 6
Blanks and Samples .................................................................................................................... 7
Taking a Reading........................................................................................................................ 7
Follow on Tests ( Certain Tests Only ) ............................................................................................ 9
Care and Maintenance............................................................................................................... 11
System - Quick Start ................................................................................................................. 12
Chlorine Testing Ranges............................................................................................................ 13
Water Balance Options.............................................................................................................. 13
3TEST METHODS .................................................................................................................... 14
........................................................................................................ 14
................................................................................................. 14
...................................................................................................... 15
............................................................................................... 15
.................................................................................................................. 16
...................................................................................................................... 16
HMB (POLYBIGUANIDE-BASED BIOCIDE)................................................................... 17
.................................................................................................................. 17
................................................................................................. 18
.................................................................................................. 18
........................................................................................................ 19
....................................................................................................................... 19
........................................................................................................ 20
..................................................................................................... 20
................................................................................................ 20
............................................................................................................... 21
............................................................................................................... 21
Test 16 ................................................................................................... 21
............................................................................................................. 22
................................................................................................................. 22
............................................................................................................. 23
Test 20 ............................................................................................................ 23
HR....................................................................................................... 23
........................................................................................ 24
....................................................................... 24
............................ 24
.................................................................................... 25
.................................................................................... 26
.................................................................................... 27

3
4INSTRUMENT OPERATION.................................................................................................... 29
System - Full Options ................................................................................................................ 29
Replacing the Batteries.............................................................................................................. 31
Cleaning the Optics................................................................................................................... 31
Service Requirement ................................................................................................................. 31
Error Messages......................................................................................................................... 32
Guarantee ................................................................................................................................ 32
Check Standards....................................................................................................................... 32
Features and Technical Specification .......................................................................................... 33
Power Supply ........................................................................................................................... 35
5TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................................................. 36
Sample Collection ..................................................................................................................... 36
Diluting the Sample................................................................................................................... 36
Chlorine ................................................................................................................................... 37
pH ........................................................................................................................................... 38
Alkalinity .................................................................................................................................. 38
Ozone...................................................................................................................................... 38
Cyanuric Acid ........................................................................................................................... 38
Calcium Hardness ..................................................................................................................... 39
Iron LR .................................................................................................................................... 39
Bromine…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…...……………….39
6REORDERING INFORMATION............................................................................................... 40

4
1GENERAL INFORMATION
Thank you for purchasing this Palintest product.
Palintest instruments and reagents are renowned as being simple to use,
whilst providing rapid and reliable results for the testing of water. Our
instruments are of the highest quality and fully waterproof.
Palintest’s experience, established over the last 50 years, is the reason why
our instruments and reagents are used in laboratories, treatment plants,
leisure facilities and industrial premises throughout the world.
Our products are packaged carefully and the product should reach you in
the state it left our factory; if this product has reached you in a state that is
less than satisfactory, please contact the transportation company.
This booklet describes the best way to use Palintest products, and provides
instructions for the range of water tests that can be performed using this
instrument.
Palintest instruments are calibrated for Palintest reagents. To
guarantee the high accuracy and performance that our
instruments give, you must ensure that only Palintest reagents are
used with Palintest instruments. Failure to do so can lead to
erroneous results.

5
Test and
Number Keys
Multi-Size
Cell Holder
Instrument Layout
The Palintest Pooltest 25 is a precision photometer specifically developed for
testing swimming pool water.
The Palintest Pooltest 25 features digital electronics and built-in filters. It is
lightweight, portable and waterproof (IP67). The instrument is direct-
reading, has automatic blank setting, automatic wavelength selection and
automatic power cut-off.
Palintest
®
Br
2
Cl
2
F
Cl
2
F
pH
PHMB
O
3
CNA
Cal
Alk
%T
OK
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
Pooltest
25
Keypad

6
2BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Introduction to Colorimetric Measurement
Palintest methods are based on measuring the intensity of colours produced
by Palintest reagents and using Palintest photometers to measure that
intensity of colour. This method is called colorimetry and can be defined as
any technique used to evaluate an unknown colour in reference to known
colours.
To avoid subjective measurement between test samples and colour standards,
a photometer can be used for quantitative measurement of the amount of
coloured light absorbed by a sample (with reagents added) in reference to an
untreated sample (blank).
White light is made up of many different wavelengths of visible light.
A photometer transmits a white light beam through an optical filter which
permits only one particular band of wavelength of light to pass to the
photodetector where it is measured.
The difference in the amount of coloured light transmitted by a colourless
sample (blank) and the amount of coloured light transmitted by a coloured
sample is a measurement of the amount of coloured light absorbed by the
sample.
The use of filters improves the sensitivity of this process and choice of the
correct optical filter (and therefore the correct wavelength) of light is important.
It is interesting to note that the filter that gives the most sensitive calibration
for a test factor is the complementary colour of the test sample. For example,
the chlorine test produces a pink colour proportional to the chlorine
concentration in the sample (the greater the chlorine concentration, the darker
the pink colour). In this case, a green filter gives the greatest sensitivity as a
pinkish-red solution absorbs mostly green light.
Palintest photometers calculate and then display the test results directly in
milligrams per litre (mg/l) of the test factor, by comparing the amount of
absorbed light to the calibration data programmed into the instrument.

7
Blanks and Samples
Palintest photometers use a BLANK tube to set the instrument to blank and
a SAMPLE tube to take the reading.
A BLANK tube is a test tube filled with untreated water sample. A SAMPLE
tube is a test tube containing the sample to which reagents have been
added in accordance with the test procedure described.
Taking a Reading
1Press key. The ‘options menu’ describes the options that are
available to the user before and during tests and is found at the bottom
of each screen.
The cursor will flash on the [OK] symbol of the ‘options menu'.
Press [OK] to accept the test highlighted.
2 To choose a different test program, either use the or keys to scroll
through the menu options, or use the numeric keys to enter the Phot
number of the desired test.
Press [OK] to accept the selected program.
3If the sample number option is pre-selected, then the instrument will
now ask you to enter the sample number and then press [OK]. If the
dilution factor option is pre-selected then the instrument will ask you to
enter the dilution factor used during the test. Press [OK] to accept the
default value (which is x1, no dilution).
Red filter
620 - 640nm
Blue Solution
(450 - 500nm)
Red Filter
(625 –635nm)
Red light only passes
through the filter. All
other light is absorbed.
Incident Light
Small quantities of
red light pass through
the solution.
Photodetector

8
Test 001
1.0
0
mg/l Cl2
Chlorine-Free/5
4 The following display will now appear :-
Place a BLANK TUBE in the test chamber, then press [OK].
NOTE: The instrument is designed to hold the blank setting as long as
the instrument is switched on.
If the instrument is in continuous use mode, it is advisable to re-blank
between tests.
5 The instrument will determine the blank transmittance, and after a few
seconds the following display will appear :-
Place SAMPLE TUBE in the test chamber, then press [OK].
6 The instrument will determine the transmittance, compare with the
stored calibration data and display the result :-
The following symbols indicate the result is out of test range :-
Result is higher than range > >
Result is lower than range < <
Chlorine-Free / 5
Test 001
Insert Blank
Choose a Test
OK
Chlorine-Free / 5
Test 001
Insert Sample
Blank - Choose a Test - Timer
OK

9
7 The ‘options menu' offers the choice to :-
‘Choose a Test’ - return to the menu of test programs and select another
test
‘Read’ - read further sample tubes of the currently selected
test
‘Blank’ - re-blank the instrument
‘Follow-On’ - carry out a continuation test if available.
Follow on Tests ( Certain Tests Only )
1 Select ‘Follow-On’ and press [OK] during the result display period. The
photometer applies the previously entered sample number and dilution
factor, and the ‘Insert Sample’ screen will appear. Follow the defined
method steps and place SAMPLE TUBE in the test chamber, then press
[OK].
2The instrument will measure the transmittance and automatically
calculate the result of the follow on parameter. The result will be
displayed as follows :-
3 Some continuation test procedures involve a standing period. The
photometer may switch off automatically during this time.
To avoid the instrument switching off, set for continuous operation or use
the timer function to time any standing period. The timer will over-ride the
auto switch off function.
Favourite Tests List
The four most recently used tests are listed at the top of the 'Choose a Test'
screen for convenience.
Chlorine-Total / 5
Test 002
1.5
0
mg/l Cl
2
Choose a Test Read Blank

10
and
Read
Expressing Different Chemical Forms
If the test result can be expressed in different chemical forms, the chemical
symbol will have flashing and to indicate this. Use the or keys to
step through the options available.
Note that the log stores the result in the standard form.
Reading in Transmittance
When taking a reading in Transmittance mode, use the or keys to step
through the wavelengths, after the result is taken, until the required
wavelength is reached.
Timer
The photometer features a countdown timer with alarm as an aid to
carrying out test procedures. The timer can be accessed during a test by
selecting ‘Timer’ from the ‘Options’ menu.
After selecting the timer, the following display will appear :-
Key in the time required in minutes and seconds, maximum 29 minutes and
59 seconds, using the numerical keys, then select ‘START’ to start the timer.
Use the and keys to reposition the cursor and re-enter the time if it is
keyed in incorrectly.
The timer will count down, giving an audible alarm at the end of the timed
period. Press [OK] to stop the alarm.
During the timer countdown period, an ‘Options’ menu is available :-
Stop - to abort the timing operation and return to the main test screen.
Exit - to return to the program screen to take readings. The timer will
continue to run and give an audible alarm at the end of the period.
Exit - to return to the program screen with the timer counting down on
screen - the instrument will automatically take a reading at the end
of the timed period - no alarm will sound.
Timer
00:00
EXIT

11
Care and Maintenance
Your Palintest direct-reading photometer is designed to give long and trouble-
free operation. To ensure you get the best out of this photometer, please read
these instructions carefully and follow the procedures recommended.
The photometer is suitable for use in both the plant room or for portable
use at the waterside. It is sturdy and robust but should always be regarded
as a scientific instrument. Treat it in the same way that you would a watch
or a camera. It is waterproof (IP67 rated) but careless use will almost
certainly result in damage or reduce the life of the instrument.
Here are 10 hints on keeping the photometer clean, free from contamination
and in good working order :-
1Prepare your workplace before use. Make sure that you have enough
space to work with the photometer and with the reagent systems.
2Do not pour out samples or prepare the tests directly over the instrument.
Remember to cap the tube before reading in the instrument.
3Always cap the test tubes after preparing the blank and test sample.
4Wipe test tubes on a clean tissue to remove drips or condensation
before placing in the photometer.
5Do not leave tubes standing in the photometer test chamber. Remove
the tubes immediately after each test.
6Immediately wipe up any drips or spillages onto the instrument or into the
test chamber with a clean tissue.
7Keep the instrument clean. Clean the test chamber regularly using a
moistened tissue or cotton bud.
8Keep the instrument away from all chemicals and cleaning materials. Do
not place the instrument on top of chemical drums or barrels.
9Keep the instrument in a clean, dry place when it is not in use. Keep it
on a clean, dry bench away from chemicals, place it in a storage
cupboard or keep it in a carrying case.
10 Keep the carrying case (where supplied) in a clean, dry condition. Make
sure that any solutions which have spilled or drained into the carrying
case are dried up before the case is closed up and the instrument is put
away.

12
Adjusting Your Instrument Settings
System - Quick Start
When the instrument is first used, the SYSTEM mode should be used to set
the preferred operating options :-
Use the and keys to scroll through the features
Use the and keys to select the options
Press [OK] to accept the selections and return to the testing mode
Select the backlight preference, on or off. Having the backlight on
significantly reduces the battery lifetime.
Select the language required from English, French, German, Spanish,
Italian or Turkish
Select the display units required from mg/l or ppm
Set the sample number option to ‘On’ to allow the entry of a sample
number during normal photometer operation
Set the sample increment option to ‘On’ to automatically increase the
sample number
Set the dilution factor to ‘On’ or ‘Off’. If the dilution factor option is set to
‘On’, the instrument will allow the entry of a numerical factor which will
be used in the calculation of the result to be displayed on the instrument
Select the preferred date format. The date may be shown in either
Date/Month/Year or Month/Date/Year
To change the date and time, select the date and time line then edit the
date and time using the ,,and keys to move the cursor and key
in the correct data.
Select your temperature units of preference.

13
Chlorine Testing Ranges
The Pooltest 25 features a new range of chlorine testing, allowing the
measurement of free and total chlorine up to 10 mg/l (ppm) without the
need for sample dilution. The instrument may be set up to use DPD No 1
and DPD No 3 tablets for the standard 0 - 5 mg/l chlorine range, or
alternatively may be set to use DPD-XF and DPD-XT tablets for the new
Palintest Chlorine/10 extended range, which offers a 0 –10 mg/l chlorine
range. A simple menu selection in the system menu allows the user to
choose the range required.
Water Balance Options
Water Balance data allows pool operators to assess the corrosive and scale
potential of the pool water.
The Pooltest 25 features two different methods for determining Water
Balance. For simplified water balance testing (ie not requiring measurement
of TDS or temperature) use the Palintest Balanced Water Index. To
incorporate TDS and temperature measurements use the Langelier Index.
A simple menu selection in the system menu allows the user to choose the
method they prefer.
The most common (and more complex) method for determining water
balance is the Langelier Index which requires the measurement of TDS and
temperature. This data is manually entered into the photometer using the
keypad.

14
3TEST METHODS
To Select the Test
Each test is identified by a separate program number or shortcut key. Program
numbers are shown in test instruction sheets supplied with the instrument.
These follow on tests have their own program number for reference purposes
although direct access to these programs is restricted.
We strongly recommend that before attempting to do any tests, ensure you
read ‘Blanks and Samples’ and the ‘Care and Maintenance’ sections in Section 2.
Test 1 FREE CHLORINE
Option 1: Range 0 - 5.00 mg/l (ppm)
Method: DPD Colourless - Red
1Rinse test tube with sample leaving a few drops in the tube.
2Crush the DPD No 1 tablet in two or three drops of the water sample until
the tablet is thoroughly crushed.
3Add the 10ml test solution, mix and seal the tube with the cap.
4Gently invert the tube to remove any bubbles from the inner walls of the
tube.
5Take photometer reading.
6Retain test solution if Total Chlorine test required (see overleaf for further
instructions).
Reagents: DPD No 1 Reorder Code: AP 011
Test 1 FREE CHLORINE (XF)
Option 2: Range 0 - 10.0 mg/l (ppm)
Method: DPD XF Colourless - Red
1Rinse test tube with sample leaving a few drops in the tube.
2Crush the DPD XF tablet in two or three drops of the water sample until the
tablet is thoroughly crushed.
3Add the 10ml test solution, mix and seal the tube with the cap.
4Gently invert the tube to remove any bubbles from the inner walls of the
tube.
5Take photometer reading.
6Retain test solution if Total Chlorine test required (see overleaf for further
instructions).
Reagents: DPD XF Re-Order Code: AP 013

15
Test 2 TOTAL CHLORINE
Option 1: Range 0 - 5.00 mg/l (ppm)
Method: DPD Colourless - Red
Carry out this test on the solution remaining from the Free Chlorine/5 test.
1 If any shock treatment chemicals have been added to the pool, add one DPD
Oxystop tablet, crush and mix to dissolve. Stand for one minute before
proceeding. This will prevent a response caused by the shock treatment
chemicals.
2 Add one DPD No 3 tablet, crush and mix to dissolve.
3 Stand for two minutes.
4 Take photometer reading. Ensure the display shows the Chlorine-Total/5 test
is selected.
Reagents: DPD No 3 Re-Order Code: AP 031/1
Test 2 TOTAL CHLORINE (XT)
Option 2: Range 0 - 10.0 mg/l (ppm)
Method: DPD-XT Colourless - Red
1 Carry out this test on the solution remaining from the Free Chlorine test.
2 If any shock treatment chemicals have been added to the pool, add one DPD
Oxystop tablet, crush and mix to dissolve. Stand for one minute before
proceeding. This will prevent a response caused by the shock treatment
chemicals.
3 Add one DPD-XT tablet, crush and mix to dissolve.
4 Stand for two minutes.
5 Take photometer reading. Ensure display shows the Chlorine-Total/10 test is
selected.
NB: To obtain COMBINED CHLORINE residual subtract Free Chlorine result from
Total Chlorine result :-
ie Combined Chlorine = Total Chlorine - Free Chlorine
Reagents: DPD XT Re-Order Code: AP 033/1

16
Test 3 BROMINE
Range 0 - 10.00 mg/l (ppm)
Method: DPD Colourless - Red
1Rinse test tube with sample leaving a few drops in the tube.
2Crush the DPD No 1 tablet in two or three drops of the water sample until
the tablet is thoroughly crushed.
3Add the 10ml test solution, mix and seal the tube with the cap.
4Gently invert the tube to remove any bubbles from the inner walls of the
tube.
5Take photometer reading.
Reagents: DPD No 1 Re-Order Code: AP 011
Test 4 OZONE
Range 0 - 2.00 mg/l (ppm)
Method: DPD Colourless - Red
1 Rinse test tube with sample leaving a few drops in the tube.
2 Crush the DPD No 4 tablet in two or three drops of the water sample until
the tablet is thoroughly crushed.
3 Add the 10ml test solution, mix and seal the tube with the cap.
4 Gently invert the tube to remove any bubbles from the inner walls of the
tube.
5 Take photometer reading.
NB: The ozone test also responds to chlorine and bromine. Pools using
'ozone with chlorine' treatment systems, or other combined treatments,
require a special testing procedure (see Section 5).
Reagents: DPD No 4 Re-Order Code: AP 056

17
Test 5 PHMB (POLYBIGUANIDE-BASED BIOCIDE)
Range 0 - 100 mg/l (ppm)
Method: Indicator Yellow - Green - Blue
PHMB is the generic name for various polybiguanide-based swimming pool
biocides. These biocides are normally sold under branded product names, for
example Baquacil* (Zeneca), Softswim* (Biolab), Revacil* (Mareva) and
Nicosil* (NICO Norge).
Commercial products normally contain 20% active PHMB. This test has been
calibrated for the management of pools using commercial products of this
strength. A factor will need to be applied if products of a different strength are
being used. (*AII trade marks acknowledged).
1Fill test tube with sample to the 10 ml mark.
2Add one PHMB Phot tablet, crush and mix to dissolve.
3Take photometer reading immediately.
Reagents: PHMB Phot Re-Order Code: AP 272
Test 6 pH VALUE
Range 6.5 - 8.4
Method: Phenol Red Yellow - Red
1 Fill test tube with sample to the 10 ml mark.
2 Add one Phenol Red tablet, crush and mix to dissolve.
3 Take photometer reading.
Reagents: Phenol Red Re-Order Code: AP 130

18
Test 7 ALKALINITY (TOTAL)
Range 0 - 500 mg/l (ppm)
Method: Acid & Indicator Yellow - Green - Blue
1 Fill test tube with sample to the 10ml mark.
2 Add one Alkaphot tablet, crush thoroughly and mix. Ensure all of the
particles have dissolved completely.
3 Allow to stand for one minute.
4 Take photometer reading.
Reagents: Alkaphot Re-Order Code: AP 188
Test 8 CALCIUM HARDNESS
Range 0 - 500 mg/l (ppm)
Method: Murexide Indicator Violet - Orange
1 Fill test tube with sample to the 10 ml mark.
2 Add one Calcicol No 1 tablet, crush and mix to dissolve.
3 Add one Calcicol No 2 tablet, crush and mix to dissolve.
4 Stand for two minutes.
5 Take photometer reading.
Reagents: Calcicol No 1 and No 2 Re-Order Code: AP 252

19
Test 9 CYANURIC ACID
Range 0 - 200 mg/l (ppm)
Method: Melamine (Turbidity) Clear - Cloudy
Use this test for chlorine-treated pools stabilized with cyanuric acid or using
'stabilised chlorine' donors. Cyanuric acid is commonly referred to as
'Chlorine Stabiliser' or 'Pool Conditioner'.
1 Fill test tube with sample to the 10 ml mark.
2 Add one Cyanuric Acid tablet. DO NOT CRUSH IT. Alllow to disintegrate
for at least two minutes. A cloudy solution indicates the presence of
cyanuric acid.
3 Crush any remaining undissolved tablet, mix and then take photometer
reading.
It is essential that the light cap is used when carrying out this test under
strong or variable lighting conditions.
Reagents: Cyanuric Acid Re-Order Code: AP 087
Test 10 IRON
Range 0 - 1.00 mg/l (ppm)
Method: PPST Colourless - Pink
1 Fill test tube with sample to the 10 ml mark.
2 Add one Iron LR tablet, crush and mix to dissolve.
3 Stand for one minute.
4 Take photometer reading.
Reagents: Iron LR Re-Order Code: AP155

20
Test 11 COPPER (FREE)
Range 0 - 5.00 mg/l (ppm)
Method: Biquinoline Colourless - Purple
Use this test for pools treated by copper/silver ion generators or treated
with uncomplexed forms of copper such as copper sulphate.
1Fill test tube with sample to the 10 ml mark.
2Add one Coppercol No 1 tablet, crush and mix to dissolve.
3Take photometer reading.
Reagents: Coppercol No 1 Re-Order Code: AP 187
Test 12 COPPER (TOTAL)
Use this test for pools treated with chelated or complexed forms of copper.
Typically these compounds are used as algicides or winterising treatments.
1 Fill test tube with sample to the 10 ml mark.
2 Add one Coppercol No 1 tablet and one Coppercol No 2 tablet, crush
and mix to dissolve.
3 Take photometer reading.
Reagents: Coppercol No 1 and No 2 Re-Order Code: AP 186
Test 13 SALT (HIGH RANGE)
Range 0 - 10,000 mg/l (ppm)
Method: Silver Nitrate (Turbidity) Clear - Cloudy
This test is used for testing the salt (sodium chloride) content of pools
treated by 'salt chlorinators'.
1 Take a clean Sample Container (PT 510). Using the Measuring Syringe
(PT 361) add 0.5 ml of pool water. Fill to the 100 ml mark with deionised
water, cap and mix.
2 Fill test tube to the 10 ml mark with solution from the sample container.
3 Add one Acidifying CD tablet, crush and mix to dissolve.
4 Add one Chloridol tablet, and allow to disintegrate for at least two
minutes. A cloudy solution indicates the presence of salt.
5 Crush any remaining undissolved tablet, mix and then take photometer
reading. Use the light cap whilst taking reading.
Reagents: Chloridol Re-Order Code: AP 268