Hydrometers can be invaluable tools in maintaining swimming pool water balance and chemistry levels from getting out of hand. But when not used properly or employees lack training on how to use them safely, Hydrometers can become dangerous tools that pose risks for everyone involved.
Even small mistakes can have devastating results. Chemical exposure on skin or eyes may lead to burns and eye irritation; mixing the wrong chemicals together could result in explosions or fires; therefore it is imperative that when handling chemicals for swimming pool use you follow all appropriate safety protocols and follow any applicable regulations or safety precautions.
Hydrometers are tools used to determine the specific gravity (density) of liquids. Based on Archimedes’ principle that solid bodies displace their own weight within liquid, hydrometers use this principle as their foundation. They scale both heavier-than-water liquids as well as lighter ones compared with water. Distilled water has a scaled value of 1.00, while all other liquids are measured relative to this standard.
There are various makes and models of Hydrometers on the market today, from digital electric hygrometers with built-in displays that give readings directly on to their internal display to more precise analog models. There are also specialty hydrometers named for their use (for example lactometers for dairy products). Though more costly than standard floaters, they provide precise results when necessary for specific tasks.