PHOSPHATES
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The link between algae and phosphate
Phosphate is the major source of algae growth in swimming pools. Phosphate is introduced into the pool from your source water, leaves & plants, rainfall, and garden water runoff. Algaecides and disinfectants will kill the algae, but they don’t remove the phosphate that gets released back into the water. This phosphate, unless removed with Lo-Chlor Starver ® X, becomes the food source for further algae growth. This is what we call the ‘phosphate cycle’.
Algae visible in the water
Phosphate in the water promotes new algae growth
Chlorine and Algaecide are added to kill the algae
Algae is destroyed and the phosphate is released into the water
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Break the cycle with Lo-Chlor Starver ® X
Starver ® X is a unique, high strength phosphate remover sold in over 25 countries worldwide. Our superior, proven formulation makes Starver® X the phosphate remover of choice for both pool owners and service engineers. A 1L bottle removes up to 6ppm of phosphate in a 50,000L pool and with its built- in natural clarifier won’t leave your pool cloudy after treatment. Starver ® X should be used after any algae treatment to remove the phosphate and break the cycle. Prevention is always better than the cure! To achieve all the benefits of Starver ® X we always recommend weekly dosing after your initial treatment. Lo-Chlor Starver ® X is ideal for use on spring open up, summer use and winterisation. It is also successfully used in natural pools, aquaria, and ponds (please note separate dose rates and instructions apply).
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The benefits of removing phosphate with Lo-Chlor Starver ® X Whether you own a swimming pool or are a service engineer there are many benefits of removing phosphate from the water. Putting it simply, regular use of Starver ® X maximises your pool water quality!
C hlorine/Sanitiser Reduction – Phosphate creates a “demand” for chlorine. Our results show a reduction of up to 60% when using Starver ® X as part of your regular weekly pool maintenance.
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3 C hlorine Lock/Excess Cyanuric Acid Stabiliser - By lowering chlorine consumption less stabiliser is added to the water, reducing the risk of “Chlorine Lock”. Excess stabiliser can only be removed by dilution (unnecessary backwashing and/or dumping of water). 3 A lgaecide Savings – Regular use of Starver ® X extends the life of your algaecide by removing the main source of algae. By breaking the phosphate cycle, less time and money is wasted in treating unwanted algae blooms. 3 P ool Maintenance Time – Starver ® X allows pools to run more efficiently resulting in dramatically reduced “down time”. As a pool owner or maintenance engineer you will have less issues to deal with throughout the season.
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How best to use Starver ® X
Always Test Phosphate Levels Prior To Dosing – If your pool has algae present this must be killed first to release all phosphate back into the water. Leave 24 hours and then test with a suitable phosphate test kit. High Levels of Phosphate – If your pool is experiencing very high levels of phosphate, above 6ppm in 50,000 litres of water, then bring the level down in two treatments. This will help prevent any excess cloudiness appearing in the pool water. Cloudy Pool Water – To eliminate the risk of this occurring always thoroughly backwash the filter prior to dosing and add a Lo-Chlor Mircalear Cube to the pump basket. Always run your circulation pump for 24 hours after dosing the product.
Pool Volume:
Dose:
Gallons
Litres
Initial Dose (lower by 6ppm)
Weekly Dose (lower by 1ppm)
5500
25000 50000 75000 100000
0.5L
84ml
11000 16500 22000
1L
168ml 252ml 336ml
1.5L
2L
The above table is a guide to how much product you need to dose
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Starver ® X & Sustainability
At Lo-Chlor we see sustainability as an essential part of our long term vision. The key targets of our sustainable practices are to reduce water usage, reduce energy consumption and maximise use of recyclable packaging. Starver X is supplied in recyclable packaging, and its concentrated formula ensures each bottle lasts longer:
3 R educing unnecessary backwashes and dilutions because it allows your other chemicals to work at their most effective levels. 3 E very drop of replacement water used in pools requires re-circulation and re- heating, wasting energy. 3 R educes your energy consumption by allowing your pool equipment and filtration systems to run at maximum efficiency.
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Why Lo-Chlor?
Lo-Chlor Chemicals are recognised as the global leaders in speciality chemicals for the swimming pool and hot tub markets. Sold in over 25 countries worldwide our success is founded on:
3 H ighest quality proven formulations.
U nrivalled technical support.
3
C ontinuous product innovation.
3
E xemplary customer service.
3
3 F ully committed to both understanding and solving swimming pool and hot tub problems.
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ALGAECIDE
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Who are Lo-Chlor?
The brand was originally established in Australia in 1979, by the Simons family and is still family owned. Lo-Chlor has been manufactured in the UK since 2012 by Total Water Products Limited in South Wales. The Lo-Chlor brand is sold into over 50 countries worldwide. The Lo-Chlor brand is the original speciality chemical range, and we are still perceived as the leading global manufacturer of problem solving chemicals.
Lo-Chlor Algaecides
A Short History In 1979 Lo-Chlor introduced the world’s first long life algaecide. A copper-based formulation that remains unchanged to this day as our Lo-Chlor Algaecide. The product was initially designed as a way to help hospitals to treat and maintain their hydrotherapy and rehabilitation pools. The product gained popularity in its native Australia based on three key features: It was low in concentration. It was not affected by the addition of Chlorine Compounds. It was and still is guaranteed not to stain.
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What are the main algae types? And how can we spot them?
Algae are microscopic plants that require nutrients to exist. Many of these nutrients are found in high concentrations in and around our pools. They are not harmful to humans however they can be dangerous to pets as well as being unsightly. Algae is one of the most common problems in swimming pools. It will vary in colour and size and will be seen either in suspension in the water or attached pool surfaces. Prior to adding chemicals we need to understand the type of algae we are dealing with. The three most common forms of algae in swimming pools are: Green Algae - It will be either green or blue-green in colour, and can be seen in suspension and clinging to the pool surfaces. Mustard Algae - Yellow in colour and can be seen in suspension in the water or clinging to pool surfaces. Due to its microscopic particles Mustard Algae can easily pass through filter media and therefore requires a clarifier to bind these particles so that they may be easily removed. Black Spot Algae - Black in colour and clings to pool surfaces. Black Spot Algae can be one of the most difficult algae issues to solve. The key to dealing with this problem is to act quickly. The spots can rapidly multiply making treatment more difficult as the spots become harder to remove.
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What are Lo-Chlor’s Algaecides? And when should you use each one?
Lo-Chlor Algaecide is our high-strength longlife algaecide guaranteed not to stain pool surfaces*. It will control and prevent algae growth in swimming pools for up to 6 months. This makes it ideal for spring open-up and both summer and winter algae. It should be the go-to for any green pool. Knock-Out Algaecide is a weekly-dosed preventative. It is a dual-action copper-free formulation. Its high foaming properties mean it can destroy even the most stubborn algae cells. This product is the best option for mustard algae. Black Spot Algaecide is a concentrated formulation designed to treat clinging
Black Spot Algae. It treats the visible part of the algae and the root, preventing reoccurrence and setting it apart from other algaecides. Total Algaecide is our most concentrated dual-action formula. It is designed to kill and control stubborn algae and is suitable for use on all algae types. Winteriser Algaecide is a copper-free, longlife formula, designed specifically for winterising a pool when decommissioning at the end of the season. *When used correctly in accordance with the instructions.
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The Basics of Treating Algae
Always use algaecides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. REMEMBER: During any algae treatment use of the pool is prohibited until it has been correctly rebalanced. 1. T horoughly backwash the filter - This enables maximum circulation and collection of debris. 2. p H Reduction to 6.8 - This weakens the outer cellular structure of the algae. 3. B rush - Brushing with a suitable algae brush will further break down the structure weakening it.
4. S hock Chlorination - Adding a registered disinfectant to the water will penetrate and kill the algae for further brushing. 5. R un the pump and filter for 24 hours - This enables adequate dispersion of the product. 6. A dd a Lo-Chlor Phosphate Remover - Ideally, this should be done after the 24 hours BUT can be done before or after dosing the algaecide. 7. R ebalance the Pool - It is important post-treatment that you rebalance the pool ensuring all parameters are back within the recommended levels. When using Lo-Chlor Algaecides as a preventative dose (i.e. with no algae present), wait one turnover period before recommencing bathing.
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Professional Tips L iquid Chlorine - This works quicker than calcium-based products and has less potential to plate out copper- based algaecides.
A reas of Low Flow - Algae will grow in areas of Low Flow as the circulation of disinfectant is insufficient. This will be the same with the circulation of algaecide, so to prevent this during treatment: Add the required dose close to where the problem is.
Divert the inlets so the water can circulate closer to the problem area. Indoor Pools - These can suffer from UV burnout of the disinfectant, especially when using an unstabilised disinfectant, making them more prone to algal growth. P hosphate Programme - If algae have been an issue for whatever reason, then the use of a phosphate remover on an ongoing basis post-treatment is always recommended. M ustard Algae - Remember particles are small and will pass through the filter so the use of either Miraclear Pool Clarifier or Ultra Pool Clarifier+ is recommended. B lack Spot Algae - The longer the Black Spot has been present, the harder it is to remove and the longer the treatment time can take.
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Why Lo-Chlor? At Lo-Chlor Chemicals we are recognised as the leading brand of speciality chemicals that are specifically designed to target problems in both swimming pool and hot tub water. For over 30 years we have been supplying the highest quality products with formulations unique to our brand, resolving issues that standard maintenance chemicals don’t. With market longevity, pioneering products and global exposure, our range of products are proven to perform against all the conditions that nature can throw at them. Our trusted name is backed up with extensive technical knowledge which fully enables growth for our partners. Manufactured in the UK we have over 12 years of experience of exporting to numerous markets, meeting all the necessary compliance requirements. Why do our customers use Lo-Chlor? …because it works!
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CLARIFIERS & FLOCCULANTS
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Cloudy pool water
Swimming pool water should always be crystal clear to ensure maximum bather comfort and safety. During the season the appearance of the water will become lackluster. This change can be at first hazy (slightly cloudy) to very milky where you will not be able to see the bottom of your pool. Prior to adding chemicals to fix this problem we need to understand what causes the water to become cloudy.
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What causes cloudy pool water?
Cloudy pool water is caused by four common issues:
3 P oor Filtration - Filter problems are the main cause of cloudy pool water. If your filter isn’t functioning properly, then it can’t remove the tiny contaminants that cause cloudiness.
3 L ow Chlorine Levels - Cloudy pool water can form when there’s not enough chlorine to sanitize your water. 3 P oor Water Chemistry – Imbalanced key water parameters such as pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) will make it more difficult for your chlorine to function correctly. 3 C ontaminants in the water – Normally from swimmers, via body fats and suncreams, as well as debris from dirt, leaves and algae.
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How can we reduce the causes?
Adding specialist chemicals such as Clarifiers & Flocculants is always beneficial however if the causes have not been removed or reduced then this will inhibit their ability to work effectively.
3 P oor Filtration – Always keep the pool’s circulation system working efficiently by regular backwashing, cleaning and maintenance as well as ensuring there is adequate circulation running time. 3 L ow Chlorine Levels – Always test your free chlorine and combined chlorine levels to ensure that these remain within the recommended range. Add a shock dose in order to rebalance your chlorine levels. You should also monitor cyanuric acid (stabiliser) levels as these have a large impact on the performance of chlorine in pool water. 3 P oor Water Chemistry – Always test and balance your pH, Total Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness levels. TDS levels should be monitored and managed via adequate dilution (introducing of fresh water). 3 C ontaminants in the water – Always ensure good pre swim hygiene (showering) by bathers using the pool and remove all dirt and debris once it appears.
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How do clarifiers and flocculants work?
Once we have minimised the causes of cloudy pool water, the water should always be treated with either a clarifier or flocculant. CLARIFIERS - These work by grouping together microscopic particles that normally pass through the filtration system. Lo-Chlor Clarifiers are much easier to use than a flocculant, and their unique formulations ensure that they are just as powerful and as fast (if not faster) in removing cloudiness from pool water. FLOCCULANTS - These work by clumping together small particles creating larger groups that tend to settle out on the pool floor. Pool flocculants work fast however they require more work, and the particles must be manually removed with a pool vacuum.
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Which Lo-Chlor product should I choose?
Depending on the level of clarity in your pool then we recommend that unless your pool water has turned milky in appearance you should use a clarifier. Clarifiers are much easier to use and can be used as both a preventative and a curative. Use of a clarifier whilst your water is crystal clear prevents cloudy water from occurring! MIRACLEAR POOL CLARIFIER – Known as the “Ultimate Pool Clarifier” due to its unique formulation and how quickly it works. Compatible with all pool filter types and treatments it will keep the water sparkling for up to 30 days.
ULTRA POOL CLARIFIER – A multi- functional natural clarifier made from wild shrimp shell. This fast-acting clarifier reduces the chlorine smell ensuring maximum water quality as well as: Removes Unwanted Oils - Removes suntan lotions, body oils and cosmetics preventing unsightly scum lines/deposits. Improves Filtration - Your filter won’t clog up with oils and lotions, ensuring it works more efficiently. Removes Unwanted Metals – Natural sequestrant properties for stopping unwanted metals depositing on surfaces – including Calcium.
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Which Lo-Chlor product should I choose?
MIRACLEAR CLARIFIER CUBES – A solid form of clarifier where one cube will last for up to 30 days. This cube ensures no spillages or mess when dosing or measuring. The cube dissolves within a 24-hour pump run time and leaves no messy residue like other products available on the market. It coats the entire filter bed with a fine film of clarifying agent, enabling filtration down to less than 1 micron, and after backwashing the polymers stay active in the water re-coating the filter media. MAXI-FLOC PLUS – One of the fastest working flocculants available!
It is a heavy-duty flocculant that restores clarity to the cloudiest pools in a matter of hours. Maxi-Floc Plus leaves no messy residue, can be used in all pool types and is compatible with all known pool treatments. Ideal for spring open up it will also remove up to 5ppm of phosphate per dose.
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How best to use Lo-Chlor Miraclear and Ultra Pool Clarifiers 3 A lways vacuum and backwash the pool prior to using the product. We are going to be bringing together many small particles therefore the filter needs to be working at its optimum efficiency.
3 A lways calculate the correct volume of product required for your pool from the information given on the product label. Never overdose a clarifier as this can slow the clarification process down! 3 A lways mix the required dose with water in a clean plastic bucket and evenly distribute around the pool with the pump and filter running. 3 A lways run the pump and filter for a minimum of 8 hours after dosing the product. In instances where the pool is very cloudy then it may be necessary to backwash the filter after 8 hours and run then pump and filter again.
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How best to use a Lo-Chlor Miraclear Cube
For use in the pump strainer basket: 1. Prior to dosing always backwash the filter. 2. Turn off the power to the pool circulation pump. 3. Open the pump basket lid and place Miraclear Cube in the pump basket. 4. Replace the basket lid and turn on the circulation pump. For use in a surge tank: 1 Prior to dosing always backwash the filter. 2. P lace Miraclear Cube directly in the bottom of the tank in front of the incoming water flow.
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How best to use Lo-Chlor Maxi-Floc Plus
3 A lways adjust pH to 8.0 as this assists in both accelerating the process and removing phosphate.
3 Y our filter must be set to “bypass” or “recirculate” on its settings.
3 A lways calculate the correct volume of product required for your pool from the information given on the product label. 3 A lways add the required dose evenly by distributing the product around the pool with the pumps running.
3 C ontinue to run the pumps for 1 - 2 hours and then turn them off. Leave the pool for all residue to settle at the bottom (up to 6 hours). 3 V acuum all residue to waste, resume normal filtration and rebalance your water.
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Why Lo-Chlor?
At Lo-Chlor Chemicals we are recognised as the leading brand of specialty chemicals that are specifically designed to target problems in both swimming pool and hot tub water. For over 30 years we have been supplying the highest quality products with formulations unique to our brand, resolving issues that standard maintenance chemicals don’t. With market longevity, pioneering products and global exposure, our range of products are proven to perform against all the conditions that nature can throw at them. Our trusted name is backed up with extensive technical knowledge which fully enables growth for our partners. Manufactured in the UK we have over 12 years of experience of exporting to numerous markets, meeting all the necessary compliance requirements. Why do our customers use Lo-Chlor? …because it works!
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STAINS
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Swimming pool staining & scale deposits A stain is something that alters the appearance of the pool surface to the detriment of the pool, it can be the size of a hair clip or cover the entire pool. Prior to treating a swimming pool, we need to find out what is causing the staining. Once known this must be rectified so that the stain does not re-appear after treatment.
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What causes stains?
Stains are caused by unbalanced water which introduces metal oxides into the pool. These metal oxides are invisible and only become apparent when they have been deposited on pool surfaces. These metals react to low pH or with Chlorine to leave dark coloured spots on surfaces and these are what we call stains.
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How do metals enter the pool?
Metals can appear in swimming pool water from various sources: 3 M etal Fixtures – Pool water that has been left out of balance, usually with a lower pH, will have a detrimental effect on any metal fixtures and/or fittings.
S ource Water – Especially borehole or well water that contains iron, manganese, or copper.
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3 S alt – The actual salt you use can be the most common cause of staining as it contains metals such as iron and manganese which over time fall out of solution. 3 O rganic Stains – These are caused by algae growth, leaves or dirt washed into the pool and left longer than a week. 3 L iquid Chlorine – Has a high iron content and after continuous use for many years this can build up and lead to staining.
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How to identify your pool stain
As soon as a stain appears get your water professionally tested asking the pool dealer to test for metals! This will help identify the problem but remember, the longer the stain has been present, the harder it will be to remove. The secret is to identify the cause and deal with the stain as soon as it appears. Greenish-Brown Stains - These are most likely organic stains caused by leaves or other plant matter. Blueish-Greenish-Black Stains - Likely caused by copper which can be present in source water or corrosion of copper piping somewhere in your plumbing system. Greenish-Brownish-Red Stains - Usually caused by iron from your source water or possibly from metal fixtures in and around the pool area, such as a fence, that have begun to rust, and this rust gets washed into the pool when it rains. Brownish-Blackish-Purple Stains - This is caused by manganese from your source water. Both borehole/well water and municipal water contain manganese. Black Spots in fibreglass pools - These should not be mistaken as black spot algae as these are Cobalt Oxide stains. To determine this, you can conduct a “fingernail test” where you scratch the stain with your nail. If there’s any residue under the nail, then it is highly likely that this will be algae and needs to be treated differently. If there is no residue, then you have osmosis.
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How to remove stains
Step 1 - The first stage of treating a stain is using Multi Stain Remover or Spotaway (for fibreglass pools only) to lift the stain off the surface and put it into suspension in the water. Step 2 - The second stage is using No More Metal to hold on to these metals and filter them from the water, preventing re-occurrence.
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How to apply the products
Once you have identified what is causing the stain, and rectified the issue, removing the stain is quite simple just follow the steps below: a. D echlorinate the pool – Lower the free chlorine residual in your water to 0. Leaving chlorine in the pool can neutralise the stain removers and make them less effective. b. A lways ensure that you dose the required amount of Multi Stain Remover or Spotaway (or fibreglass pools) – Insufficient product may result in not all the stain being removed. c. C aution is required with coloured marble and vinyl pools – When using on coloured marble finishes or printed vinyl liners DO NOT allow direct contact with the pool surface. In these instances, it is recommended that you place the product in a sock attached to a telescopic pole and hold near the stained area. d. A lways Add No More Metal – As soon as you see the stain lifting you should add No More Metal. This enables the metal ions that have lifted off the surface to be held in suspension in the water and deposited in the filter. Failure to add No More metal will result in the stains reappearing on pool surfaces. e. A lways thoroughly backwash post stain treatment – This ensures any unwanted remnants of metal ions, organic matter and scale are removed from the filter. f. S tain treatment can cause the pool to go cloudy – Be prepared to use Miraclear Clarifier or Miraclear Gel Cubes to correct this post treatment.
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How to apply the products
g. C aution is required when rebalancing the pool – The largest cause of stains re-occurring is due to the pool water being rebalanced too quickly. This results in metal ions being “buffered” back out of solution to redeposit on the pool surfaces. Both Multi Stain Remover and No More Metal are very acidic products therefore they will lower both
the Total Alkalinity and pH of the pool water. When rebalancing first raise the Total Alkalinity by no more that 20ppm per day. Once your Total Alkalinity is at the correct level (80 – 120ppm) adjust the pH as necessary and add your registered sanitizer. h. F ibreglass Pools – Always remember that the Black Spot in fibreglass pools is a result of osmosis which is the breaking down of the fibreglass (polyester)
resin. Our treatment will not fix the problem of the resin itself; it only works as a curative for the discolouration. Spotaway should be applied every 10-12 weeks and to extend the time between osmosis treatments we recommend using No More Metal on an ongoing basis.
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How much of the products do I need to use?
Product
Dose
Frequency
Multi Stain Remover
1kg per 50,000 litres of water 1kg per 50,000 litres of water 4kg per 50,000 litres of water
As and when required
No More Metal
As and when required
Spotaway (fibreglass only)
10-12 weeks
When filling a new pool and/or refilling a pool which has been drained always add No More Metal at a rate of 50ml per 10,000 litres of water being added. This helps to hold any unwanted metals in suspension and stop them depositing on pool surfaces.
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Why Lo-Chlor?
At Lo-Chlor Chemicals we are recognised as the leading brand of specialty chemicals that are specifically designed to target problems in both swimming pool and hot tub water. For over 30 years we have been supplying the highest quality products with formulations unique to our brand, resolving issues that standard maintenance chemicals don’t. With market longevity, pioneering products and global exposure, our range of products are proven to perform against all the conditions that nature can throw at them. Our trusted name is backed up with extensive technical knowledge which fully enables growth for our partners. Manufactured in the UK we have over 12 years of experience of exporting to numerous markets, meeting all the necessary compliance requirements. Why do our customers use Lo-Chlor? …because it works!
www.lo-chlor.co.uk
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