The most common method for disinfecting (literally!) a swimming pool is to use chlorine in a tablet form. Too little chlorine and the pool becomes a pond. Too much and your pool may be sparkling and blue, but there can be nasty side effects on health and appearance. The established and viable healthier alternative to chlorine is…well, chlorine, actually in this case a natural form of chlorine generated by a salt electrolysis system. Swimmers will tell you about the silky feel and comfort of the water, and the maintenance man (you?) will say how convenient it is to have the pool automatically regulated for chlorine – avoiding the roll-a-coaster ride of adjusting for chlorine levels. Be aware that Pool Solutions, having tried and tested many salt systems on the market, know that not all are the same!.
Please feel free to call us and find more about how to swim healthier. Teléfono – Fax : 966475446, poolsolutions.lee@gmail.com.
How,what??…deep breaths :
Electrolysis – the healthy and convenient alternative to chlorine tablets
A means of disinfecting the pool water is absolutely vital in maintaining a hygienic and comfortable swimming environment. On the one hand it is required to keep your pool free of algae, bacteria, viruses and micro organisms, but on the other, particularly in the case of chlorine, it has to be at a safe and comfortable level for the swimmer. The most common method is to use manufactured chlorine in a tablet form that, normally placed in the skimmer, slowly dissolves into the pool water. Chlorine in tablets and granular form works as an excellent disinfectant but, as we have all experienced, can have adverse effects such as irritation to the eyes, aggravation of skin complaints and, with prolonged contact or high levels, can change the colour of your hair. And of course, in tablet or granular form, there is the inconvenience of handling and storing the chemicals.
Is there an alternative that makes my swimming experience better? Yes – the most common automatic disinfection treatment for swimming pool water in Europe, America and Australia is using salt water electrolysis. Salt water is added to the pool water (a fraction of the concentration, about 10%, to that of sea water) and an electrical current is applied to the water as it flows through a `cell´ installed in the pump room.
This action produces chlorine gas and sodium molecules, only this time the disinfection process that results is not the same as that of the manufactured chlorine. It is healthier in that the process avoids an accumulation of highly damaging products such as chlorides and cyanide or potassium. As a saline solution and a more natural antiseptic, together with the sodium content it could be compared to properties found in the waters of natural spas.
Users will say that swimming is more comfortable because of less aggravation to the skin and that the water has a very pleasant feel…and it´s much more convenient, reducing the time spent and contact with chemicals.
Commonly known as a ´salt systems´, the electrolysis system produces a natural gas called Hypochlorous acid. When the slightly salty water passes between the electrodes hypochlorous acid is produced. We say salty water but in fact the salt content is between 2.5 grams and 4 grams of salt per litre, 8 times less salt then the sea and about the same as a tear drop.
Normally 16 grams of chlorine per hr is produced. The more hours of filtration the more chlorine you have in your pool.
Converting your pool into a salt water pool ready for electrolysis is a simple process. Firstly the correct amount of salt is added to your pool and the electrolysis cell is installed within your existing pipe work. Once the salt has dissolved the natural chlorine will start to disinfect your pool.
Maintain your pool water in tip-top healthy condition with no fuss. The pH level is a measure of the alkalinity-acidity and is the most important aspect of the swimming pool water in achieving a healthy and safe pool water for both swimmers and the pool equipment. Controlling this parameter is key to providing the optimum conditions for the disinfection process. As the pH level rises (which in this area is normal) the effectiveness of the chlorine reduces and, typically with a pH level of 7.8, 75% or three quarters of the chlorine content is being wasted because it is not able to work. Furthermore, again important in this area, maintaining the right pH level reduces the calcium (limescale) crustation on the pool surfaces and safeguards the equipment in the pump room.
Normally the pH level is controlled by adding pH- (a form of acid in the form of sodium bisulphate) in a granular form, measuring the quantity to be added appropriate to the pool size, mixing in a bucket of water and then applying directly to the pool water using the jets to help disperse the chemical throughout the pool. The pH level can change daily and has a tendency to rise, influenced by factors such as temperature, addition of chemicals or debris, and therefore requires regular attention to maintain the pool water in good condition particularly in the summer season with high temperatures, use of the pool and refilling.
Is there an alternative to constantly measuring and adding pH- by hand? Automatic regulation, where pH is continuously monitored and corrected, is becoming more and more common in installations now with the increasing awareness of how maintaining a correct pH level can help both reduce the need for chlorine and decalcification products, and prolong the life of pool equipment.
The system constantly monitors the pH in the pool water via a sensor that is inserted into the pipe work inside the pump house. This small piece of equipment is easy to use and read, a setting dial determines the set pH level required and a simple three light formation indicates high, low or correct pH.
A small pump adds a pH- liquid through an injector system. Thus constantly reducing the pH as and when it rises. Having this system installed will totally eliminate all problems that may occur due to incorrect pH levels.