|
Continued
I 1 I 2
I
Next
Chlorine
Generators
One of the first
alternative sanitizers introduced to the pool and spa industry was the chlorine generator.
Chlorine generators are attractive to pool owners simply because they eliminate the need
to store, buy, transport and handle chlorine. They are not an alternative to chlorine, but
actually make chlorine by producing chlorine from regular table salt. The pool water
passes through a generator cell that introduces chlorine into the pool water.
How Does It Work?
Pool water passes
through the chlorine generator cell, the salt in the water is turned into Hypochlorous
acid. Hypochlorous acid is the exact same component that is produced when any chlorine is
added to pool water, whether it is sticks, tablets, granular or liquid. As the water
returns to the pool, it will introduce the newly produced chlorine to the body of water
preventing algae, bacteria and killing micro-organisms, creating a safe and sanitary
swimming environment for you and your family.
OK? How does it really work?
This mild, pleasant
saline water is sanitized through the process of electrolysis, as mentioned above. This
electrolytic cell, through the use of a small electric current, breaks down the water into
its basic elements, Hydrogen and Oxygen. By adding small quantities of granulated salt
(much like household table salt - NaCI), Hypochlorous Acid (common
chlorine) is produced.
During the process, the Hypochlorous Acid (Chlorine) is ultimately converted back to salt.
Thus, the salt does not get "used up". Salt only needs to be "topped
off" once or twice a year and only to replace salt lost due to water splash-out
and/or filter backwash.
Salt in My Pool?
The salt level required to maintain a safe,
chlorinated pool is about 2500 to 4000 PPM (parts per million). The human body cannot
taste salt until the PPM is around 5000. The amount of salt in the pool
is not noticeable.
Once the salt is added to the pool, there is no need to add salt on a yearly basis unless
the pool is drained or a significant amount of water is removed. Also, the salt level is
low enough so there is no danger of equipment corrosion. Chlorine generator users also
report the water is softer, leaving a more refreshed feeling after swimming.
Is There Any
Maintenance Required?
Chlorine generators require very little
maintenance. We at Poolcenter.com recommend the generator cell be removed and cleaned on a
yearly basis, usually at start up. Remove the cell from the pool plumbing and run a
plastic brush through the cell. For calcium deposits, a mild solution of muriatic acid and
water will do the job. The power supply requires no maintenance.
Frequently
Asked Questions
What Type of salt do I add?
Avoid
Rock Salt as it contains too many
impurities! Acceptable salts include
Food grade salt, Water softener pellets,
Solar salt flakes, Water conditioner
salt, or Brine blocks.
Where do I add the salt?
What is most important when adding salt
is to brush it around until it is
dissolved. This is accelerated by
turning your pump on, opening the bottom
drain and adding the salt over the
drain, rather than walking around the
perimeter while adding the salt. It is
recommended that you continue to run the
pump for 24 hours so the salt can spread
evenly throughout the pool. With
Granular salt, 60 - 70% will have
dissolved before hitting bottom. The
remaining salt can simply be brushed
into the drain which will then complete
dissolution. With all other forms of
salt, it will take longer to dissolve
but the same process will accelerate the
dissolve rate. Simply brush the salt in
a pyramid over the drain to increase
dissolution.
How much salt do I add?
Enough for 4000 ppm (parts per million) as a starting point. So depending on the
initial salt level of your water, you only add the amount needed to establish 4000 ppm.
For new pools or freshly filled pools, the salt level will most likely be zero. In this
case, 50lbs of salt per 2,000 gallons of water will establish 4000 ppm. For existing
pools, the previous usage of chlorine bleach or tablets will have already introduced a
level of salt into the water. Have the water tested first then add the appropriate amount
to establish 4000 ppm.
What
happens if I add too much salt?
Over-salting will not harm your chlorine generating system, but will lead to a salty
tasting water. For some, this is not undesirable as it will more closely match our bodies
natural salinity level, making it more comfortable to swim in. If it is too excessive
(over 6000 ppm), you can sustain corrosion damage to metallic equipment such as stainless
steel handrails, ladders and filters, light rings, or copper heat exchangers.
To reduce the salt level, dilution is the solution. Drain some water and refill with fresh
water.
How
often will I need to add salt?
After the initial dosage of salt, you will only
need to add salt when necessary. The
most common ways salt is lost is through
leaks, rainwater overflow, filter
backwashing, and bather splash-out/carryout. Normal water evaporation does not lose salt, it increases
the concentration. The make up water added to bring the water level back to normal will
then reduce the salt concentration back to 4000 ppm. Most chlorine generator units have low
salt indicators, with the Digital going further to provide the proper salt amount needed
to reestablish 4000 ppm.
Do I
eliminate the need to add chemicals?
Chlorine generators do one thing, generate
chlorine. However, the purity of this
chlorine has less effect on the overall
water chemistry balance; therefore,
FEWER chemicals are needed re-balance the
water. Poolcenter.com recommends
periodic (weekly or bi-weekly) testing
of stabilizer levels (60 - 80 ppm), Free Chlorine (2 - 4 ppm for pools
and 3 - 6 ppm for spas), pH (7.2 - 7.6), and salt levels (2500 - 4000 ppm).
Since salt generating chlorine systems
do not affect the Total....
(continued.....)
|
