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There are two main types of chlorine generators, and each produces chlorine from a mixture of salt and water. For nearly 200 years chlorine has been produced through a method known as electrolysis. In this method, electricity is passed through a solution of salt and water, and its chemical components are made to separate from the solution. One of the chemicals produced is chlorine gas. Almost 90% of the chlorine used today is made this way. When direct current is passed through a salt solution (also known as brine) three things are produced: At the positive electrode chlorine gas is produced, at the negative electrode hydrogen and caustic soda are produced.
Chemically here is how it works. salt is a compound known as "Sodium chloride" (chemical formula NaCl). Water is a compound that could also be called "Hydrogen oxide" (chemical formula H2O). In the presence of electricity, this is what happens:
Salt + Water (converts to =) Chlorine + Caustic Soda + Hydrogen
Chemically this is what happens:
2NaCl + H2O = CL2 + 2NaOH + H2
During the summer season the cathode chamber needs to be drained off about every 4-6 weeks. Some models require that you drain the chamber to a jug. Others allow you to hook up a hose flushing system for disposal. The caustic soda solution can be used for pH adjustments in the pool or spa or for other household uses such as cleaning drains or it can simply be disposed of. A typical brine chlorine generator designed for a 25,000-30,000 gallon pool uses 40-50 pounds of salt in the anode chamber. This must be replenished 2-4 times per year. Estimated salt consumption is about 80-200 pounds of salt per year.
As the salt water passes through the cell it is super chlorinated, which prevents the build up of chloramines and because the caustic soda is produced at the same time and is not removed or separated, it neutralizes the acidic condition produced from the chlorine gases, this means the pH of the water is not affected. To prevent scale build up on the plates the control unit may periodically reverse the charge on the plates to repel any build up that the opposite charge attracted.
Once the chlorine generated from the water does its job, it reverts back to salt and water to be used over and over again. So it is only necessary to add more salt to replace loss due to bather drag off, splash out, over flow and filter backwash.
A not of interest, chlorine generators could just as easily be bromine generator. If you use sodium bromide residual (NaBr) instead of sodium chloride (NaCl). Chlorine generator also lend themselves very well to automation. Several generator models offer ORP sensors with automatic controllers that control the amount of chlorine produced, as either optional or standard equipment. So when the sensor senses a demand for chlorine, the control unit produces chlorine in proportion.
Installation can be as simple as cutting the return line and hooking in the unit, hanging the power supply and plugging the unit in, or it can be a major plumbing job.
The cost of salt is extremely cheap and will not cost more than $100-200 for the initial salt dosage and on a brine system shouldn't be more than $25- 50 per year of salt used (based on the Canadian market prices) Bulk purchases are almost always advantageous.
Electrical consumption runs about 100-200 watts per hour while in use that is pennies per day. There is one other cost worth mentioning and that is replacement cells or electrode plates. Before the 70 there wasn't any permanent electrodes available, in other words commercial chlorine plant constantly replenish and reclaim the metallic minerals used as electrodes. This is very costly, inconvenient and impractical for miniature home generators. It was not until new metal alloys were developed in the 70's from space research that made small home generators practical. These new alloys could stand the demands of chlorine generation without constantly being replaced. Although some manufacturers keep the metal alloy they use a secret, one manufacturer uses a titanium electrode, plated with platinum or iridium. If they had used stainless steal instead, the electrode might last a day. A titanium alloy electrode is expected to last 3-5 years. So there is that cost to factor in.
One final word of warning. Total dissolved solids (TDS) in water create a corrosive situation even when the pH is in its ideal range. Ideally you would like to keep a normal pool or spas TDS level below 1500-2000 ppm however because salt drastically increases the TDS of water, you will need to re-think the TDS factor completely. Because you are adding 4000 ppm of salt to the pool on an in-line system, it is recommended that you partially or completely drain the water out of a pool or spa when the TDS level reaches 1500 ppm above the salt water level recommended by the chlorine generator manufacturer and maintain the pH as suggested by the manufacturer.
The process that causes an element to gain or lose electrons is called ionization. This can be as simple a process as dissolving table salt in water or as complex as bombarding an atom with electrons in an atom smasher. It can also be accomplished by passing an electric current between two electrodes, which is how it is done in the devices that are sold for water sanitation. It is well known, that copper ions in water, inhibit algae growth. So when you add copper sulfite or a copper based algaecide, you are actually making copper ions. There is also a fair body of research to indicate that silver ions in water kill bacteria. Many ionization manufacturers are quick to point out that a silver based ionizer was used to purify water on the Apollo spacecraft.
Ionizers work by passing a low DC voltage through a set of metallic electrodes, placed in line with the circulation system and set slightly apart from each other. As the voltage causes some of the outermost atoms of the electrodes to lose electrons, which attempt to flow across the space between the electrodes but instead are carried away by the flow of water. Some systems use a copper and a silver electrode, other systems use two copper electrodes, which produces copper ions only. And still others use a pair of bi-metallic electrodes which produce both copper and silver ions.
I already mentioned that copper can be an effective algaecide and that silver can be an effective bactericide. But at what level are they effective? Do you really need both copper and silver? How do you control organic contaminants? How do you avoid staining? And what else is needed? So lets look at a copper/silver system and an all copper system one at a time.
The residual provided by an ionizer comes from a gradual erosion of the electrodes. This is true for copper/silver, bi- metallic and all copper systems. Depending on the type, electrode life is estimated at one to two years. Scale build up on the electrodes is another question that draws different responses from ionizer manufacturers. One says that high calcium levels will result in scale forming on the electrodes and that applying a mild acid solution and hosing it off will remove the scale. Another says that ionization inhibits scale formation both on the electrodes and the pool wall and equipment. In fact it is useful in removing scale that has formed prior to the installation of an ionizer. If properly maintained and sensibly applied an ionizer system seems capable of satisfying basic sanitation needs. Unfortunately too many systems have been marketed in the past by firms that ignore the total needs of the pool and spa water. By itself an ionizer is able to deal with algae and bacteria but problems with water balance, disposal of organics and proper filtration are not things that an ionizer can handle by itself. Manufacturers are careful to stress the importance of proper filtration and filter maintenance. They recognize the need to deal with oxidizing organics but differ in their approach to the problem. If you're seriously looking into an ionizer system our advice is to evaluate not only the unit itself but the entire program put forth by the manufacturer.
Ionizer are priced similar to chlorine generators, average units run $1000-3000.
Call for pricing
Ozone was discovered and isolated in 1840 by C.F. Schonbien who noticed a unique odor during electrical sparking and electrolysis experiments. He also realized the odor was the same after a lightning flash. He named the substance ozone from the Greek word ozien which means to smell. In 1893 the first drinking water treatment plant to employ ozone was built in Oudshoorn, the Netherlands. By 1977, there were 1039 ozone drinking water treatment plants in Europe. Today there are more than 2000 such plants. There are two main methods of producing ozone. In a corona discharge method, air is passed through an electrically charged chamber, where a miniature “lightning storm” produces ozone from oxygen. In the UV method, air is passed close to one or more Ultraviolet lamps, which bombard the oxygen molecules with UV rays to produce ozone.
Corona Discharge is the older of the two methods used to produce ozone, and produces a much higher concentration of ozone gases, especially when paired up with a compressor and air drier, then UV systems. Also without an air filter and dryer moist air in a corona discharge generator is formed into nitric acid from the nitrogen in the air, the air filter reduces buildup on the discharge plates reducing the frequency the plates need to be cleaned of scaling. The equipment cost is often impractical for use with a spa or small pool. The single lamp UV system is much more cost efficient and will produce sufficient ozone for a spa or small pool but the lamp that produces a specific wavelength (180-190 nanometers) to produce ozone deteriorates in wavelength and subsequently the ozone produced also diminishes with age. After about two or three years the amount of ozone produced is not sufficient enough to be effective, then the bulb or entire generator should be replaced.
Ozone is measured in parts per billion (units that are 1000 times smaller than parts per million) up to about 1 ppm or it may be measured in milli grams of output. If you use an ozone generator in combination with chlorine or bromine , you merely need less chlorine or bromine. Test for the chlorine or bromine residual as you normally would. You will find that it takes a lot less chlorine or bromine to maintain that residual, because much of the sanitizing chore is being carried out by the ozone. Also a pool or spa requires a lower residual of chlorine or bromine to maintain adequate sterilization. For a pool about .5 ppm is sufficient and a spa only requires 1ppm. Stand alone, ozone cannot oxidize such compounds as ammonia, urea or amino acids (all common bather wastes). However it can oxidize these simple compounds once chlorine or bromine has combined with them. Also ozone only stays in pool or spa water for about 18 minutes under ideal conditions of pH, temperature, contaminates etc.... however, it usually only lasts about 20 second through to 4 minutes in most spas and pools.
Ozone generator starting price is the least expensive of the alternative automated systems. They Range anywhere as low as $100 up to more than $1000 , and even more if dryers, compressors and mixing tanks are involved. (U.v. $100-600 and C.d. $300-1000.)
There are some important differences to how well an ozonator will work in regards to installation. You can have an expensive CD unit that produces a lot of ozone but it will be no more effective than a UV system may produce 100 times less ozone if installed poorly. It is very important to mix the ozone with the water well. If you are simply injecting ozone into the water and allowing it to float to the surface, then you will not get the most out of your ozone generator. Instead you will be causing a lot of excess gases to rise to the surface damaging or destroying near by equipment, covers or vinyl. If you can smell the ozone gases it is not mixing with the water as good as it should or could. Installing a proper ozone mixing tank, which forces the ozone gases to continually mix with the water for 2-6 minutes before allowing the ozonated water to mix with the main body of water in the pool or spa is ideal. Mixing tanks also usually allows for the excess gases to escape safely through a relief valve then through an ozone destruction chamber so they can cause no harm. Unfortunately this can be quite expensive installation but well worth considering ($500-15000). This method is the method recommended by health officials to keep the excess gases to a minimum and a must on commercial installations in most jurisdictions. Ozone gas is very unhealthy, and is a carcinogen. The EPA has established a limit for exposure to ozone at 0.1 ppm or 100 parts per billion per cubic yard of air for and 8 hour period. Ozone can be detected by smell at levels 10 times less than that. Some installation I come across inject the ozone gas into the plumbing somewhere in line. This at least allows the gases to mix with the water during the time it takes to travel the length of the pipe, plus the time it takes to float to the surface. (A mixing tank, as mentioned earlier increases this time.) Even more installations, especially on spas and hot tub, inject the ozone at the point just before the water leaves the jets or return, near the bottom of the tub. This is not ideal but still better than hooking an ozone generator to the air controls of a spa. When hooked up to the air control the ozone usually comes out the jet closest to the surface of the water, as this is the easiest path for the gas to travel. In this type of installation you may as well invest in a spa cover manufacturer or unhook the ozone tube from the air controls and suck on it. The concentration of ozone at this point is very unsafe and is doing very little for the water quality. On a rare occasion I have seen ozone installed on the suction side of a pump in the water line. As the pump is drawing water into it, it also draws in some ozone gases. Don't allow anyone to install ozone in this way, and if it already is installed like that have someone come out and change it. This is the next best way to destroy your equipment and corrode your heater aside from putting a bunch of chlorine tablets in a skimmer and lowering your pH to 3 !!!
If you are pricing ozone it is highly recommended the whole installation be a factored into the final decision. Anybody can sell you a cheap ozone generator and do a hokey installation. A reputable company should be able to explain the differences and advise you accordingly.
When ozone is first introduced into the water and during the first 72 hours or so, your water may get cloudy. Ozone will begin to oxidize all of those particles and metals that your present sanitizer would otherwise leave in the water. When these particles are oxidized, they form visible particles that are heavier than water and precipitate out. Also some of the dirt and debris in the water is to small to be trapped by the filter. These small-sized particles have a weak electrical charge or pole. The charge is a negative charge and they repel each other like two magnets. They are so small they are not affected by gravity and won't settle out. Ozone neutralizes these charges allowing the particles to combine into large enough particles to be trapped by the filter. Once the oxygen has do its job it reverts back to oxygen which will make the water look, feel and even taste better.
There is a lot more to say about ozone but at this point if you have further questions you will need to e-mail me, or check the FAQ menu listing before e-mailing to see if your question has already been answered.
Del Mini CD ozone generators. $129 + Install & taxes
Uvonator UV generators. $129 + Install & taxes
For out of town orders, replacement parts or inquiries, please contact the manufacturer directly.
Larry @ Clean-Tech Ind. 604-313-2296
The Jac-Pac is not an ozonator as assumed by many dealers and customers.
Although it does use some common technology like an Ultraviolet lamp, but that
is where the similarity ends.
When the JAC PAC is plumbed and wired properly into the spa system, the spa
water circulates through the JAC PAC’s reaction chamber, which houses a custom
manufactured, germicidal, high intensity ultraviolet lamp. When bacteria or
pathogens pass through the JAC-PAC’s reaction chamber, they are exposed to the
high intensity ultraviolet rays which are being emitted in the germicidal wave
length frequency range of 253.7 nanometers. This level of exposure disrupts the
D.N.A. bonding and stops the bacteria from breeding and consequently the
organisms die (bacteria that can't reproduce are considered dead). The JAC-PAC
is extremely effective in killing micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria and
mold spores without altering or affecting the spa water. The unique design of
the JAC-PAC flow chamber assures the highest kill rate. Some bacteria or viruses
that are clinging to the walls of the spa, in the pipes or filter may not go
through the JAC-PAC so it is recommended that you sanitize, disinfect and
oxidize 1-3 times per week with 4-5 ppm of unstabilized chlorine (depending on
bather load). This will eliminate any intruders that have not passed through the
JAC-PAC and remove them from the surfaces. Don’t worry though, the JAC- PAC
accelerates chlorine and burns it off in 4 to 8 hours (unlike an ozonator) so
the next time you use the spa the water is pure and chemical free. The best
quality of water to soak and relax in.
Use unstabilized granular or liquid chlorine (bleach) manually to achieve this
range of 3-5 ppm. Once you know how much you need for your application you
don’t need to test your chlorine again other than to periodically confirm that
you put enough chlorine in. Do Not Attempt to use a floating
dispenser in conjunction with a JAC-PAC as the chlorine or bromine will never
reach a high enough residual to be effective in killing bacteria on the walls
and plumbing. The JAC-PAC will just burn off these chemicals as
fast as they dissolve. Before you know it your Total Dissolved Solids (TDS’s)
will build up to an unrecommended range causing other problems. An ozonator is
recommended to operate with a constant residual of chlorine or bromine to
maintain effective sterilizing and oxidizing, whereas the JAC-PAC cannot as it
burns off harmful chemicals quickly, allowing you to enjoy chemical free water.
As you are putting much less chemicals in less frequently you will only change
your spa water every 4-6 months instead of every 2-3 months. Don’t forget all
systems chemical free or not, require proper pH levels and clean filters. I
would point out that this system is a bacteria sterilizer and is not a primary
disinfectant. The Jac Pac should not be used in commercial and non residential
pools or spas where it is necessary to maintain a residual of chlorine in order
to meet the requirements as a disinfectant by the health board. However this
product is perfect for residential pools and spas where it is the immediate
family that typically uses the spa and does not get the traffic that a
commercial application gets. You should determine for yourself if there products
are suitable for your objectives.
Jac-Pac is a specific product name and is not a general term like ionizer or ozonator. The Jac-Pac sells for about $500 and will give you the least toxic water you can get and get you the closest to chemical free water you can get that I know of.
Because this product is so unique and new to the market I have included the this product in my products pages. I have personal experience with this product and give it my complete approval. Click here for the Jac-Pac specific pages.
Jac-Pac's Inquiries
For out of
town orders, replacement parts or inquiries, please contact the manufacturer
directly. Suggested List Price $695
Larry @ Clean-Tech Ind. 604-313-2296
It is a cupric ion based bacteriostat and algaecide with an extra compound called ET-3000 to improve performance. From the information I have received on this product I can only guess that the "proprietary molecule ET-3000" is a form of sequestriant/chelate that binds or complexes the copper ion (or cupric ion) to prevent it from precipitating out of the water to prevent staining. This product appears to be a better chemically balanced form of an Ionizer without the cost of such a system. The manufacturer does point out that this system is a bacteria suppressant and is not a primary disinfectant. In commercial settings or where multiple swimmers or users are present, it may be advisable to use this system with a primary disinfectant like chlorine or bromine to ensure that bacteria are killed as quickly as possible. It is also suggested that this product works even better in conjunction with ozonation systems. You should determine for yourself if there products are suitable for your objectives.
The following is claimed by the manufacturer.
Over the course of a swimming season, PristineBlue will cost you up to 30% less than other pool treatment systems. Plus, you won't have the added expense of all the various chemical the other companies want you to buy. This water treatment system is perhaps the most cost effective way to treat your pool because every drop of PristineBlue you pour into your pool goes to work controlling algae and suppressing bacteria. PristineBlue does not evaporate. Its levels are reduced only as it works against algae and bacteria in your pool.
The PristineBlue water treatment system helps defend your pool against an
invasion of algae, bacteria, stains, scale, cloudiness and discolored water, but
is gentle on your family's eyes, hair, skin, swimwear and your expensive pool
and pool equipment. Pool water treated with PristineBlue feels softer and looks
inviting without a chemical taste or odor. For your protection, PristineBlue is
registered with the EPA and is certified for addition to drinking water
(ANSI/NSF Standard 60).
Another bonus for you and your children, who don't understand why they need to
wait after you have used other chemicals, is that you can swim immediately after
application with PristineBlue.
For More information contact 1-800-CLR-WATER.
In addition, Baquacil or BaquaSpa is a mild coagulant which combines bacterial cells as well as other small particles contributed by the environment, bathers, etc... into particles large enough to be trapped by the filter. The resulting deposit on the filter is a gray sticky film which can only be removed with Baqua Clean.
Special care must be taken when cleaning filters used in a swimming pool or spa using PHMB based sanitizers, because of the way PHMB works. The filter element must be cleaned more thoroughly and more frequently than a chlorine or bromine system. If extreme care is not taken to completely remove all residue from the filter media a buildup will occur. This build up will significantly shorten the life of the filter element. Also, if TSP or any TSP type cleaner is used prior to stripping the film of cartridge filters, the cleaner and the gray film will combine to form a gum-like substance. Once this occurs, the substance cannot be removed from the media and the filter cartridge must be replaced. It should be noted that once this product is employed as a sanitizer in your pool or spa, many steps must be taken to revert back to a normal standard bromine or chlorine chemical program, due to the filters. In most cases it is best just to replace the filter media all together. If you are using a cartridge filter, replace it at the time of conversion. If you are using a sand filter, replace the sand and clean out the tank. If you are using DE filter clean and replace the DE.
More info on this product will be made available in the near future as it comes available. I apologize to whom it may concern the amount of negativity with this product but the amount of information I have is limited and this is all I have. I am quite sure there are many positives benefits associated with this product, however I don't have the full extent of that information available.
This product is not approved for use in Canada.
That's it for now. Sorry.
Call for pricing.
What is known is that when you pass water through a strong magnetic field, scale formation is sometimes reduced- and sometimes not. It has been suggested that a magnetic field affects the precipitation of salts, but this also has never been proven to the satisfaction of the scientific community. One thing is for certain- When you attach a magnet to a circulation pipe, you are not adding any chemicals to the water that could cause problems. And if the cost is not to great the worst thing that the magnet could be doing to the water is absolutely nothing at all.
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