Q: Which upgrade pays for itself the fastest? A: Replacing a single speed pump with a variable speed pump will pay for itself in about 1 year. It can easily save $700 per year.
Q: Is a salt pool chlorine free? A: No. A backyard salt chlorine generator makes chlorine the same way that the chlorine manufacturers do. They both use electrolysis to convert salt water (sodium chloride & water) into chlorine gas, sodium hydroxide (a base), and hydrogen gas: NaCl + H2O => Cl2 + NaOH + H2. You will notice that one of the byproducts of this reaction is sodium hydroxide. This is base -- a chemical that will raise your pH. It is the reason that salt pools need frequent additions of acid. Failure to add acid will result in calcium deposits on your tile line and in your heater and a 50% reduction in the active strength of your chlorine.
Q: I have a salt system and constantly need to add acid. Is there an automated solution? A: There are a couple of ways to approach this problem. One is to simply deal with the symptom and use an complicated automated system that will automatically add acid as needed. I prefer, however, a solution that addresses the problem. The more your chlorinator runs, the more acid you will need and the shorter the cell life of the chlorine generator. Adding an ozonator will allow you to significantly lessen the run time of your chlorine generator. With the chlorinator running less, your pH will stay more stable and your chlorine will stay more active. Additionally, unlike pH controllers that require calibration, sensor cleaning, and acid mixing, an ozonator is nearly maintenance free.
Q: Chlorine dries my skin, is there an alternative? A: While there are many alternative sanitizers, an easy cost effective solution is to use an ozonator. An ozonator used in conjunction with a variable speed pump can cut your chlorine use by 65%. Less chlorine costs less and is better on swimmers.
