EcoSmarte Pool System - Alternative Sanitizing Devices; Ionization and Ozone Technologies

To Next Page

To Previous Page

Alternative Sanitizing Devices

Numerous alternative devices, many dating back to the late 1980s, exist to reduce or eliminate the

use of certain pool chemicals. Many of them completely eliminate the use of chlorine stabilizer, cyanu-

ric acid, and the obvious human health issues associated with chemical use in pools and spas.

Ionization

The oldest methods in-

volve copper or copper/silver

ionization using ionic metals

to kill algae, bacteria, and vi-

rus. Early Roman fountains

and modern day wishing wells

easily demonstrate the water

clarity achieved from the sta-

ble part per million metal re-

siduals. NASA legitimized this

science in the 1960s by using

ionization on three week Apol-

lo missions to the moon when

moon microbes were greatly

feared. Only since 1999 have

efcacy studius conrmed su-

perior kill rates on Legionella,

Polio Virus, Ecoli, and Coliform

with the use of ionization. The

issues with ionization, howev-

er, revolve around staining and

the need for oxidation.

Ozone

Ozone has been the

accepted chemical reduc-

tion standard in water treat-

ment since the early 1900s.

Ozone’s short life, however,

makes both oxidation supple-

ments and algaecide use a

necessity. The main problem

with ozone generators in resi-

dential applications is the cost

of electricity and element re-

placement. Residential ozone

generators require 24 hour

circulation and annual bulb/

element replacement.

Ozone generators are

rated in grams per hour. 2-3

gram output is required to

have an impact on the chemi-

cal demand of the pool.

Ionization/Oxygen and

Ionization/Ozone

In swimming pool applications,

ionization alone does not address body

oils, uric acid, and other organic chemi-

cals brought into the water by swim-

mers. Therefore an oxidation supple-

ment or method is required to rid the

water of these things.

The less expensive ionization

products ($800-$1400) recommend

the use of household bleach or non-

chlorine shock on a regular basis to ac-

complish the needed oxidation (Carib-

bean Clear, Pioneer, Sigma, Challenger,

Lifeguard). The more sophisticated and

successful manufacturers will incorpo-

rate a second device (ozone or oxygen

generators) to eliminate the regular use

of halogen chemicals (Clearwater, Su-

perior Aqua, Ecosmarte). These dual

systems, while not necessarily doubling

the cost ($1900-$4500), should be

scrutinized, particularly if ozone is used

to ensure proper sizing based on both

the size of the pool and projected swim-

mer volume. Tens of thousands of pools

operate without regular chemical added

to the pool, a fact that North American

pool professionals have acknowledged

only after Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and Ca-

nadian Tire garnered over 30% of the

swimming pool chemical business.

EcoSmarte Pool System - Alternative Sanitizing Devices; Ionization and Ozone Technologies

Table of Contents