The device described in the manual is the Prozone PZ7 Natural Pool Water Treatment System, an ozone generator designed for residential pools up to 40,000 gallons. It primarily functions as an oxidizer to improve water quality and reduce the need for traditional sanitizers like chlorine or bromine.
Function Description:
The Prozone PZ7 system generates ozone by drawing air across a special high-energy vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) lamp. This process converts some of the air into ozone. A venturi injector, inserted into the pool's return line, creates suction that draws the generated ozone into the water, mixing it as the water returns to the pool. The system operates automatically, either by connecting directly to the circulation pump or by plugging into a timer. A check valve is integrated to prevent water from backing up into the system in case of failure. A siphon loop is recommended for added backpressure resistance.
While ozone provides some disinfection, its primary role is as a powerful oxidizer. In a typical pool, a significant portion of chlorine (up to 90%) is used to react with contaminants (bather load) rather than for disinfection, leading to the formation of combined chlorines. These combined chlorines are responsible for common issues like eye irritation, odor, and other unpleasant side effects associated with chlorination. When the Prozone PZ7 system is used, it oxidizes a large portion of these contaminants, reducing the formation of combined chlorines. This makes more chlorine available for disinfection and less chlorine is required to maintain the pool. Since an ozone residual cannot be established, the manual recommends the continued use of chlorine or bromine as a sanitizer. Baquacil can also be used in conjunction with the Prozone system.
Important Technical Specifications:
The manual provides an inventory list for two installation kits: the P15 Saddle Clamp Installation Kit and the P11 PVC Tees Installation Kit. Both kits include common components such as:
- 684 Venturi Injector: Part Number 600002 (Quantity: 1)
- Plastic Clamp 1/2": Part Number 20185 (Quantity: 4)
- Metal Clamp 1¼": Part Number 20067 (Quantity: 2 for P15, 4 for P11)
- Polybraid Hose 1/4": Part Number 20260 (Quantity: 72")
- Clear Vinyl Hose ¾": Part Number 20264 (Quantity: 96")
- Check Valve: Part Number 20214 (Quantity: 1)
- Screw # 8 x ¾" PPSMS: Part Number 20109 (Quantity: 4)
Specific components for the P15 Saddle Clamp Installation Kit include:
- PVC Pipe 1/2" x 3": Part Number 20314 (Quantity: 1)
- Saddle Clamp, Outer Top: Part Number 201155-4 (Quantity: 2)
- Saddle Clamp, Outer Bottom: Part Number 201155 (Quantity: 2)
- Saddle Clamp, Inner Top: Part Number 201155-2 (Quantity: 2)
- Saddle Clamp, Inner Bottom: Part Number 201155-3 (Quantity: 2)
- Saddle Clamp Gasket: Part Number 400076 (Quantity: 2)
- Saddle Clamp Bushing: Part Number 201155-5 (Quantity: 2)
- Screw #14 x 1½" PPMS: Part Number 201863 (Quantity: 4)
- Nut 1/4-20: Part Number 20703 (Quantity: 4)
Specific components for the P11 PVC Tees Installation Kit include:
- PVC Fitting 2" SL x ¾" FPT: Part Number 201095 (Quantity: 2)
- PVC Fitting 2" SP x 1½" SL: Part Number 201114 (Quantity: 4)
- PVC Fitting ¾" MPT x HB: Part Number 20678 (Quantity: 2)
The system is designed for 120 or 240 VAC, 50/60 HZ operation. Users must ensure the voltage matches the prescribed voltage on the side of the Prozone Ozone Generator.
Usage Features:
- Automatic Operation: The system can be connected directly to the circulation pump or plugged into a timer for automatic operation.
- Recommended Run Time: For good results, the system should run 8-12 hours per day. For optimum water clarity and minimum chemical usage, 24 hours per day is recommended.
- Water Chemistry Guidelines: The manual provides recommended water chemistry levels based on The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) to prevent corrosion or scaling and ensure maximum enjoyment of the pool. These include:
- pH: 7.2 – 7.6
- Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
- TDS: < 1,000
- Cyanuric Acid: 30 – 70 ppm
- Free Chlorine: 0.5 – 1.5 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 60 – 400 ppm
- Metals: 0 ppm
- Nitrates / Phosphates: < 30 ppm
- Installation Flexibility: The manual details two primary installation methods: Saddle Clamp Assembly (P15) for bypass entrance and exit, and PVC Tees Installation (P11). The Saddle Clamp method involves drilling a 7/8" hole into the existing plumbing. The PVC Tees method involves installing PVC tees into the plumbing. Both methods require careful attention to the direction of the venturi injector and proper sealing.
- Safety Instructions: The manual emphasizes important safety instructions, including reading the manual before installation, verifying voltage, and ensuring proper grounding. It warns against inhaling high concentrations of ozone and long-term inhalation of low concentrations, which can cause serious harmful physiological effects. It also advises against connecting the unit to a power equipment prior to installation, maintenance, or removal of the PZ7. Users are warned not to permit children to operate the product and to avoid the risk of electric shock, fire, or injury by having a qualified pool service professional perform installation. Installation must be performed in accordance with National Electric Code and any applicable local or state installation codes. When mixing acid with water, users are advised to ALWAYS ADD ACID TO WATER, NEVER WATER TO ACID.
- Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive guide helps diagnose common issues such as no light from the Prozone unit, no bubbles from the injector, water in the ozone generator, or cloudy/foamy water, along with probable causes and remedies.
Maintenance Features:
- Pre-Installation Preparation: Before installation, users must check for and correct all plumbing leaks, balance the pH, backwash the filter (for retrofit installations), and shock the pool (using Calcium Hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide if Baquacil is used).
- Regular Water Testing: Users are advised to test their water periodically and to take a water sample to be professionally tested by a Pool and Spa Professional at least once a month.
- Filter Maintenance: The troubleshooting guide suggests checking and cleaning or replacing the filter if issues like no bubbles from the injector or cloudy water occur.
- Check Valve Verification: Users should verify that the check valve in the venturi is operating properly as part of troubleshooting.
- Wiring and Power Checks: Regular checks of wiring connections, voltage compatibility, and power source are recommended if the unit shows no light.
- Hose and Plumbing Inspection: Users should check for kinks or clogs in hoses or plumbing if there are no bubbles from the injector.
- Fitting Replacement: If a leak in a fitting is identified as the cause of no bubbles, the fitting should be replaced.
- Dealer Contact: If a defective lamp or other internal component is suspected, the unit should be returned to the dealer. For proper water testing when TDS levels are too high, users should refer to their dealer.
The Prozone PZ7 system aims to provide a natural and effective way to treat pool water, reducing chemical usage, improving sanitation, and producing crystal clear water, ultimately enhancing the pool experience.