Avoid irritated swimmers
Chlorine is the most popular sanitizer for treating swimming pool water, but when it is not managed properly, swimmers can be put off by its obtrusive byproducts (e.g. odours and possible eye, nose and skin irritation). With a combination of adequate chemical control and a properly sized chlorine feed system, these byproducts can be eliminated.
Typical oxidation reduction potential (ORP) controllers have had difficulty maintaining proper chlorine levels to prevent formation of undesirable byproducts. However, by equipping an ORP controller with total water balance control and a part per million (ppm) residual analyzer, chlorine smells and byproducts can be prevented. This state-of-the-art control system should be accompanied with properly sized chemical-feed equipment.
An aquatic facility that uses a salt chlorine generating system, which produces sodium hypochlorite onsite, can offer patrons an alternative to traditional chlorine. Non-iodized table salt, or sodium chloride, is added directly to the swimming pool; dosing levels range from 3,000 to 5,000 ppm. In comparison, human tears have a salinity of 7,200 ppm, while sea water has a salinity of 36,000 ppm. As such, the salt concentration in the swimming pool is relatively low and patrons would not smell, taste or feel the salt.
Despite relatively high capital and maintenance costs, salt chlorine generation reduces or eliminates the storage and handling of chlorine and other chemicals; eliminates the hassle and cost of purchasing liquid chlorine from a vendor and having it delivered; and producing pool water with a more natural, smooth feel. Many aquatic facilities in Europe use salt chlorine generation.
A well-designed chlorine feed system will improve the efficacy of any system including salt chlorine generation and liquid or tabletized chlorine feeders. In cases where a standalone salt chlorine generation system is prohibited by capital cost or mechanical space, a hybrid system can be designed to ensure pristine water quality. With a hybrid unit, a chlorine feed system can be designed to backup the salt chlorine generation system and provide a reliable, quality-controlled chlorine feed system.
What does the future hold?
Increasing utility costs will require aquatic facilities to either scale back operations or adopt energy-efficient pool design strategies. Even though initial capital costs for these technologies may be higher, commercial pool operators should embrace them as they can provide a worthwhile ROI.
Note: *All figures expressed in U.S. dollars.
Randy Mendioroz is a principal with Aquatic Design Group in Carlsbad, Calif., a consulting firm which specializes in the programming, planning, design and engineering of competitive, recreational and leisure-based aquatic facilities. He can be reached via e-mail at rmendioroz@aquaticdesigngroup.com.
