Automatic chemical feeders
Automatic chemical feeders can be used for a variety of applications. Enzymes that are dosed throughout the course of the day, for example, can be likened to cleaning up during the middle of a party. As bathers add to a pool’s non-living waste load (at a rate of 473 mL [16 oz] per bather per 45 minutes of swimming), enzymes can work to break down what they leave behind. Therefore, this is a more automated approach than the traditional “wait until everyone goes home and shock the pool” method.
Enzyme dosages are generally calculated as weekly recommendations. Therefore, a chemical feeder can be used to administer the recommended dosage slowly over the course of a week. As a result, homeowners will likely see better results with respect to filter efficiency, reductions of scum lines, a positive effect on non-living organic load, and overall water clarity.
Another specialty chemical that makes sense to dose throughout the course of the week using automation is a liquid solar product. Pool owners these days are always seeking ways to improve efficiency. Water restrictions in some areas have made evaporation reduction products a necessity throughout many areas in North America. It is widely known that 70 per cent of total energy loss in a pool is due to evaporation. This includes indoor pools as well. Many backyard pool owners rely on their solar covers to help reduce heat loss and evaporation, especially in areas that have been affected by drought.
An automatic chemical feeder can be implemented to dose these products as well. By doing so, it can eliminate the task of lugging a solar cover on and off the pool. With the press of a few buttons, a homeowner can schedule the appropriate dose of a liquid solar product to be fed into the pool as needed throughout the week. This is especially helpful to those pool owners looking to extend the swimming season.
In regions where evening temperatures drop prior to closing the pool for the season, automating the dosage of a liquid solar product can significantly reduce heat loss overnight.
Putting pools on auto-pilot
Today, many forms of automation can be found in the aquatics industry. Another example is the incorporation of water levelling systems, which are mainly found on vanishing-edge pools. New technologies are continuing to come to market that assist with water care, such as dissolvable pod products that can be easily added to the skimmer and release as needed. There are even off-season pills available that can float underneath a pool cover, which help make the pool opening process much easier in the spring.
Homeowners invest in pools to reap the many benefits of a backyard sanctuary. They want to have fun in their outdoor oasis, making lasting memories with family and friends. Automation options have revolutionized the modern backyard so homeowners can spend less time working on their pools and more time enjoying them.
Jamie Novak is a brand manager at NC Brands, parent company of Natural Chemistry, SeaKlear, and Coral Seas specialty chemical products. She has more than 12 years of pool industry experience and previously worked as a robotic pool cleaner specialist. Novak can be reached via e-mail at jamie@ncbrands.com.
