Pool Chlorine Generators

[NYPDFrogman]

I have a question for the chemists here at MR

started a big project at home month and a half ago, we built a large paver patio and while we were doing it we decided to redo the pool area and the pool liner also. of course it snow balled and we decided to replace the filter system too to a more efficent pump and canister( it's a 18X36 inground pool 30K gals)

the pool store talked us into a chlorine generator.
you add salt to the water and as the water passes through an elctrodewhich is controlled by a computer it generates chlorine in the pool. neat huh? no chlorine to add, no smell.
no here's how it relates to our hobby

if you have enough stray voltage (we are talking MV) can cholrine be produced? maybe an answer to some unexplained bleaching and fish death???

how many of us test for chlorine in our systems?

 

[NYPDFrogman]

Found this online simple description of what a chlorine genrator does:

A chlorine generator's main function is to produce chlorine for the pool so you do not have to buy it, store it or handle it. These are big advantages for many pool owners. Chlorine generators, when functioning correctly, produce chlorine constantly (when the pump is running) with most units. This keeps a residual of chlorine in the pool that prevents algae from growing. The secret is keeping the cell free of calcium and mineral deposits--the cell itself is made up of precious metals-it must be maintained so it can continue to make chlorine.
Through the process of electrolysis, water passing over the chlorine generator cell produces chlorine that is instantaneously transformed into Hypochlorous acid. When any type of chlorine is added to water it ALL makes the SAME thing: Hypochlorous acid. It does not matter if it is Sodium Hypochlorite (liquid chlorine), Tri-chlor and Di-chlor or Lithium based, Cal-hypo or even gas chlorine--it all makes Hypochlorous acid. Hypochlorous acid is the active sanitizer; this is what kills algae and other harmful stuff in the water. Its effectiveness is totally predicated on balanced water conditions and, more importantly, proper pH. So, with a salt water system or chlorine generator, you still must maintain your water balance (pool chemistry) properly. As long as you do this, a chlorine generator is a good choice.



Ocean water has a salt content of around 35,000 parts per million ("ppm"). Humans have a salt taste threshold of around 3,500 ppm. Most chlorine generators require a salt content of 2500 - 6000 ppm in the pool. A unit that needs less than 3500 ppm to operate effectively is optimal. If the salt content is higher, that warm, salty water will be pretty distasteful!
Swimming in a mild saline solution is much like taking a shower in soft water.

Generally, when people swim in a non-chlorine generator pool (a pool with no salt water in it) they feel like their skin dries quicker upon exiting the pool. They may feel and/or see a whitish residual, chlorine flaking, on the skin. In a salt-water pool (one with a chlorine generator) the water feels smooth, your skin feels smooth and many people feel more refreshed.

 

[noodleman]

if Hypochlorous acid is generated in our system by stray currents, i would think you would see your pH drop first if its a major problem....our salt tanks are basically buffer systems that would "eat up" any acid present in the tank

and when you say

if you have enough stray voltage (we are talking MV) can cholrine be produced? maybe an answer to some unexplained bleaching and fish death???

are you talking about megavolts or millivolts?

 

[NYPDFrogman]

milli volts

 

[ming]

In a salt-water pool (one with a chlorine generator) the water feels smooth, your skin feels smooth and many people feel more refreshed.

Sounds like a great marketing line!

 

[NYPDFrogman]

Yes it is but thats not what sold me on the system. I have a nieghbor that uses it and, no cholrine smell, no chemicals to handle. I opened a bucket of chlorine and had to be rushed to hospitol couple of years ago. with my lungs I cant handle it

I'm wiring the controller up today I'll let you know in a couple of days how well it works