54
SPN JUN 2010 ChlorineFree
: “We should be paying more attention to the chemicals we put in water and we should be looking for other alternatives to chlorination. A number of safe, non-toxic options exist.” A chemical-free public swimming pool was installed in Fairhope in Alabama after public concern about chlorine levels produced illness amongst a children’s swimming party . Last year it avoided the use of chlorine altogether. This is a first for public pools in North America and the year long trial is due to report in August. The United States Navy Dolphin programme has switched to chlorine-free technology over the last several years. A spokesman there stated that these systems have delivered the best water quality they have seen out of any systems they tried.
The municipal pool in Brookline, Massachusetts is the site of a repeat trial using silver and copper ions as an alternative to chlorine. The pool complex was built in 1958 and has three separate pools: a diving pool, a wading pool and a splash pool. Electrolytically generated copper and silver ions were used in conjunction with very low levels of chlorine and was trialled with success 10 years ago. In 2009 the second trial started using improvements to the system evaluated as an alternative to higher levels of chlorine used alone. Bacteria were controlled successfully and the pool found that low levels of chlorine (0.3 ppm) combined with
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copper/silver ions controlled bacteria as well as did higher levels of chlorine.
The non-chlorine market has been aiming its efforts at increasing more expertise at the local pool builder or pool maintenance companies. However, many of these companies rely on repeat sales of chemicals. These companies are likely to be highly resistant to other systems as after-sales revenues will drop. However, for pool companies paid to keep pools clean less time spent maintaining pools is starting to become appealing.
A spokesman for the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals in the United States said that the demands of getting the right message to consumers meant they were satisfied the approach was to recommend chlorine when it was used properly. “We are aware of the consumer concerns and demand to find an alternative and in this respect we may see changes over the next few years. We do not want to see companies jump on the non chlorine band wagon. The approach we are looking for is for clear evidence there is an effective alternative which works.” In the United States the silver and copper ions option is gaining popularity. An article in the New York Times extolling the successful system saw a dramatic increase in demand for its availability as an alternative. Also known as natural minerals, these silver and copper options are the basis of a number of new
ALTON TOWERS SWIMMING POOL ‘TRANSFORMED’ BY UV TECHNOLOGY
Alton Towers, the UK’s leading theme park resort, has seen a dramatic fall in combined chlorines in its large indoor leisure pool – from 0.9 ppm to just 0.3 ppm. Combined chlorine levels in its whirl pool have also dropped. The improvements have come about since replacing an ozone water treatment system with two Hanovia UV disinfection systems.
Waterpark Manager Kevin Carr said: “Prior to installing UV, on a typical busy Saturday with over 3,000 visitors, we’d see combined chlorine levels of around 0.9 ppm in the main pool. That was a good figure, but since we switched to UV it’s closer to 0.3 ppm – this is an incredibly low value. From the perspective of swimmers and employees the difference means a much better poolside environment, with none of the chlorine smell or sore eyes typically associated with indoor pools. Last summer some of the life guards complained about having sore, red eyes, but that is now a thing of the past.”
Chlorine dosing is still required in UK indoor public pools, even if UV or ozone is used as the primary disinfectant. “We add 1.0 ppm of free chlorine at pH 7.25 and this is sufficient to ensure a high level of residual protection for our visitors,” added Kevin. The Hanovia UV systems installed at Alton Towers Resort are medium pressure PSP units. The system for the main pool treats up to 1,018 m3/hour; that for the whirl pool treats up to 166 m3/hour, based on a UV dose of 60 mJ/cm2. For both systems automatic wipers keep the quartz sleeves housing the UV lamps clean, so the only regular maintenance required is changing the lamps every 12 months.
Hanovia’s UK Sales and Service Manager Diane White said: “The UV systems were purchased and installed by FT Leisure , who have the contract to service the entire pool water treatment system.”
“The fact the Hanovia UV systems are so easy to use is a major advantage,” continued Kevin. “Our employees are all busy, so knowing that they can just rely on the systems to work effectively in the background has a tangible value. Someone simply checks the UV systems’ control panels once a day and logs the parameters to record usage and condition.”
i FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
F HANOVIA
( 01753 515300
:
www.hanovia.com
products launched in the US and Canada. For the time being the range of non- chlorine products is limited. UV systems are growing in popularity for the larger pools but they still need the use of small amount s of chlorine. Non chlorine options for hot tubs are more available as the control of smaller amounts of water is less complex. Complete Pool Controls offer its Aquablanc range of non-chlorine (non-halogen) products, suitable for consumers with sensitivities to chlorine or bromine or those wanting an odour free bathing environment are growing as manufacturers look at longer term trends. Complete Pool Controls Ltd is a major supplier of chemical treatment and related dosing equipment products and offers the non- chlorine alternative as an option for more discerning consumers.
Other manufactures are looking at stepping into the market. One we spoke who said; “We are aware that some people will just jump on the non chlorine bandwagon. Our view of the market is that there is a growing demand for moving from a chlorine system to other options. We are aware of commercial pools and larger operators out in the market looking for something else and being reluctant to invest in UV. The problem is industry recognition for the alternatives and being totally convinced the products work and work consistently.” spn
UV PROVIDES SOLUTION TO CHEMICAL BALANCE
The Gloucester Institute of Technology chose a state-of-the-art atg UV Technology ultraviolet water treatment system for its on campus facilities as a solution to its poor water quality due to high levels of chloramines.
The efficient installation of the system provided protection for the campus pool and spa facilities by allowing operators to achieve optimum water disinfection without the use of chemicals such as chlorine. Leisure Manager, Chris Miller commented: "I have been running an atg UV system in my facility for over 18 months now, and I cannot begin to tell you how easy it has made things from a chemical balance issue. Because of our load, our combined chlorine in the form of chloramines had always been a problem, so much so that I had to shock the pool every 2 weeks.
Since turning on the UV system I have not had a need to from a combined standpoint. At the time I had a DPD chemical controller that gave me both free and total chlorine readings on a digital readout that was controlling my chemicals. Once the UV system was turned on, the numbers which were about 5 tenths apart slowly over the course of a couple of days settled into a consistent 0 to .1 differential.”
i FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
F ATG UV
( 01942 216161
:
www.atguv.com
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