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• pH and Total Alkalinity:
A correct pH level must be maintained to prevent problems such as black spot,
staining, cloudy water, etc. An incorrect pH level can damage the pool. Correct pH levels are as follows:
> Concrete & tiled – 7.4 to 7.6
> Inert surfaces – 7.2 to 7.4
If you allow the pH level to rise to 8.0 or above the chlorine required could be as much as three times the
normal amount and can cause increased cell scaling. To lower the pH add Hydrochloric (Muriatic) acid. To
raise the pH level add Sodium Bicarbonate, or Soda Ash.
Total Alkalinity should not be confused with pH, although the two are closely related. The correct Total
Alkalinity buffers the pool water against rapid changes in pH and prevents what is known as pH ‘bounce’
where the pH value rises and falls sharply. It is measured in ppm; the ideal range is 80 to 120 ppm for
concrete or tiled pools and 125 to 150ppm for other surfaces or refer to your pool professional. You should
use a test kit which includes a test for Total Alkalinity. Low Total Alkalinity can cause unstable pH levels
– i.e. An inability to keep the pH constant may cause staining, etching and corrosion of metals. High Total
Alkalinity will cause constantly high pH levels. To lower, add Hydrochloric Acid (a little at a time). To raise,
add Sodium Bicarbonate.
• Salt levels:
Salt levels MUST be maintained at 3,000 – 36,000ppm for optimum performance and lifespan.
Operating the unit with too little salt in the pool will cause damage to your cell. Salt is the essential element
by which your unit operates. Low salt means low chlorine production. This simple rule governs the total
operation of your EcoMatic and insufficient salt WILL damage your cell.
Salt is NOT consumed in the process of producing chlorine or by evaporation. Salt is only lost through
dilution, by backwashing, splash-out, overflow, or by leakage from the pool or plumbing. Rain also dilutes
the salt centration in your pool, therefore salt levels should be checked after heavy rainfall. Colder water
lowers the conductivity of the pool water. This will reduce the unit output and turn the Operation LED red. If
this occurs extra salt should be added or damage to the cell will result. If water temperature is below 15°C
(59°F), it is suggested the EcoMatic unit be switched off.
WARNING: Low salt levels will destroy the coating on the plates and will void all Warranty.
The EcoMatic unit has a built-in warning system to minimize damage resulting from insufficient salt levels,
however, the ultimate responsibility is on the owner to ensure adequate salt levels are maintained all year round.
The EcoMatic will show a low salt alarm at a salt concentration of ~ 3,000ppm. The system will continue to operate,
but the display will show an orange operation LED, and less than 5 green LEDs on the “production bar meter”.
At a salt concentration of ~ 2,500ppm, the EcoMatic will enter “low salt cut-out”. At this point the EcoMatic
will stop operating.
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