T). TROUBLESHOOTING
(continued)
Can't Obtain the Proper Copper-Ion Level
(continued)
4.) Total Disolved Solids (TDS) is too low.
If your pool has brand new water in it, and you are unable to obtain a
desirable reading on the control unit, chances are the TDS level is too low. Usually, the total dissolved solids should be
between 300-2000 ppm.
, and tested once a year. For the system to perform on maximum capabilities (a pool with very
warm water or a pool that is close to the maximum number of gallons rated for the system), the TDS needs to be at least
500 ppm. If installing the unit on a brand new pool, you may need to have to raise the total dissolved solids level. THIS IS
ONLY NECESSARY IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO OBTAIN THE DESIRED COPPER-ION LEVEL. First, determine the
TDS level. To raise the TDS level, you need to add 1 pound of regular table salt to increase the TDS by 12 ppm per
10,000 gallons. Once the TDS level has reached 300 ppm you will be all set, because the TDS level always raises.
If the TDS is over 2,000, you should partially drain and refill with fresh water. This is standard pool water chemistry. If
the unit is being installed on a salt-water pool, the unit will work fine without any adjustments.
5.) Improper test kit readings.
Make sure you follow the proper Ion-Test kit procedures. Many people look at the side
of the test tubes instead of looking down from the top. Also, be sure to wait three minutes for the reagents to develop.
These reagents should be replaced yearly and kept out of direct sunlight and stored at normal room temperature. Failure
to do so will cause faulty readings. Never let the reagents freeze or be exposed to extreme heat.
6.) Improper pH readings
This is usually the main reason for a low copper-ion level. Make sure the pH is maintained
between 7.2- 7.6 , with the lower end preferred. When the pH goes over 7.8, the ions fall out of solution. Make sure your
test kit is updated with fresh reagents and kept out of direct sunlight and in normal room temperatures. Never mix
different manufacturer's reagents with the test kit.
7.) Too much chlorine in the pool
If the pool was just shocked with a lot of chlorine, this can give you an improper test
kit reading on the Ion Test Kit. The high chlorine level will "bleach" out the reading and appear to read zero.
8.) Sequestering Agents or Metal Out Removers in the water
Sometimes pool owners will add a flocking or
sequestering agent to the water to remove stains or scaling in a pool or remove undesired minerals that are in the source
water. Some of these will interfere with the
Aqua Elite 50’s
ions such as Sequasol, Cop-Out, Metal Magnet, Aluminum
Sulfate or Alum. Products that won't cause problems and that are actually recommended to use with
Aqua Elite 50
include Pool Stain Treat by
United Chemical
or
Jack's Magic
. All polymer based products like Super Blue and Sea-Klear
do not cause problems either. If you are unsure if a sequestering agent is causing a low ion level, send
Clearwater
Enviro Technologies
a water sample to test. If it is a problem (these agents can stay in the water for up to a year) add a
lot of chlorine to shock it out of the pool water.
9.) Steel plumbing
Never install the electrodes on steel piping. Cut out a section of this and replace with PVC pipe.
10.) Improper installation
Sometimes installers will mount the electrodes on a bypass line and not on the actual return
line that goes back to the pool's water. Make sure unit is installed properly with correct connections.
11.) High Phosphate level
A high phosphate level will be a breeding ground for algae. If you have a lot of algae
growing and can't keep the Ion-level up, you may have a high phosphate level. Any reading over 125 ppb can cause
problems. Have your pool store test for phosphates or contact your dealer or
Clearwater
for more information. There are
products available that will remove phosphates from the water quickly and will eliminate algae and low Ion readings.
17
Questions? Contact your dealer or contact us at:
1-800-756-7946 (SWIM) • ClearwaterPoolSystems.com
Lifetime Support