10
Sanitizers
Sanitizers are products used to sanitize water, to relieve it from microbes and algae.They are chlorine, in its different forms
and bromine. Each has its advantages and inconveniences and have different pH values. They can have different impacts
on water chemistry and can necessitate various chemical products to counter-balance those impacts or to stabilize them.
Warm water is more difficult to maintain, it necessitates greater quantities of sanitizers, and therefore, greater quantities
of other chemical products.
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Trichloro-s-triazinetrione (TCCA or trichlor or pucks)
Trichlor is a very common and practical sanitizer because it dissolves into hypochlorous acid, a powerful sanitizer, and
into cyanuric acid, a stabilizer improving the duration of its efficiency. However, it produces 2 acids that contribute to
lowering pH and TA of the pool water. This can cause severe damage to the pool and to its system because of corrosion.
Usage of trichlor requires the addition of sodium bicarbonate to raise the pH and TA level.
WARNING:
Many users
testing only pH will be tempted to use sodium carbonate, or pH+, however this product does not increase TA level
and pH will rapidly decrease after its use. As acidic water is usually clear because it is free of microorganisms, it is
recommended that you test water regularly to avoid problems caused by acid water. Clear water is not the same as
good quality water.
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Bromine
Bromine is a very good sanitizer. It is safe and practical. It does not require any stabilizer and it does not cause
irritation nor has any odor. Furthermore, its efficiency is independent from pH of water. However, it is acid and it
destroys TA. Water that is acid and low in TA becomes corrosive and disintegrates metallic pieces of the pool system,
including the heat exchanger of your pool heat pump. Therefore, it is imperative to test water frequently, even if water
is very clear, to avoid problems caused by water acidity. Acid water is often very clear because it is free of
microorganisms, but it can be unbalanced and become corrosive.
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Sodium hypochlorite (liquid chlorine)
Liquid chlorine is completely soluble in water and does not leave any residue in pool water, but it decomposes rapidly,
even when stored, and requires usage of a stabilizer, like cyanuric acid. As it is alkaline, it contributes to raise pH and
TA. High pH and TA can contribute to the formation of a deposit of scale on the condenser of the heat pump, creating
an isolating layer on the heat exchanger and reducing the heat pump efficiency.
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Calcium Hypochlorite (granular or stick chlorine)
Granular chlorine is easy to use and dissolves rapidly. On the other hand, it increases pH, TA and calcium hardness
significantly. Like with liquid chlorine, high calcium hardness, pH and TA can contribute to the formation of an isolating
layer on the heat exchanger reducing the heat pump efficiency.
Other types of sanitizers exist; all of them have their advantages and inconveniences. What is truly important to keep in
mind is that pool water is something that should be maintained regularly and should be balanced according to standards
included in this manual.
CAUTION
Never pour any sanitizer directly into the skimmer. High concentrations may enter the heat pump, damage it, and
void the warranty
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CAUTION
Shock Treatment - Before performing any shock treatment, turn bypass off to stop water flow through the pool
heat pump to prevent chemical products from damaging it.
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CAUTION
With trichlor, it is possible to use what is called a chlorinator. A chlorinator is an automatic chlorine distribution
system, but this system does not control pH and TA of water. Thinking their system is completely automatic, users
of those systems often neglect to test their water. Always test your water!
!
CAUTION
With bromine, it is possible to use what is called a brominator.A brominator is an automatic bromine distribution
system, but this system does not control pH and TA of water. Thinking their system is completely automatic, users
of those systems often neglect to test their water. Always test your water!
!
