Sun Power Purifies Swimming Pool
QUESTION: The chlorine in my swimming pool irritates my eyes and skin. Can I use free solar energy to power a “no-chemical” pool purification system. What new purification systems are available?
ANSWER: Pool purification chemicals not only irritate your eyes, skin and harm your hair, but there is growing concern about the long-term health effects of chlorine chemicals on the human body.
There are several solar-powered ionization purification systems that allow you to reduce chlorine usage by up to 85%. These reduce chemical costs and the quality of the pool water is often better than drinking-water standards.
The small solar cells in the ionization system produce the required low-voltage electricity for free. Also, 120-volt ionization systems are available that operate for only about $5 of electricity per year.
Ionization systems produce very low concentrations (less than 0.5 parts per million) of silver and copper ions in the pool water. This is harmless to people and animals, but lethal to bacteria and algae. Ionization purifiers have been used from Roman Empire times to today’s space missions.
One solar purifier, called a Floatron, floats on the surface of the pool. It is about one foot in diameter with a solar-cell panel built into its top surface. A small copper/silver rod sticks out from the bottom into the pool water. This gives off the ions when the sun shines on the panel.
Initially, you use a simple ion test kit to measure the concentration level. When it reaches the correct level, remove the Floatron from the pool. Depending on your pool and weather, you typically have to float it only every other week. You’ll soon learn how often you must float it.
Another solar-powered model, called Solarcide, uses a separate, small (one-square-foot) solar panel that mounts next to the pool. It is connected by fine wires to the silver/copper rod in the pool strainer.
This design comes in several sizes for various size pools. Large models have several solar-cell panels and rods. There is also a new durable solar-cell panel for above-ground pools. You can lay it flat on the deck for maximum sun exposure and you can walk on it without damage.
The 120-volt models provide automatic control over the ion concentration level. You simply adjust a dial to control the continuous copper/silver ion output. The voltage going to the electrodes is very low, so there is no electric hazard.
SOLAR-POWERED ION PURIFIER Solar cell panel for free low-voltage power Ring to secure to pool side Replaceable copper/silver rod Purifier rod gives off copper and silver ions when sun shines Permanent spring electrode Entire unit is one foot in diameter Attaches with thumb screw
Write for Utility Bills Update No. 897 listing manufacturers of solar-powered and 120-volt pool ionization purification systems, prices, specifications and operating instructions. Please include $2 handling fee--cash or check--and allow three to four weeks for delivery.
Send your requests to James Dulley, c/o Los Angeles Times, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45244.
