PROCEDURE FOR REGENERATION TO REMOVE AMMONIUM IONS, PREVENT CHLORAMINE BUILDUP, AND CLEAN MEDIA TO REMOVE ORGANIC MATTER, OILS AND SCALE

Summary: A description is given below for a procedure to regenerate Zeobrite Pool Filter Media in order to remove ammonium ions so that chloramine formation in pool water will be minimized. In addition, this procedure also includes a method to clean and sharpen the media’s filtering capacity by removing built-up organic matter and mineral scaling. This procedure should be performed at least once per year on residential pools and approximately every 6 to 12 weeks for commercial pools, depending upon bather load and when odors build up in the facility to unacceptable levels. Chloramine levels can be determined by monitoring total combined chlorine with a DPD test.

A regenerative solution should be prepared by mixing into 5 gallons of water, 2 1/2lbs. of salt. A filter cleaning solution should be prepared using a sand filter cleaner that removes scale, organic matter and oil build-up.

Preparing the solutions (Regeneration and Cleaning combined into one step):

1. Mix salt into water until dissolved. The salt-water solution can then be used to prepare the filter cleaning solution if applicable. Follow the directions on the filter cleaner container. (Take proper precaution to protect skin and eyes when using chemicals. Always add acid to water, never water to acid. Use rubber gloves, eye protection and rinse any acid from skin or equipment with lots of water.)

2. Drain water from the pool filter. Close all valves. Pour regenerative/filter cleaning solution slowly into the filter to just above the level of the media. Carbon dioxide gas may escape so the cap must be left off of the filter, or the air relief valve should be left open. The regenerative/cleaning solution should be left in the filter at least 4 hours but not longer than overnight.

3. The remaining solution in the filter contains high concentrations of sodium chloride, acid and suspended solids. Backwash the solution to waste. Do Not let this solution get into the pool or distribution lines. Keep it off of landscaping. The residual salt and acid could kill vegetation. Once backwash water becomes clear and is at normal pH, run filter on Rinse for one minute. Repeat Backwash and Rinse before turning onto Filter Mode.

4. The media regeneration process should reduce the need to “chlorine shock” your pool as frequently, and it will refresh the Zeobrite media so that ammonium ions are removed and chloramine production is greatly reduced in the pool water.

NOTE: Routine bed cleaning maintenance will enhance the filtering capability of your Zeobrite media. Natural enzymes can be used to remove body oils, suntan lotions and perspiration that can accumulate in the media. When using polymer clarifiers, the media should be cleaned periodically with a sand filter cleaner. Pool owners using biguanide sanitizers should clean the media bed once a month utilizing the bed cleaning material recommended by the manufacturer of the biguanide sanitizer.  

The market for salt chlorine generator systems or automatic sanitizer systems for swimming pools is growing at an exponential rate. It is estimated that over 50% of all new in-ground installations were equipped with this technology. Adding to the increase is the conversion of existing pools to these automatic sanitizer systems. The market growth, to-date, has been primarily with residential in-ground pools but the technology is expanding into commercial installations (condominium, hotel, municipal, etc.), and has more recently expanded into "above ground" swimming pools, as lower prices and smaller units become available for purchase at large retail outlets. Driving this growth are simplicity, safety and pool water quality.

Salt Chlorine Generation Process

When salt is dissolved in pool water and subjected to electrolysis, the chloride portion of the salt is transformed into chlorine. Chlorine dissolves in the water to form hypochlorous acid. The acid performs the same functions as conventional "Pool Chlorine" in oxidizing bacteria, algae, mildew, etc.

Salt chlorinator systems generate free chlorine that destroys odors and irritating chloramines as the water passes through the electrolytic cell. Chloramines are responsible for the chlorine odor, red-irritated eyes, bleached hair and ruined bathing suits that are associated with traditional chlorination chemicals.

Salt Chlorine Generator Benefits

Chlorine is an agent to disinfect water and is necessary for safe usage of recreational water (swimming pools). Chlorine residual is necessary so that it may instantly react to kill disease causing organisms and oxidize bacteria, algae, ammonia and other organic matter (swimmer waste) that may be introduced into the pool.

After purchase and installation of an in-line chlorine generator, you simply add Pool Salt to the swimming pool and sodium hypochlorite (free chlorine) is produced automatically by electrolysis of the water.

By using a Salt Chlorine Generator, you can obtain these benefits:
• Eliminates the need to handle and store hazardous chlorine containing chemicals 
• System produces chlorine at a lower cost than liquid chlorine (bleach) 
• These systems operate at “break point” and automatically generating chlorine on demand, ensuring there is always sufficient chlorine in the pool water to remain sanitized 
• Sufficient chlorine oxidizes chloramines, and as a result, there is no more chlorine smell, dryness, itchy skin, red eyes, green hair and bleaching of bathing suits 

In summary, it's a convenient, simple and safe way to disinfect water, producing high quality pool water with reduced maintenance.

*Price is per bag when ordering 1-20 bags.  If you would like to order more than 20 bags, please call the office for pricing information.