12 minute read
That little something extra
THAT LITTLE
SOMETHING EXTRA
Ozonators, ionisers and UV sanitisers offer alternative pool disinfection methods, but what are they and are they worth using?
© Stock.Adobe.com/au/G. K. Pavelchak
THAT LITTLE SOMETHING
Clear sparkling water — it’s every pool owner’s dream. So, should you consider going the extra mile and installing an ozone generator, UV sanitiser or ioniser?
OZONE AND UV LIGHT
Ozone is formed when an oxygen molecule (O 2 ) is split by UV light or an electric arc. That split frees two single oxygen atoms and when one collides with any other O 2 molecule, it attaches to form ozone (O 3 ), a relatively unstable and highly toxic gas that also happens to be a very effective bactericide.
Using an ozonator in a swimming pool can reduce the amount of chemical required to maintain necessary sanitisation levels. It isn’t a new concept, having been used in the treatment of municipal water supplies, commercial swimming pools and Olympic facilities for many years. Recent technology developments have enabled manufacturers to produce smaller and more economical units that are better suited to domestic pool and spa applications. © iStockphoto.com/phdpsx DO THEY WORK?
UV systems incorporate a lamp that emits UV light. In a simple yet effective process, bacteria present in the water are killed when water passes the light. It is a solution commonly employed in indoor pool applications as UV is adept at destroying chloramines, the substances that give indoor pools their distinctive ‘pool smell’.
Ozone is one of the most effective disinfectants and oxidisers available. Once introduced into water, it immediately starts to work, killing bacteria and oxidising organic waste. Ozone is not highly soluble, so must be injected into the water using either a compressor or venturi system.
As it is a toxic gas, all traces must be used or removed before they reach the pool water, so small amounts of a residual sanitiser like chlorine or bromine are still required to provide continuous protection.
THE EFFECT ON OTHER CHEMICALS When using an ozonator with chlorine, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for pH level maintenance.
In applications where bromine is used for sanitisation, the oxidising power of ozone will regenerate inactive bromine leading to a reduced overall consumption.
Ozone will only remain in the water for a short time, which means it has no discernible effect on pH or water balance and does not contribute to total dissolved solids (TDS).
The combination of a correctly sized and operated ozonator and suitable disinfecting chemical (chlorine or bromine) will keep pool
CONTINUED >
water clean and reduce the need for shock dosing.
PREMIUM FINISHES FOR POOLS PONDS AND FOUNTAINS
A U S T R A L I A ’ S T R U S T E D Nº 1 SWIMMING POOL PAINT
LUXAPOOL ® premium swimming pool paint has been trusted by generations of Australians to surface and resurface their pools. LUXAPOOL ® Epoxy delivers a smooth, hard, durable surface that is resistant to the growth of algae and simple to maintain. Available in 25 attractive colours. Suitable for use over most pool surfaces including cement render, concrete, pebblecrete, fibreglass, marblesheen and previously painted epoxy.
www.luxapool.com.au Phone: 1300 LUXAPOOL Email: info@luxapool.com.au Manufactured by: Colormaker Industries 44 Orchard Rd Brookvale NSW 2100
IONISATION
Using metal to purify water goes back to Ancient Greece, but extensive research into the action of metals in water purification wasn’t conducted till the late 19th century. This led to development of the ‘Katadyne’ water treatment process which passed water through porous materials impregnated with silver. Some of the metal would become ionised and pass into the water as positive ions — the upshot was purified water.
This was refined over time and became the ‘Electro-Katadyne’ process which involved electric current being passed between silvercoated sand beds. It gave a greater degree of control over the ionising process. The modern ioniser uses the same principles, but replaces sand beds with copper and silver electrodes.
IONISERS Swimming pool ionisers consist of two parts: an electrode assembly with bars of metal (usually an alloy of copper and silver) and an electronic control unit.
The electrodes are usually installed in the pool’s recirculation system and the control unit supplies the necessary extra low volt
© Stock.Adobe.com/au/ Sergey Nivens
age across the electrodes. The resultant current produces positively charged ions which are carried into the pool and become part of the water chemistry.
Silver ions act as a disinfectant and copper ions act as an algicide. These ions therefore kill algae and bacteria, and provide a measurable residual, but they require an oxidiser (like chlorine) to perform oxidation of organic waste like oils and sunscreens. While most manufacturers recommend chlorine, non-chlorine systems are also available.
RESIDUAL MAINTENANCE AND WATER BALANCE Dissolved metals can lead to discolouration of the pool surface, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure levels meet with recommendations.
Ionisation of copper and silver alloy will purify pool or spa water but will not chemically balance it. See the ‘Checks and Balances’ article in this issue of the magazine for more information on water chemistry.
Both ozonators and ionisers offer a secondary sanitation solution for swimming pools but, as outlined, do not entirely negate the need for some form of chemical addition.
As with any swimming pool equipment purchase, do your research and speak with a SPASA member for up-to-the-minute expert advice. Our members are bound by a strict Code of Ethics, which means they are committed to delivering goods and services to an established industry standard and with the highest levels of professionalism. Don’t run the risk of buying inferior product that won’t meet your needs and speak with a SPASA member today.
A STYLISH POOL DECK CAN
ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME
Updating pool surrounds can transform an outdoor living space into an oasis, ready for entertaining and relaxation with friends and family. As we think about coming out the other side of winter, now is a great time to make a change.
Indoor/outdoor integration is a contemporary design trend where the indoor style, materials and colours are tied to the outdoor design. This provides continuity throughout your home, making indoor and outdoor spaces work seamlessly together. There are products available in Australian Standard (AS2700) and COLORBOND® colours that can assist translating your colour palette into the great outdoors.
TEXTURED COATING FOR POOL SURROUNDS
LUXAPOOL® Poolside & Paving offers a versatile textured surface coating solution that brings a modern look to pool surrounds. This non-slip coating delivers a clean, contemporary finish whilst allowing the desired colour to be achieved in line with your design objectives.
AREAS OF USE AND APPLICATION
This decorative, textured coating can be used on pool surrounds, steps, stairs, walkways and balconies, even boat decks, pontoons and landing docks. This durable non-slip (P5 rated) coating will adhere to pebble, concrete and unglazed paving, so pool surrounds can be refreshed simply and stylishly.
TRENDING RANGE OF COLOURS
Now available in an on-trend range of 15 colours themed around elegant greys and charcoals, beach hues and neutrals to work seamlessly with contemporary colour palettes. Achieving a stunning poolside area has never been easier.
With the swimming season just around the corner, it’s a great time to undertake your poolscape project now, ready for entertaining with family and friends.
LUXAPOOL POOLSIDE & PAVING
P: 1300 LUXAPOOL E: INFO@LUXAPOOL.COM.AU W: LUXAPOOL.COM.AU/POOL-SURROUNDS
SWIM EVERY DAY WITH AN INVERTER HEAT PUMP
Inverter pool heat pumps are fast becoming the heating system of choice for domestic and commercial pools and spas across Australia, delivering a solution that surpasses traditional alternatives while saving energy, reducing running costs and cutting carbon emissions.
HOW THEY WORK
An inverter heat pump is a different way to use renewable energy to heat your pool water. Operating on a similar principle to an air-conditioner system, an inverter heat pump
Technology
Inverter heat pump
Gas heating
Electric element heating
Solar pool heating
Efficiency
Produces up to 16 kW of heat from 1 kW of electricity Produces approx 800 W of heat from 1 kW of gas Produces 1 kW of heat from 1 kW of electricity Uses sunlight to heat the pool water and cannot guarantee consistent pool heating as it is reliant on the weather absorbs the solar heat from the surrounding air, and the electrical pump transfers the heat into the pool through a series of processes.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
An inverter heat pump is one of the most energy-efficient pool heating systems available and produces far more energy than they consume.
They are up to 16 times more energy efficient than other heating technology, translating to substantial savings in the long term. For every 1 kW of electricity used, up to 16 kW of heating is produced.
The inverter technology continually optimises the way the heat pump operates to ensure that the least amount of energy is required to maintain the desired temperature, producing incredible efficiency and lower electricity bills. This allows for the desired pool temperature to be managed much more efficiently.
The motor works like cruise control in your car to maintain a set temperature, rather than stopping and starting the motor like traditional on/off heat pumps. The inverter heat pump runs at maximum capacity to get the pool up to temperature as fast as possible, but then automatically reduces its speed and energy consumption to maintain the temperature.
With excellent energy efficiency ratings, it only makes sense that this translates to low running costs. An inverter heat pump typically costs up to 85% less to operate than electric element and 60% less than gas heating.
Over the last decade, innovations in pool heating technology have enhanced heat pump technology, so whether you are upgrading or installing a pool heater for the first time, an inverter heat pump is an ideal solution.
Swim season duration
Year-round
Year-round
Year-round
Extends an average swim season by two months
ABOUT EVOHEAT
With over 15 years’ experience in providing specialised products that offer the ultimate in comfort, performance and energy-efficient pool heating, EvoHeat can help you maximise the use of your pool so you can swim every day. EvoHeat offers the latest range of energy-efficient heat pump technology and has a solution for every family and business. For your free pool heat report, contact an EvoHeat specialist.
EVOHEAT
P: 1300 859 933 W: WWW.EVOHEAT.COM.AU
You don’t have to travel to exotic destinations to enjoy a luxury resort-style holiday with your family when you can create your own outdoor oasis.
There is a plethora of ideas and inspiration to help you design and create your dream poolside lifestyle. At the planning stage it’s best to think about finishing touches you would also like to include to make your pool area complete. Creating a mood board is a great way to make sure all your ideas tie together. There are so many size, shape and colour options available for fibreglass pools today, so it’s a smart move to speak to experienced and pool sales and design consultants early in the process to determine the right pool for your needs.
Aqua Technics Pools has been building award-winning fibreglass pools for over 44 years and has installed over 53,000 pools for Australian families. “With today’s technology, all you have to do is take a few photos of the area where you would like your pool to go and we can help with recommending the right size, suggest colours, landscaping options and any construction or engineering requirements that may be needed,” said Aqua Technics Marketing Manager Maree Voss.
The team at Aqua Technics worked collaboratively with the home owners of this stunning pool to construct a resort-style outdoor space that allows them to feel like they are on holidays all year round.
Featuring a unique combination of textures and materials, this pool beautifully complements its rural surrounds, using natural materials including stone retaining walls and engineered timber decking. Strip lighting was installed along the pool’s perimeter and the decking, increasing the pool’s visibility in the evenings. Perfectly styled landscaping adds a touch of sophistication, while high-end lounges and umbrellas further enhance the resort feel. Fully frameless glass
HOLIDAY
AT HOME IN RESORT-STYLE LUXURY
fencing elegantly surrounds the alfresco pool area, allowing the home owners to admire the pool from inside the family home.
If you have decided to take the plunge and add a pool to your outdoor area, now is the time to start planning as it will take time to get the necessary permits and approvals. You’ll also need time to establish plants and have all your landscaping projects finished before the hot weather arrives.
Here are a few handy hints to help you get the pool buying process started: • Measure the approximate space for your pool. Include the total area available so fencing, landscaping and any features can all be included. Alternatively, there are also many tools now available that allow pool companies to do this for you online. • Collect photos of your favourite styles. Remember to include special features such as outdoor showers, water features, lighting and planting. • Decide if you have a favourite shape such as geometric, natural with curves or traditional roman. A site plan can then be created that showcases the design in your backyard. • Most importantly, don’t leave it too late to start planning if you want to be ready to swim when the hot summer weather arrives.
Before you know it, Christmas lunch will be at your house and you will be surrounded by a beautiful outdoor area for the whole family to enjoy.
Visit aquatechnicspools.com.au to select our favourite designs and get the ball rolling.
