BASIC AUTOMATION OF COMMERCIAL SWIMMING POOLS

AUTOMATIC CHEMICAL CONTROL OF SWIMMING & HYDROTHERAPY POOLS

In most countries, it is now mandatory for all NEW swimming pool complexes to have automatic monitoring & addition of basic sanitation & pH control chemicals.

Many older pools still operate without the Automatic Control because of "grandfather" clauses, which allow them to operate "as was", before new legislation & some have just not caught up with the requirements of new legislation.

As most pools now have a much heavier usage than they did previously & because the potential exists for law suits should anyone become ill from use of a swimming pool facility.
It is extremely necessary that all older pools upgrade to automatic monitoring & addition equipment as soon as possible.

Automatic Monitoring & Control systems are available in varying qualities as with most products. To achieve good quality water, you need good quality equipment.

The quality of an Automatic Swimming Pool Chemical Control System is based on a number of factors, including:
(a) The quality of the Probes which actually measure the pH & ORP Chlorine) Levels in the water. The higher the quality the more accurate the controller becomes. Over the last few years a select few manufacturers have invested in a lot of research & development of probes where as others are still using technology from 15 years ago.

(b) The options for the operator to be able to modify the controllers program to provide the most efficient dosing of chemicals from the results of the probes.
Depending upon the age of many pools, their circulation systems may not be as fast as newly built pools, this will mean that the controller will need to be tuned in to the pool & its particular water flow rates & filtration systems.
Good quality controllers allow for adjustment of ON & OFF times for chemical pumps & other dosing system components as well as the basic set points to control to.

(c) The accessibility of the controller.
Most controllers are situated in the plantroom, remote from the areas, which are regularly monitored. This means that the system is only checked when someone actually visits the plantroom.
The better quality controllers come standard with a modem and or RS232 port, which will allow monitoring at any time via a telephone line or data line. This allows for a much more hands on control without having to actually be there.

Larger Automatic Programmable Controllers are capable of monitoring & controlling not only the ORP (Chlorine or Bromine level) & pH level but also the pool temperature, the flow rate on the circulation system, the pressures on the filters & if necessary initiating the backwash system. All these functions require interlocking with additional equipment but will save both time & money on the operation of the swimming pool.

Automation of the Chemical Control of Swimming Pools is a must in the 21st Century to comply with most OH&S requirements but also the types of chemicals used & the way that they are dosed. Many swimming pools currently use Hydrochloric acid to control a rise in the pH level in the pool; this system is now obsolete in most countries due to handling problems with the acid. Most pools now use Carbon Dioxide to control a rise in the pH level in the water.

If a swimming pool is upgrading to an automatic Chemical controller, it is a smart time to upgrade the dosing equipment at the same time.

If capital expenditure costs are a problem for Schools or Councils, there are companies who will now provide equipment on a lease or Rental or long-term purchase contract. Most of these include a preventative maintenance component, which means that the overall pool system is checked & maintained on a regular basis.

One of the most important concepts to understand with automatic monitoring & control systems is that the control of the pH is more important than the chlorine. If the pH is not controlled precicely, then the chlorine level will move around with out any addition of chlorine. Most so called problems with automatic chemical control are from inaccurate pH control, not inaccurate chlorine control.

If automatic chemical control is to be used on a pool using a chlorine generator which has salt added to the pool or uses sea water, then a true free chlorine monitor & controller , not an ORP controller will be necessary.

Automated Chemical & Equipment control is now required & can only help in the operation of any swimming facility.