Solar, copper, & SWG

[jeffmull]

I have some solar panels connected directly to my pool filter system which provide some nice free heat.

I am also in the process of installing an SWG system and have brought my salt level up to around 3000.

My question is, Can this level of salt corrode the copper in the solar panel piping? Will it add copper to my plaster pool causing stains?

Thanks,

Jeff

[Poolsean]

Jeff,
It should not cause any problems, however, make sure your power supply has a bonding wired connected to the base and typically connected to the pump motor's bonding circuit.
Also, watch your chlorine level as this can be more corrosive than the salt itself. Salt levels, when you get above 6000 ppm, can be corrosive.

Hope this helps.

[jeffmull]

Thank you Sean. That's a huge relief.

At what point does the chlorine become corrosive?

Jeff

[Poolsean]

"Although dry chlorine (gas or liquid) normally does not react with or corrode some metals such as copper or carbon steel, it is strongly reactive (strongly corrosive) when moisture is present."
excerpt taken from the ChlorineInstitute.org
http://www.chlorineinstitute.org/aboutchlorine/content.cfm?itemnumber=856&snItemNumber=855

Jandy/Laars heater warranty states:
"8. Chemical contamination of combustion air or improper use of sanitizing chemicals, such as introducing sanitizing chemicals upstream of the heater and cleaner hose or through the skimmer."
http://www.jandy-downloads.com/pdfs/LXandLT_H02140B.pdf (page 32)

Pentair's Heat Pump troubleshooting section states:
"Corrosive pool water, chemical damage to water tubing inside heater. Chlorinator is not isolated from the heater, chlorine migration."
http://www.pentairpool.com/misc/owners_manuals/heaters/ThermalFlo.pdf (Page 35)

It's hard to say what level of chlorine may cause damage. There are a slew of pool owners that typically maintain higher than 10 ppm, which in my opinion is WAY too high, and have not complained of corrosion on their handrails, ladders, light rings, or heat exchangers.
However, manufacturers seem to have issues with chemical/chlorine corrosion on their products.