Intex's mongrel SWCG + Copper sanitation unit
Just had a poster ask about the new (mid summer 2010, apparently) SWCG, which combines an SWCG with a copper generator. I spent some time this morning going through their FAQs and product info and I'm going to collect it and post it here.
(At least, till they complain -- no copyright is asserted on any of the pages, at least as of today 10 June 2011.)
These are all taken from http://faq.intexstore.com on 10 June 2011 . After reading some of them, I figured it would be best to archive them locally. I figure once some of these statements become bit more public, Intex may revise them, and then claim, "We never said that". I've had a favorable impression of Intex in the past. After reading these, it's a lot less favorable.
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FAQ ID: 24
Created on: 2008-01-29 | 05:23:27 -- Last Updated: 2008-01-29 | 05:23:27
Question
Can we use the pool while the filter pump is operating? Is it safe?
Answer
No, due to various local, state, national and international standards, the filter pump is not to be operating if pool is in use and/or occupied, although it is safe and has complied with UL, CSA, ETL, and EN safety standards.
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FAQ ID: 212
Created on: 2009-03-06 | 11:08:14 -- Last Updated: 2011-01-26 | 16:44:51
Question
What is the INTEX Saltwater System (Chlorine Generator)?
Answer
The INTEX Saltwater System is an easy to use, automatic pool maintenance system. Pool owners no longer have to endure the expense and time of constant trips to the store and the dangers of handling and storing traditional packaged chlorine. Instead, the INTEX saltwater system uses only 100% all natural salt to generate a low level of natural chlorine and copper ions that destroy bacteria and algae and oxidize other organic materials to present you a fresh, clean, clear swimming pool. And the level of salt is so low, that swimmers do not even know that it is there! INTEX saltwater system will fit INTEX Above Ground pool up to 14,364 gallons / 54,368 Liters.
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FAQ ID: 440
Created on: 2010-02-10 | 15:26:05 -- Last Updated: 2010-02-10 | 15:26:08
Question
How do copper ions sanitize my pool? How do they work with chlorine?
Answer
When copper and HClO (Hypochlorous acid)/ClO- are released into the water, these positive, surface active ions form electrostatic bonds on negatively charged areas of microorganism cell walls. Copper ions and natural chlorine are a powerful algae-fighting combination: not only do they kill bacteria cells, but copper hinders bacteria’s reproduction process, preventing the problem before it starts*. Copper ionization increases the efficiency of the saltwater system, requiring less energy and less chlorine output than a saltwater chlorinator alone.
* PoolDoc note: this is not relevant to sanitation, since most dangerous bacteria found in pools do not "reproduce" there, but are carried in by infected people.
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FAQ ID: 438
Created on: 2010-02-10 | 10:26:17 -- Last Updated: 2011-01-26 | 17:06:07
Question
When the Intex Saltwater System is producing chlorine under daily operating conditions, will it also produce copper ions?
Answer
The Saltwater System generates a small amount of copper ions during its daily chlorine production. The copper ion output during normal operating production is about 3% of the copper produced from the “Boost” cycle.
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Question
If the Intex Saltwater System runs too long, can copper levels get too high?
Answer
The device generates very small amount of copper ions when operated according to the owner’s manual. The only way to get the copper level extremely high is to “boost” the pool more than 10 times continuously. It is possible for copper levels to get too high, but highly unlikely. The Saltwater System generates a maximum chlorine output of 12 grams/hr (equivalent to 0.6-1.5ppm concentration), and a max copper output of 0.36 g/h (equivalent to 0.1-0.2ppm concentration). The recommended copper level for drinking water ranges from 1 to 2 mg/liter (1-2 ppm). There are no known negative effects to high copper ion levels other than the potential for light-colored hair to become discolored. If this happens, use a shampoo containing “chelating” agents or wear a swim cap to protect the hair.
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FAQ ID: 458
Created on: 2011-01-24 | 16:53:53 -- Last Updated: 2011-01-24 | 16:54:01
Question
What is the preferred pool water chemistry reading?
Answer
See table for the preferred pool water chemistry.
[Table shows Cu ideal = 0.1 - 0.2 ppm; min 0.0; max 0.2 ; Chlorine ideal 0.4 - 1.5 ppm, min 0.0, max 3.0; pH 7.2 - 7.8, with ideal 7.4 - 7.6; stabilizer min 10 ppm; ideal 10 - 20 ppm, max 50 ppm. ]
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FAQ ID: 249
Created on: 2008-01-29 | 05:23:27 -- Last Updated: 2008-01-29 | 05:23:27
Question
Why are there tiny little bubbles in the water when the Saltwater System is running?
Answer
When the chemical process takes place in the electrolytic cell, small amounts of gasses, such as oxygen and hydrogen are released into the water. This is safe and normal.
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FAQ ID: 222
Created on: 2008-01-29 | 05:23:27 -- Last Updated: 2011-01-26 | 17:02:25
Question
If the Intex Saltwater System runs too long, will it over chlorinate the pool?
Answer
It is possible to run the system for a longer period of time than is necessary. However, because chlorine is unstable and dissipates over time due to UV light exposure (which is why pool owners must constantly go to the store, constantly purchase, and continually add standard chlorine to their pools), if you happen to run your Saltwater System too long, you can simply begin running it for a shorter period the next day, and your pool will be fine. The best way to determine the optimal length of time to operate your system is to experiment with different operating lengths of time, and to test the amount of chlorine in your pool using the chlorine test strips provided by INTEX. See Owner’s Manual for operating time table list.
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FAQ ID: 246
Created on: 2008-01-29 | 05:23:27 -- Last Updated: 2008-01-29 | 05:23:27
Question
Why did I find white flakes in the pool water?
Answer
Because excessive calcium is present in pool water. You can drain about 20 to 25% of the pool water and add fresh water to decrease the calcium percentage. Visually inspect the electrolytic cell for scale build-up and clean the electrolytic cell if necessary.
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FAQ ID: 244
Created on: 2008-01-29 | 05:23:27 -- Last Updated: 2008-01-29 | 05:23:27
Question
Why do I have insufficient chlorine output?
Answer
Insufficient chlorine output may happen due to: i) Insufficient operating hours of the chlorine generator unit, ii) Insufficient (less than 2000ppm) salt level in pool water, iii) Chlorine loss due to intense sunlight exposure, iv) The bather load (pool occupancy) has increased, v) Clogged or dirty electrolytic cell.
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FAQ ID: 436
Created on: 2010-02-09 | 16:50:54 -- Last Updated: 2011-01-26 | 17:04:40
Question
If the Intex Saltwater System runs too long, can copper levels get too high?
Answer
The device generates very small amount of copper ions when operated according to the owner’s manual. The only way to get the copper level extremely high is to “boost” the pool more than 10 times continuously. It is possible for copper levels to get too high, but highly unlikely. The Saltwater System generates a maximum chlorine output of 12 grams/hr (equivalent to 0.6-1.5ppm concentration), and a max copper output of 0.36 g/h (equivalent to 0.1-0.2ppm concentration). The recommended copper level for drinking water ranges from 1 to 2 mg/liter (1-2 ppm). There are no known negative effects to high copper ion levels other than the potential for light-colored hair to become discolored. If this happens, use a shampoo containing “chelating” agents or wear a swim cap to protect the hair.
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FAQ ID: 437
Created on: 2010-02-10 | 10:25:25 -- Last Updated: 2010-02-10 | 10:25:33
Question
How do I reduce the copper concentration in my pool to the recommended level?
Answer
If copper level is above the recommended level (0.2ppm), drain about 20% of the pool water and add fresh water to decrease the copper ion concentration below 0.2ppm. You may need to add more salt to the water as well, as fresh water will decrease salt concentration. If it is not possible to drain pool water, the copper ion concentration may be lowered by adding aluminum sulfate: 1000 liters water need about 2g (1000 gals need 0.27 ounce) or aluminum potassium sulfate: 1000 liters water need about 3g (1000 gals need 0.4 ounce) added to the pool (following the direction on the container’s label). This may leave some fine residue deposit on the bottom of the pool which can then be removed with the deluxe vacuum skimmer. Reducing the operating time will not help since copper does not dissipate under UV light.
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FAQ ID: 438
Created on: 2010-02-10 | 10:26:17 -- Last Updated: 2011-01-26 | 17:06:07
Question
When the Intex Saltwater System is producing chlorine under daily operating conditions, will it also produce copper ions?
Answer
The Saltwater System generates a small amount of copper ions during its daily chlorine production. The copper ion output during normal operating production is about 3% of the copper produced from the “Boost” cycle.
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FAQ ID: 239
Created on: 2008-01-29 | 05:23:27 -- Last Updated: 2008-01-29 | 05:23:27
Question
Why sometimes is it called Chlorine Generator, since it doesn't actually produce chlorine in the traditional sense?*
Answer
The Saltwater System produces the sanitizing agents that are responsible for eliminating bacteria and algae without the additional compounds found in packaged or liquid chlorine.
*PoolDoc note: this is a totally bogus question and answer: the Intex SWCG *does* produce chlorine in exactly the traditional sense (HOCl + -OCl) as noted in Intex's own FAQ note #440 above!
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FAQ ID: 439
Created on: 2010-02-10 | 10:27:00 -- Last Updated: 2010-02-10 | 10:27:03
Question
How can chlorine last longer in my pool, if it automatically breaks down in sunlight?
Answer
Cyanuric acid (stabilizer) is a chemical that reduces the loss of chlorine in water due to ultraviolet rays. To maintain maximum chlorine performance, we recommend that the cyanuric acid level be maintained at approximately 0.3% of the salt, i.e. 100 Lbs (50 kg) salt x 0.3% = 0.3 Lbs (0.15 kg) cyanuric acid. Refer to the owner’s manual for detail
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FAQ ID: 233
Created on: 2008-01-29 | 05:23:27 -- Last Updated: 2008-01-29 | 05:23:27
Question
Is it safe to swim in the pool while the Saltwater System is operating?
Answer
Due to various local, state, national and international standards, do not operate the device when pool is in use and/or occupied.
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FAQ ID: 241
Created on: 2008-01-29 | 05:23:27 -- Last Updated: 2008-01-29 | 05:23:27
Question
Is the chlorine produced by a Saltwater System different than the standard liquid or granule chlorine used in most pools?
Answer
Yes. INTEX Saltwater Systems create the same algae and bacteria eliminating agents in traditional packaged chlorine. However, traditional packaged chlorine requires additional chemical compounds to stabilize it and give it shelf life. These compounds end up in your pool water. They do not exist when an INTEX Saltwater System is used.
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FAQ ID: 440
Created on: 2010-02-10 | 15:26:05 -- Last Updated: 2010-02-10 | 15:26:08
Question
How do copper ions sanitize my pool? How do they work with chlorine?
Answer
When copper and HClO (Hypochlorous acid)/ClO- are released into the water, these positive, surface active ions form electrostatic bonds on negatively charged areas of microorganism cell walls. Copper ions and natural chlorine are a powerful algae-fighting combination: not only do they kill bacteria cells, but copper hinders bacteria’s reproduction process, preventing the problem before it starts. Copper ionization increases the efficiency of the saltwater system, requiring less energy and less chlorine output than a saltwater chlorinator alone.
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