Quote Originally Posted by PoolDoc View Post
Larry,

This a complex question, that we recently addressed at great length. Instead of putting all that info here, I'm going to do what I should have done then, and write a general page I can post on PoolSolutions.
Thank you for the reply pooldoc.

Meanwhile, in order to apply that information to your situation, I need some specific info from you:

1. Do you cover your pool? Is it enclosed?
The pool is uncovered and in a screened in lanai (typical Florida installation).
2. PRECISELY what chemicals are you adding to both pool and spa? (Many times, "pool chlorine" includes problematic mystery chemicals.)
I am just using standard 3" chlorine tablets (ValueChlor I think they are called) from PinchaPenny (the large pool chain down here). For "shocking" I use the liquid chlorine from the same store. I believe its 10% concentration.
3. Do you use ANY of the following: non-chlorine shock, 'mineral' treatment, skimmer pills, algaecides, or stain treatments. If so, EXACTLY which products are you using?
None of the above. But I am thinking I may try the Pool Frog in its simplest form (the Instant Frog) mineral treatment just for yucks.

4. How do you test your water? How often?
I test it myself every day or two using test strips and standard dripper type test kits. I also follow up with having PinchaPenny test the water about once a week.

5. Which MODEL Delozone unit do you have (EC-4 -- a 1gm/hr unit) ? Do you have a degas chamber installed, downstream of the ozonator.
Yes, its the Eclipse 4 model you mentioned. There is no degas chamber installed (and doubtful theres room in piping for it).

I also bought an Eclipse 1 today which will be dedicated solely to the spa. This unit should be way overkill for the water volume, but I am really trying to minimize the chlorine.
6. Are you aware that ozone is a HIGHLY toxic gas, which triggers respiratory distress in sensitive individuals?
(Pool "ozone" is precisely the same chemical that is present in the air, when cities issue "ozone alerts" in the summer time. Ozone is considerably MORE toxic than chlorine gas!)
For sure. But, my daughter gets these symptoms even worse in pools that are straight chlorine and that are maintained at the typical higher concentrations. From what I can gather 5ppm+ isnt abnormal around here.
7. Have you ever noticed bubbles coming out of the returns, into the pool? Have you ever noticed the odor of ozone near the pool inlet closest to the pool equipment?
Yes the returns bubble but I cant really smell any ozone at the water surface. Should I? If I take the ozone tube off the venturi and take a whiff, I can definitely smell the ozone.

Also, when we swim in the pool, 90% of the time the ozone isnt even on so I am assuming that ozone cant be an issue for my daughter as far as the allergy goes.
8. How far is it, in feet, from the ozone venturi, to the nearest return inlet in the pool?
Probably close to 50 feet, maybe a bit more (as I dont know exactly how the piping runs underground, how many 90's there are, etc).
9. Have you ever tried using the pool, after turning the ozonator OFF for 2 days, but while continuing to maintain chlorine levels?
I havent tried that, but weve only been in this house a few months. Plus, we did not have solar heaters on the pool until about a month ago. So, wimps that we are the pool didnt get used much until the solar went on as ~70F water in the winter is just too cold to enjoy (as the air isnt enough warmer than that). But, the pool surely was easy to take care of when it was cold. Now that its 87-88F, its become more difficult (never mind the spa).

Is it possible in your experience to just use just a strong ozonator and the mineral type systems as primary santizers and then maybe a very small amount of non-stabilized (perhaps liquid) chlorine every few days to keep things in check? This would allow the chlorine level to be very low (to nil) while my daughter is using the pool/spa, but I could shoot chlorine up somewhat after shes done for the day, etc.

Im open to whatever. I dont view chlorine as "evil" (as Ive seen some folks online postulate), but it is definitely playing a role in my daughters health. She absolutely loves swimming (a little mermaid) so I want to do what we can to allow her to continue that enjoyment without the allergic reactions. I am quite sure if I can get the chlorine down to <1 ppm shell be fine as I tested straight city water and it was around 0.5 ppm free and 2-3 ppm combined (and my daughter has no problems with exposure to city water, which she tests DAILY when she drains the 50 gallon hot water tank with her showers....LOL). I was however surprised to see city water running a pH of 8.0.