Spa and ORP/pH controlled Residential salt systems

[Poolsean]

I mentioned that I would let you all know when an ORP/pH based automated system, and a specific portable spa salt chlorination system was available in the market. Please let me know by e-mail or P.M. if you would like more information. I don't want to "sell" my products on here, but if you have any questions, let me know.

[waterbear]

Sean,
I am wondering why the system uses an ORP controller instead of a chlorine electrode given the problems of ORP controllers and high CYA levels? I know that ORP electrodes cost significantly less than chlorine electrodes but from my understanding direct reading chlorine electrodes can accurately read chlorine levels even in the presence of high CYA levels.

[Poolsean]

Hey Evan,

From my understanding, ppm probes are nothing more than an ORP probe with an algorythm in the software to convert mv reading to ppm. However, true ppm controllers require daily testing to calibrate the system.
Then other option is an amperometric (sp?) probe that be iteself, is about $500 - 700! This probe, however, is suppose to be more accurate than ORP too.
I'm sure you are aware that for the most part, the ORP will coorespond to a specific ppm reading provided that all the other parameters are kept constant, particularly the pH, Cya, TDS and water temperature levels. Therefore the best conditions for an ORP controller is a heated (constant temperature), indoor (no cya used), and tablet or cal hypo sanitized (controlled TDS). Since ORP controllers are also pH controllers, this should be held fairly constant too. THEN the ORP will match a ppm reading.

We had to make sure that the Total Control was still cost effective for residential customers, so the ORP probe was the best way to maintain the price structure.

[waterbear]

Then other option is an amperometric (sp?) probe that be iteself, is about $500 - 700! This probe, however, is suppose to be more accurate than ORP too.


We had to make sure that the Total Control was still cost effective for residential customers, so the ORP probe was the best way to maintain the price structure.

Thank you Sean,
Exactly the info I was looking for. As you know we carry Autopilot and I do have a few tech savvy customers!
Evan

[Mark_WATERMAID]

HI Sean

It was nice meeting you at the pool show in Vegas. Always a pleasure to meet a true professional.

Mark Manning
Watermaid Canada
www.watermaid.ca
mark@watermaid.ca

[Poolsean]

Hey Mark,

Likewise!
I pretty much stuck with all the other tradeshows for the season.
St Charles, Ill and Atlantic City in Jan, Orlando and Houston in Feb, Long Beach and Buffalo in March.
I might have to fit in a few jobsites in Hawaii, Aruba, or Cancun sometime after that though.

I'm sure we'll run into each other again.

Cheers.