Millon Dollar Idea......?

[Philo]

Why don't SWG manufactures (Pentair/Hayward) automate their SWG's to the point where a sensor reads the FC level and adjusts the output based on that reading and a preselected FC level?
The Pool Owner wouldn't have to manually adjust it as the climate changes.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Sounds good but I wonder if the calibration needs would be a PITA?

 

[woodyp]

Cause we probably wouldn't want to have to pay for it!

 

[mas985]

Do you mean instead of measuring ORP? Because there are SWGs that use ORP.

 

[jblizzle]

Like Mark said, some try to so this with ORP sensors, but they are not reliable, especially in outdoor pools with the CYA levels we recommend.

No one has come up with a way to read the FC directly.

 

[JamesW]

9184sc Hypochlorous Acid Chlorine Amperometric Sensor | Hach USA - Overview | Hach

 

[chiefwej]

9184sc Hypochlorous Acid Chlorine Amperometric Sensor | Hach USA - Overview | Hach

Just seeing the prices on the electrolyte and membranes that it uses gives me a hint as to the price of the sensor.

 

[JamesW]

Probably not a viable solution for residential pools. There are several manufacturers of free chlorine sensors. I don't think that they would be affordable for at least several years as the sensor technology decreases in cost. It would he nice to have.

Beyond the initial cost is ongoing maintenance which would cost quite a bit of time and money. For now, FASDPD is the best method.

 

[gwegan]

The problem with all the auto sensors is they require regular calibration. In addition the Hatch sensor, which basically uses the differences in conductivity of the water to derive a chlorine concentration, is sensitive to changes in ph and temperature. In short its readings can vary depending on the ph or temperature of the water. If you have a situation with constant temperature and ph then you can rely on the result, if you don't have that situation then its more problematic.