As the title says, after years of struggling with fluctuating chlorine levels (even with the addition of an in-line chlorinator), I decided to make the switch to a Salt Water Chlorine Generator. Specifically, I had a Pentair Intellichlor installed. I know that air bubbles are a byproduct of the electrolysis process that occurs to convert the saltwater into chlorine, and there are a ton of previous posts about this very issue, but people in previous posts seem confused as to whether these bubbles are hydrogen gas or chlorine gas. The general consensus seems to now be that it is hydrogen, but it is still unclear as to why some pools have such a milky/cloudy color when being actively SWCGed, and others don't?
I've read comments about the lines/hoses not being long enough from the pump to the pool which can create problems. This is not the issue for me.
I've read other people talking about water flow issues -- some claiming that low flow causes an increased presence of bubbles, while others say it's actually the turbulence of faster flow that causes the bubbles. This also probably isn't the problem for me, as my SWCG unit has a flow sensor which indicates that the water flow is and has been appropriate.
The only other salient point that many people seem to bring up is water temperature, claiming that higher temps (85-95 degrees F) will create more bubbles with a lower dissolution rate. The problem with this philosophy is that my current water temperature is only 55F. ***WITH THAT SAID, it is valid to note that I am running my heating pump along with the SWCG, as the unit shuts itself off when the water temp is below 52F. Just to eliminate it as a possibility, I will switch the heating pump off in the morning while continuing to run the SWCG for a bit, in the event that the heater is indeed contributing to the problem.
Other less likely theories that I've come across are copper-based algaecides, calcium carbonate clouding, sand or DE escaping from the filter, algae that has run through the ionizer, etc.
I can confirm that it is definitely the SWCG and not my filter. If I turn the SWCG off, the jets immediately stop spewing white clouds. Likewise, when I turn it back on low, the clouds instantly start and the increase in volume and density each time the SWCG is cranked up a notch.
I am so frustrated! I had finally learned how to master our pool water quality with our previous in-line chlorinator setup... And while it was at times inconsistent, the water was crystal clear for us to enjoy 90%. I am REALLY hoping that I didn't just spend $1500 for nothing. Argh!
Any help would be much appreciated!!!
I've read comments about the lines/hoses not being long enough from the pump to the pool which can create problems. This is not the issue for me.
I've read other people talking about water flow issues -- some claiming that low flow causes an increased presence of bubbles, while others say it's actually the turbulence of faster flow that causes the bubbles. This also probably isn't the problem for me, as my SWCG unit has a flow sensor which indicates that the water flow is and has been appropriate.
The only other salient point that many people seem to bring up is water temperature, claiming that higher temps (85-95 degrees F) will create more bubbles with a lower dissolution rate. The problem with this philosophy is that my current water temperature is only 55F. ***WITH THAT SAID, it is valid to note that I am running my heating pump along with the SWCG, as the unit shuts itself off when the water temp is below 52F. Just to eliminate it as a possibility, I will switch the heating pump off in the morning while continuing to run the SWCG for a bit, in the event that the heater is indeed contributing to the problem.
Other less likely theories that I've come across are copper-based algaecides, calcium carbonate clouding, sand or DE escaping from the filter, algae that has run through the ionizer, etc.
I can confirm that it is definitely the SWCG and not my filter. If I turn the SWCG off, the jets immediately stop spewing white clouds. Likewise, when I turn it back on low, the clouds instantly start and the increase in volume and density each time the SWCG is cranked up a notch.
I am so frustrated! I had finally learned how to master our pool water quality with our previous in-line chlorinator setup... And while it was at times inconsistent, the water was crystal clear for us to enjoy 90%. I am REALLY hoping that I didn't just spend $1500 for nothing. Argh!
Any help would be much appreciated!!!