Split off of this topic. JasonLion
ORP sensors don't randomly "go wild". There is always an underlying problem whether it be stray voltage, excess hydrogen, etc. Sometimes it may be very difficult to identify this problem and in some cases no one seems to be able to come up with a consistent solution (ie salt systems that produce excess hydrogen), but there is always a problem.
JasonLion said:I am not a fan of ozone systems for outdoor swimming pools. You need to use chlorine anyway, and usually it is simpler and less expensive to just use chlorine without the ozone.
Automation systems, like the Hayward AQ-CHEM or AutoPilot Total Control system can be very handy, but are not usually worth the extra expense. I guess it depends on how much money you have to spend and how much you like fiddling with gadgets. I have a Total Control system, and love the PH automation, but then I have the money to spend and I love gadgets. Automation, when it is working, can allow you to ignore the pool for days at a time, but it also adds complexity and many more ways for things to go wrong. Summing up, automation means more to understand and deal with, but able to go longer between times testing/adjusting the water.
There are PH only system, but only ones designed for the commercial market. They generally cost as much as the consumer targeted PH and ORP systems. I don't know about the Hayward, but the AutoPilot can be configured to ignore the ORP sensor and still use PH automation.
I recommend getting a salt water chlorine generator (SWG). A SWG is a nice half step towards automation and is generally well worth it.
With fresh plaster you need to keep careful control of the PH, generally by testing daily or even twice a day, for the first month. Generally you test chlorine and PH daily and everything else weekly or less. After the first month, with a SWG and some familiarity with your pool that can often be every other day.
For a big swim party you want to do normal water balancing and also add extra chlorine right before and right after.
ORP sensors don't randomly "go wild". There is always an underlying problem whether it be stray voltage, excess hydrogen, etc. Sometimes it may be very difficult to identify this problem and in some cases no one seems to be able to come up with a consistent solution (ie salt systems that produce excess hydrogen), but there is always a problem.