Evaluation of Solar Powered Pool Purification Device

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EVALUATION OF SOLAR POWERED POOL PURIFICATION DEVICE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On May 3, 1992 , the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) began the evaluation

of a solar powered pool purification device designed and manufactured by the

FLOATRON CORPORATION. The evaluation lasted eight weeks and concluded

on June 28, 1992 .

The FLOATRON unit utilizes a small photovoitaic panel to supply electricity to

two electrodes. These electrodes then produce a combination of copper and

other ions which prevent the growth of microorganisms. The device floats in the

pool and works when exposed to sunlight. During the test period the pool had a

water sample drawn daily and this sample was tested for pH, alkalinity, cyanuric

acid, calcium hardness, total and free chlorine, copper ions and temperature. An

Olympus microscope was used to check for algae and bacteria. The pool walls

were also visually examined for algae as pert of the daily tests.

The evaluation was conducted in three stages: 1) standard pool operation with

chlorine, 2) FLOATRON device with the chlorine level dropping to zero, and 3) no

chlorine or FLOATRON. In addition, the device was evaluated in FSEC's

photovoltaic labs. As a result of our evaluation, we are able to conclude that the

FLOATRON device is very effective at reducing the amount of chemicals

required to maintain an algae and bacteria free swimming pool. The device

produced a measurable amount of copper ions after one week of use and a

sufficient level of ions for pool purification (0.2 ppm) after eleven days of use. The

FLOATRON unit was able to maintain the pool clarity without any measurable

chlorine for over one week, but best results were obtained with a trace amount of

chlorine. A free chlorine level of 0.5 ppm, which is about 25% of the average

recommended chlorine level, is sufficient for good clarity while preventing

bacteria growth. The test pool owner had previously experienced a problem with

pernicious yellow algae on the east wall of the test pool. This problem was

eliminated by the FLOATRON, and at no time during the testing of the device

was algae growth observed, in spite of very warm water conditions.

The ion level produced by the device did not diminish rapidly after the

FLOATRON was removed from the pool. The ion level took over a week to drop

from 0.40 ppm to 0.30 ppm and measurable ions were still present after three

weeks without the device. Pool clarity did not diminish until three weeks after the

chlorine level reached zero, partially as the result of heavy rains (over four inches

in three days).

Finally, the electrical performance characteristics of the device were found to be

quite satisfactory for the proper functioning of the unit, with 1.53 watts produced

under full sun. Based on the polycrystalline structure of the photovoltaic cells, the

device should be able to produce the necessary power for at least ten years.

Summary of content (5 pages)

PAGE 1
EVALUATION OF SOLAR POWERED POOL PURIFICATION DEVICE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On May 3, 1992 , the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) began the evaluation of a solar powered pool purification device designed and manufactured by the FLOATRON CORPORATION. The evaluation lasted eight weeks and concluded on June 28, 1992 . The FLOATRON unit utilizes a small photovoitaic panel to supply electricity to two electrodes.
PAGE 2
It should be noted that the principal investigator has used a FLOATRON in his own pool for over a year. He has experienced few problems with the device, floating it every other week and using less than 13 gallons of chlorine during the year. 1. INTRODUCTION There are over three million in ground swimming pools in the United States according to the latest estimates by the Swimming Pool Manufacturers Association.
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In the first phase of the test the pool was monitored far one week with the owner's normal chemical usage and procedure. Brushing of the pool wails was done twice per week and a thorough cleaning of the bottom by vacuum performed once a week. Visual pool wall and microscopic pool water observations were also conducted daily for algae and bacteria using an Olympus microscope with video monitoring capability.
PAGE 4
Prior to installation of the FLOATRON device the pool was requiring approximately 10 gallons of liquid chlorine each week during the summer months to maintain adequate chlorine levels (5.0 ppm). Approximately half this amount was required during winter months. Approximately 0.5 gallons per week of muriatic acid was also required to maintain proper pH with the extensive amount of chlorine added. The pool was pumped an average of six hours per day in summer and three hours per day in winter.
PAGE 5
purification within two weeks (depending on pool volume) provided insolation levels are sufficient. The FLOATRON device greatly reduces the need for chlorine. Based on the results of the test, it appears that the test pool will operate with between 75-85% less chlorine, depending on bather load, when the copper ion level is maintained within the manufacturer's recommended range. The Ion levels produced by the device drop fairly slowly.