Evaluation of Solar Powered Pool Purification Device

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.
Chemical usage and pool water chemistry (pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness,
total and free chlorine, cyanuric acid, air and water temperature) were monitored
daily using a Taylor model K-2005 complete test kit. The free chlorine level was
maintained by the owner at a fairly high level of 8.0 ppm in order to control algae.
Calcium hardness was also at a high level (over 600 ppm). The owner attributed
this to the pool having been originally filled with well water. All other water
chemistry parameters were within normal ranges. At the beginning of phase one
total alkalinity was slightly high and adjusted to proper level. Chlorine costs
based on the pool owner's past year receipts worked out to slightly over $300.00
per year.
The second phase of the test began during the second week with the Floatron
unit being placed in the pool. The device was tethered by a nylon string to the
pool ladder, which allowed it to float near the skimmer. A Taylor K-1730 capper
ion test kit was used to monitor ion levels along with the other daily test. After
seven days a measurable level of copper Ions (0.05 ppm) was able to be
detected. After eleven days the level had reached the minimum level
recommended by the manufacturer (0.20 ppm) and the chlorine levels were
allowed to drop. Chlorine levels reached zero after the device had been used for
a month. The calcium hardness level dropped from the 800 ppm range to the 500
ppm range during phase two. All other pool chemistry parameters remained in
normal limits, and NO ALGAE OR BACTERIA GROWTH WAS OBSERVED.
Phase three began at this point, with no chlorine and the FLOATRON device
removed from the pool. The copper ion level remained within the manufacturer's
recommended range (0.20 to 0.40 ppm) for 25 days. During this period there was
no observable algae or bacteria growth and the pool maintained excellent clarity.
This is considered to be a favorable result since pool temperatures averaged a
warm 82.7 F. The test was terminated after three weeks without the FLOATRON
device or chlorine when three days of heavy rains caused the pool clarity to
degrade. Cyanuric acid level dropped slightly at the end of phase three. All other
pool chemistry levels remained constant.
3. LONG-TERM EXPERIENCE
As of July 30, 1992 , the project principal investigator has used a FLOATRON in
his personal pool over a year long period. The pool is located in Cocoa Beach ,
Florida . The pool is located on the south side of the home and is unscreened
and unshaded with a volume of approximately 12,000 gallons.