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.
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.
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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. The
National Pool and Spa Institute estimates that as of
July of 1991 Florida alone had over 530,000 of these
pools. Sanitizing chemicals such as chlorine are used to
maintain the water in the majority of these pools.
In the late 1960's and early 1970's NASA conducted
research into alternative methods of water purification
to provide astronauts with a reliable source of safe
drinking water (Jasionowski and Allen, 1974; See, Bodo
and Kacholia, 1975). ionization of copper and silver
electrodes was found to be an effective method
preventing algae and bacteria growth.
As has been the case with other technology developed for
the space program, this ionization process has
transferred to consumer products. The FLOATRON
CORPORATION has combined two space technologies
(ionization and photovoltaic cells) to create a self
contained pool purification device. FSEC was approached
to supervise an evaluation of the FLOATRON device in a
typical Florida pool. This report documents the test and
its finding. The FSEC test is supplemented by the
experience of the principal investigator in using one of
the FLOATRON units in his personal pool over the last
year.
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2. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH,
METHODOLOGY, AND TEST RESULTS
A three-phase experimental test was conducted to
evaluate the device. A 15 X 30 foot (oval) 17,000 gallon
marcite pool located on Merritt Island was selected as
being representative of the physical characteristics
which are similar to many other pools in the Florida
area. This pool is not screened and receives direct
sunlight during daylight hours except the early morning,
when the residence shades the eastern side of the pool.
The sanitizer to the pool is supplied by an automatic
chlorinator which is plumbed inline and downstream of
the pump and filter. The owner used three inch chlorine
tablets as a sanitizer, setting the chlorinator's flow
rate in the summer months (April through September) to
use three tablets per week and in winter months (October
through March) to use one tablet per week. Algicide in
the amount of approximately one gallon per month was
used to control yellow algae which primarily formed on
the east wall of the pool. The pump powering the
filtration system operates eight hours a day through a
timeclock switch.
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.
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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.
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. Sweeping and vacuuming is performed once per
week. Although one gallon of algicide was added each
month, the pool had chronic problems with black algae
which accumulated on the shaded south side of the
marcite surfaces. This problem was very difficult to
combat, further increasing chlorine and algicide
requirements as well as vigorous brushing with a
stainless steel brush for removal.
Once installed, the FLOATRON device was able to Increase
the copper ion level to 0.2 ppm within a period of two
weeks of use. Initially, the copper level was checked
frequently to determine when to float or remove the
device. However, based on experience, the principal
Investigator has found that floating the unit every
other week creates the required Ion level without
constant measurement.
As recommended, the chlorine levels were slowly reduced
such that approximately one quart of chlorine is now
added each week. This trace level is maintained to
provide oxidation necessary to provide proper pool
clarity. It should be noted, however, that the user was
once away for a month long trip where the FLOATRON was
floated, but no chlorine was added. Upon return, no
algae growth was in evidence and after pool cleaning and
addition of trace chlorine, the pool was once again
sparkling clear.
Since the FLOATRON has been used, the user's problem
with black algae has disappeared. Furthermore, at no
time, since the device has been used has there been any
evidence of algae growth. The amount of time required
for pool maintenance has been greatly reduced (as well
as the necessary trips to procure pool chemicals). The
operation of the unit has been entirely satisfactory.
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4. SUMMARY OF RESULTS
The following conclusions can be drawn from our
evaluation:
The FLOATRON device is very effective at eliminating
algae. The test pool required a once a month
introduction of algicide to stop growth on the east wall
prior to the introduction of the device. Within ten days
of the Introduction of the FLOATRON device to the pool
the algae was eliminated and did not recur during the
test period.
The FLOATRON device begins producing ions immediately
after being placed in a pool when exposed to sunlight,
and will produce ion levels sufficient for pool
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. In the test pool, it took over three weeks for
the level to drop from the top of the recommended level
(0.40 ppm) to the bottom recommended level (0.20 ppm).
The electrical performance of the unit is sufficient to
produce ions under various solar conditions..
The FLOATRON device reduces calcium hardness levels and
water hardness levels by precipitating these metals onto
the coil electrode. The device lowered the calcium
hardness level in the pool by 100 ppm during the test
period.
In summary, based on our test results and year of
experience we find that the FLOATRON device is an
effective way to reduce chemical use and eliminate algae
while maintaining superior water chemistry.
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