DCC FAQ’s

What options do I have for sanitizing my water?

There are several options to choose from they just differ in the way the product is delivered to treat your water.

1. Liquid Sodium Hypochlorite- The most common and widely used sanitizer for large bodies of water. It is the most easily and rapidly disbursed method to sanitize the water which is why you will find it being used in many of the drinking water systems as well as pools, water parks, etc.

2. Calcium Hypochlorite Tablets- These systems provide tablets that are placed in a containment basin and then sprayed with water to break down the tablets and convert them into a solution that is equivalent to liquid sodium hypochlorite and then the liquid is introduced to the water.

3. Salt Systems-Require the use of salt that is then converted to chlorine through an electronic process.

4. Tri-Chlor Tablets- Similar to the calcium hypochlorite tablet systems but has a stabilizer in the tablet that holds the chlorine in place longer but does not offer quick and/or high dosages which may be required in high use situations.

5. Ultra-Violet(UV) Systems-This system uses ultra violet light to eliminate the bacterial growth in the pool

Which system is best for me?

Since each of the options to sanitize your water(with the exception of UV) ultimately end up in liquid form the easiest and least costly method is the liquid sodium hypochlorite. With the use today of chemical controllers you can place a small tank in your control room(have it filled on a scheduled delivery route) and you never have to touch the product because the controller automatically reads the chlorine level in the pool adds the dosage required to maintain the proper level required.

Because all bodies of water are not created equal and because of personal preference tablet systems may be the preferred sytem in certain situations. The tablets are delivered to the site(usually in 50 to 100lb containers) and then manually added to the chlorinating unit on regular basis depending on the size of the pool, temperature, and the number of swimmers. The cost to operate this type of systems is higher than liquid sodium hypochlorite.

Salt systems similarly require the addition of dry salt to the system by manually adding it on a regular basis. These systems have proven highly effective in the residential pool market where there are smaller size pools and a limited number of swimmers. They are marketed for commercial pools and can be used in those applications. The limiting factors have included the cost because the “cells” required to generate the chlorine are relatively expensive and as you increase the size of the pool and number of swimmers the “cells” needed increases greatly.

UV systems are relatively new and the upfront cost is also expensive. The systems have proven effective in some areas.

Do any of the sanitizing systems eliminate the need for other chemicals?

No. Because of the many factors that affect the water additional chemicals will be required to adjust the Ph, to provide chlorine stabilizer, to prevent calcium hardness, to address the residuals of oils from lotions, and other problems that may be unique to your situation. This is why a company such as DCC can be of invaluable help to commercial pool operators by utilizing our experienced staff to assist you with the correct chemicals and/or to be your full service chemical and service provider.

Is one type of sanitizing system harder on my equipment?

All the systems produce a hypochlorous acid in the solution that are corrosive except the UV system. It is important that all systems utilize the proper equipment designed for chemical use and that it be properly serviced and maintained to provide the longest useful life in your system. Never put dry chlorine tablets on a metal surface that comes in contact with water because it can cause the surface to rust and corrode quickly. Liquid bleach can cause corrosion as well but since it is in liquid form it is easily removed with water if it should be spilled on a metal surface.

How much space is required for the chemical equipment?

If you are utilizing a liquid bleach system the equipment requires a small minimal space designated for a single storage tank and a smaller space for either CO2 or acid used typically in PH adjustment. If you are utilizing a dry tablet feeder system you will not only need space for the feeder system (which varies size but can easily require more space than a bleach tank) but you will also need space for the buckets of tablets to feed the system. This can easily require space up to 6 times the amount of a liquid bleach system. You will also still require space for the PH adjustment as in the liquid bleach system.

Are there any special requirements for storing the chemicals?

The general rules are as follows:

1. Store the chemicals in the original packaged container or the tank designated for that product

2. Separate chemicals- Do not stack different chemicals on top of each other

3. Follow the directions on the labels.

4. Keep all chemicals out of direct sunlight in storage

5. Store in a generally cool, dry area.

6. Make sure all chemicals are labeled.

7. Store the chemicals in a secured area only accessible by responsible personnel