Greater performance, less hassle
Keeping pools clear and stainless steel bright
Clear water, gleaming stainless steel parts and a pool that will provide many years of enjoyment – none of this happens by chance. It is the result of the right water chemistry, suitable materials and regular maintenance. If you have the pH value, chlorides and modern dispensing technology under control, you can prevent problems, protect your system and ensure long-lasting, unclouded fun in your pool.
In this article, we reveal what pool builders, pool manufacturers and end customers should pay attention to in order that “greater performance” actually means: the best water quality, pure relaxation and long-lasting components – including with regard to our products, of course.
Stainless steel in pools
Many stainless steel components such as floor drains, skimmers, installation housing for wall installation and the cover grids of our HydroStar counter-current system are now made of high-quality V4A stainless steel. The variants in this material class differ only slightly in terms of their resistance and are ideal for swimming pools if the water quality is right and they are maintained regularly.
Passive layer: invisible protection – but sensitive
Stainless steel protects itself with a wafer-thin passive layer of oxides. If this is damaged, the material loses its durability. Particularly critical for the passive layer are:
- pH values below 7.0 (e.g. due to the excessive addition of a pH decreaser)
- chloride levels that are too high, as typically occurs in saltwater pools
- incorrect dispensing, for example due to incorrectly calibrated or worn probes
Important: a pH probe lasts on average about one year and should be calibrated regularly.
Water quality: the foundation for crystal-clear conditions
The chemical balance of the water determines hygiene, well-being and material protection.
Salt electrolysis: opportunities and challenges
Salt electrolysis is popular because it produces chlorine directly in the pool and simplifies storage and dispensing. Nevertheless, it does have its particularities:
- significantly higher chloride concentration, which is harder on stainless steel
- formation of by-products that can change water chemistry
- sharp drop in chlorine effectiveness with incorrect pH value
Parameter | Optimum range | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
pH value | 7,0–7,4 | Optimum chlorine effect, low irritation, protection of stainless steel |
Free chlorine | 0,3–0,6 mg/l | Effective disinfection without unpleasant odours |
Redox value | Approx. 750 mV | Reliable indicator for disinfection power |
Chloride value | < 400 mg/l | The risk of corrosion increases significantly above this level |
Automated measuring and dispensing technology:
small aids, big impact
Modern systems continuously monitor the pH value and redox potential and only dispense as much chemical as is actually required. This ensures:
- lower chemical consumption
- stable water quality
- improved protection for stainless steel components
- less work with changing numbers of bathers or weather conditions
Water circulation: modern pump technology for better water care
A lot has happened in the area of circulation pumps in recent years. In the past, pumps could only be switched on or off. In order to achieve the correct filter pressure, the line pressure was often artificially reduced – an energy-inefficient process.
Modern pumps, on the other hand, are infinitely variable. This offers crucial advantages:
- optimally customised filter performance
- significantly lower energy consumption
- continuous filtration without switch-off times
Important: if the filter pump is not running, measurement and control technology will not work either. Today, it makes more sense to reduce the power and let the system run continuously – for more stable water values, better disinfection and greater material protection. This also applies during winter with active hibernation.
HydroStar in saltwater pools
Our HydroStar consists of numerous high-quality stainless steel components in V4A quality. When used in saltwater pools however, more attention is required as the increased chloride levels put more strain on the material.
- Switch on the HydroStar daily to avoid local salinisation and increased chloride concentrations. The generated flow distributes the salt evenly in the pool.
- Only use suitable stainless steel cleaners – cleaners based on citric or fruit acids are absolutely taboo, as they destroy the passive layer. Special stainless steel cleaners, on the other hand, support the regeneration of the protective layer.
- For pools with salt electrolysis, we recommend an installation housing for wall installation made of polypropylene and a plastic cover grille to minimise the amount of metal in the vicinity of the counter-current system. Alternatively, a powder-coated stainless steel grille can be selected.
Conclusion:
greater performance, fewer worries
Those who combine the right material, water quality and technology will benefit in several ways:
- Pool builders reduce complaints and offer long-lasting solutions.
- Pool manufacturers present their top-quality stainless steel components.
- End customers enjoy clear water, less maintenance and maximum enjoyment of the pool.
The formula for success is: keeping an eye on the pH value, having chlorides under control, maintaining measurement and control technology – this keeps the pool as fresh as on day one.
Try it yourself?
Have you become curious and would like to test the turbine-driven counter-current systems for yourself?
No problem: You can try out HydroStar and EasyStar in our showroom in Frankfurt a.M. during a trial swim without obligation!
Book your personal appointment right here. The BINDER team looks forward to your visit!
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