Alkalinity is an important measurement for most of the treated water like drinking water. P alkalinity and M alkalinity are the most useful test. They also have known as P value and M value respectably. The neutralize process of alkaline water by acid is refers to the alkalinity. It is directly related to water hardness. This alkalinity values guidance us to applying proper doses of chemicals during water treatment. The salts of carbonate, bi-carbonates, borates, silicates, phosphates and free hydroxyl ions are responsible for alkalinity of natural water. Among of them hydroxyl ions, carbonates and bi-carbonates are the main factor. The P alkalinity and M alkalinity of water are determined by how much acid is taken to lower the pH to the specific value. The result can be expressed as mg/l CaCO3.
P alkalinity test
P Alkalinity is the alkalinity that is determined by using phenolphthalein indicator. This alkalinity is easily measured by titration with a standard solution of N/50 sulfuric acid. During the experiment the water is taken in a conical flex and the acid is taken in the burette. The endpoint pH range of the phenolphthalein indicator is 10-8.3. The neutralization process decreases the pH of the solution and the endpoint changes the color from pink to clear. Some water may not have P value. When the phenolphthalein indicator added into the water then the clear solution indicates the absence of P value.
M alkalinity test procedure
M Alkalinity is the alkalinity that is determined by using Methyl orange indicator. To measure this alkalinity, take 50 ml sample water into a conical flask. Then add 2-3 drops Methyl orange indicator and titration with a standard solution of N/50 H2SO4 solution. The endpoint pH range of the Methyl orange indicator is 4.3 to 3.1. At the end point the color of the Methyl orange changes from yellow to orange (in acid medium it is red color). Take the burette reading and calculate M value by the following equation. M value = Burette reading (in ml) × 1000/50 ppm
Sl
Sample volume (ml)
Burette reading (ml)
Result (CaCO3 mg/l)
1
50
5
100
2
50
6
120
3
50
5.5
110
Normally, we test p value and M value with the one sample. In this case firstly, we measure P alkalinity using phenolphthalein indicator (say Burette reading ‘A’). Just after the test of P value, we added Methyl orange indicator and complete the titration (say Burette reading ‘B’). For M value calculation, the Burette reading will be (A+B).
This test result indicates the type of ions that are present in the water. It may be present as carbonate, bi-carbonates, and hydroxide.
Condition
Hydroxide
Carbonate
Bicarbonate
P = 0
None
None
M
P = M
M
None
None
P = 1/2 M
None
M
None
P < 1/2 M
None
2P
M – 2P
P > 1/2 M
2P – M
2(M – P)
None
M alkalinity is also known as total alkalinity. The p alkalinity and m alkalinity is useful for research, boilers water, cooling water, pool water treatment etc.
Ammonia is a nitrogenous compound. It effects on aquatic life directly or indirectly. So ammonia removal from water is very essential. It dissolves easily in water and produced ammonium hydroxide solution. Ammonia is a colorless gas and it is very irritating. Depends on pH level ammonia can present in water in two form; either in ammonium hydroxide form or ammonium salt form. When the pH level is less than 7, then the ammonia is present in water as ammonium salt form. It is relatively nontoxic form. On the other hand, when the pH level is above the 7, then the ammonia is present in water as ammonium hydroxide form. Relatively it is toxic form of ammonia.
Sources
of ammonia in water
Ammonia is one of the most widely produced chemicals in the USA or earth for industrial purposes and as fertilizers. Moreover, it has many natural sources like decomposition of organic waste, animal and human waste, fish feed, nitrogen fixation process, forest fires etc. They can enter into the aquatic environment via direct or indirectly; for example, municipal effluent discharges, runoff from agricultural land.
Effects
of ammonia in water
If the ammonia level is high in water, it may
difficult to aquatic life. It may responsible to the death of fish. Ammonia
effects to internal tissue and production systems of the fish. Fish are unable
to extract energy from feed efficiently and becomes sluggish. Eventually, they
fall into death.
How
to remove ammonia from water
You cannot remove ammonia from water by usual water treatment process. It can be removed by different ways like ion exchange, distillation, reverse osmosis or boiling. Some of them are expensive.
Boiling process
You can reduce ammonia by boiling the water for about 20 minutes. This process has some problems. It can remove free ammonia only but cannot remove the dissolved or ionized forms of ammonia. Moreover, it is suitable for drinking water but not suitable for large scale like ponds.
Ion exchange ammonia removal
Ammonia can be removed by cation resin. In this case sodium ion will replace the ammonium ion. If the water is soft then this is fine process. But if the water has hardness, then this process can creates problem, because calcium and magnesium ion can has simultaneous affinity; these two ions also removed by sodium ion.
Reverse Osmosis
It effectively removes chloramines but does not remove ammonia effectively. But resin containing post-filter cartridge can remove ammonia effectively. In this case reverse osmosis removes hardness, so cation exchange resin can removes ammonium ion perfectly as calcium and magnesium ion does not interfere.
Activated carbon
Activated carbon can removes chloramines. It is suitable for small scale like aquarium water, drinking water or swimming pool water. Chloramines comes into water because people use chloramines directly or chlorine as disinfectant. On the other hand it is not effective against ammonia.
Zeolite Process
Zeolite can reduce ammonia in tiny project finely, but it is not suitable for continuous process. So you can use it in aquarium but not for drinking water plant.
pH reduction process
We know, at lower pH (below 7) ammonia exists as relatively nontoxic form. So when the pH is higher, then we can shift the ammonia equilibrium to the nontoxic form.
The carbonated water will produce when the carbon dioxide gas dissolves in the water either artificially with under pressure or natural geological process. The process of dissolving carbon dioxide is known as carbonation. Naturally carbon dioxide dissolves in water at very low concentration, but under pressure and low temperature it will be increased. When carbon dioxide dissolved in water it will produces carbonic acid.
H2O + CO2 ⇌ H2CO3
It is colorless, odorless, tasteless and a clear liquid. It can be mixed with different kinds of chemical such as citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, disodium phosphate etc. to improve the taste. So it has variation. We found the carbonated water in the market as different form such as soda water, club soda, sparkling water, seltzer water etc. Unmixed carbonated water is a refreshing and good alternative to sweetened soft drinks. It should not contains extraneous matter like nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide etc.
Carbonated water health effects
Carbonated water is slightly acidic. The pH value of it is 3-4. If it is not mixed with other ingredients, then it is little impact on health.
Carbonated water side effects
Dental Health
It is said that carbonated water effects on teeth. There is very little evidence on the favor of the topic. If you consume it for a long time then it can damage enamel slightly compare to pure water, as it is slightly acidic. But soft drinks are about 100 times more erosive to teeth; as it has huge sweetened ingredient.
Bone health
Although the carbonate water is blame for bone losses, but there is no paper that suggest the plane carbonated water is responsible for bone damages. The carbonated beverage can responsible for bone losses because it has more sweeteners. Moreover the cola drinks use phosphoric acid which can loss calcium from the bone.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
It is also said that carbonated water can increase Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) due to it release carbon dioxide gas in the stomach. Therefore if you experience this problem then you should quit this water.
Weight gain
Weight gain is another question against carbonated water, but plain carbonated water does not responsible for weight gain. We know that this water can mixed with many types of ingredients which can responsible that; for example the sweetened carbonated water like soft drinks may contribute to weight gain.
Carbonated water benefits
If you consume this water after food, then it will remain for long time in your stomach, so you can feel of fullness after meals. Carbonated water may benefit for digestion system. Moreover, it will improve the constipation and indigestion.
Carbonated water uses
Carbonated water is a popular refreshing drink. It is consumed directly or mixed with other ingredients to produce popular drinks like fruit juice, beverages, soda water, seltzer water, tonic water, sparkling water etc. Beer, wine and champagne are naturally carbonated drinks.
Seltzer water
Seltzer water is just plain carbonated water. People take it as a refreshing taste. Some seltzer water company may add flavors. The word seltzer comes from the German town seltzers named.
Soda water vs carbonated water
Soda water means the carbonated water where sodium ingredients like table salt, sodium or potassium bicarbonate are added. It is one of the popular drinks among the adult.
Silicic acid is a very weak acid. It is the compound of silicon, oxygen and hydrogen. Silicon is not found in free form in the nature. Mostly it is found in the nature in oxide form. Usually, oxides of silicon are very little soluble in the water whereas the others silicon compounds are insoluble in water. The solubility of silicon dioxide creates silicic acid. Little amount of silicic acid is not harmful to our health; rather it is benefits to our health. On the other hand it is responsible for scaling in boiler. It is also known as ortho silicic acid. The chemical formula of silicic acid is H4SiO4 or Si(OH)4. It makes colloidal system in the water.
Silicic acid solubility in water
Silicon dioxide dissolved in water very slowly. One molecule silicon dioxide absorbed two molecules water and makes one molecule silicic acid in water. Conversely, silicic acid is an unstable compound in water medium, it breaks and creates silicon dioxide and water. So both the compound makes and equilibrium condition which is as follow:
SiO2(s) + 2H2O(l) ↔ H4SiO4(aq)
It has a water solubility of 0.12 g/l. The solubility will depend on temperature and pH. It increases with the increased temperature and pH. The ionic condition of the silicic acid is as below:
H4SiO4(aq) ↔ H3SiO4– + H+
Silicic acid benefits
Silicic acid plays an important rule for our body. It removes toxic aluminium from our body through the urine which is responsible for Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, the deficiency of silicon may leads to pale and wrinkle skin, brittle nails and hair. In addition, it also improves bone formation, joint health, preserve dental health, and stimulate digestion. So we should drink silicic acid containing water.
Disadvantage of silicic acid in water
The plant which produces steam for many purposes, are unsafe to use silicic containing water. It is responsible for many boiler disturbances. It can create scaling in boiler and its tubes. Therefore the boiler performance and boiler life will be reduced due to scaling. We will get poor heat transfer. To get sufficient steam, we over heat the boiler tube. Hence the effectiveness of the boiler will be decreased and the fuel and maintenance cost will be increased.
Removal of silicic acid from water
Silicic acid can be removed from the water by many ways. But these methods cannot remove the silica completely; they can just reduce the amount of this element. Using trivalent ions like iron or aluminum will brings better result than divalent or monovalent metal ions. Sodium aluminate is one of the effective methods to eliminate silicic acid. Aluminium hydroxide is another process to reduce silicic acid. The effectiveness of these processes depends on pH value; the effective pH value is 7.0 to 9.0. More over it is also depends on the ratio of (Ca+mg):Na.
Conclusion
Although the silicic acid in drinking water is good for health, it is not good for boiler water. So when you use silicic acid containing water as drinking purpose, it need not to remove them; but when you use them as boiler purpose, you must remove them before using.
Many people use water filter in their home but they do not know how to change a whole house water filter cartridge. The replacement of a filter cartridge is very easy, even for a new user. The cartridge changing can vary with model to model but they follow almost same principle. When you want to replace the cartridge, then firstly, you have to turn off the water filter’s inlet and outlet valve. Place a bucket under the filter. Twist the filter off with hand or with provided wrench. Normally the rotation is anti-clock. Remove the older cartridge and clean the inside filter with a clean dry cloth. Insert a new cartridge and tighten. You can use Teflon tape for proper sealing. Open the inlet and outlet valve. Allow the water to run for 5-10 minutes for the better result. Here we show you five different types of cartridge replacement.
1. Aquasana aq 5300 – 3 stage water filter Cartridges Replacement
According to manufacturer website, Aquasana AQ-5300 can removes or reduces 77 harmful contaminants including odor, lead, mercury, asbestos, herbicides, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, chlorine, chloramines, and other volatile organic chemicals. It is 3 stages 20 micron pre-filter. You have to change the cartridges after every 6 months or after 600 gallons of water purification. This filter has a smart system to know the time when the cartridge has to change. They install a battery operated system. When the time appears to change the cartridge then you will get a buzzer sound and observe a small red light on top.
Aquasana 3 stage water filter Cartridge replacement is very easy, just twist off the filter housing, then replace the Cartridge, and twist back on. You do not need to disconnect water line or no plumber necessary. But the cartridges are color coded so you have to remember the color sequence during installation. One of them is black, while one of yellow and other is red. Replace the cartridge with the same color. At this time you have to replace the battery. The battery is found on the top under a tap. The battery and instruction manual comes with the replacement cartridges. To get best result you need to replace the cartridge with genuine Aquasana replacements.
2. DuPont whole house water filter cartridge replacement – dupont wfpfc8002
Every cartridge has a lifetime and capacity how the amount of water they can filtrate. According to manual, DuPont wfpfc8002 cartridge has three months lifetime and it can filter up to 15000 gallons water for your office or home. You have to replace the cartridge after the lifetime or after 15000 gallons of water filtration. Moreover, this time may be less or long depends on your supply water. If the water contains more rust then the lifetime may reduce while if the supply water contains the minimum amount of contaminants then the lifetime will be longer. This package includes two 10 inches universal cartridge which can reduce chlorine, silt, rust, and sediment. The cartridge made of fiber with activated carbon. It can filter out particle sizes over 5 microns. It means that it has the ability to filter out small sizes particles. DuPont wfpfc8002 is 10 inches long water filter cartridge so you can use them most of standard whole house water filter systems.
To change the DuPont wfpfc8002 cartridge, firstly rotate handle for close the built in shut off valve. Place a bucket under the filter housing. Then unscrew the filter housing up to detached from the head. Remove the used cartridge and wash the housing with dilute bleach. Then place a new cartridge and put on the housing with normal tighten. You can use Teflon tape for proper seal. Now rotate handle to open the valve. Flush the water for five minutes before using.
3. Culligan whole house water filter cartridge replacement
The filter Culligan WH-HD200-C contains filter head, o-ring, cartridge, housing etc. It comes with Culligan p5 cartridge and a wrench.
The filter head has a blue handle at the top to control a shut off valve. You can select three positions with this handle; service, bypass and shut off the water flow. To change the cartridge rotates the blue handle at the position to bypass or off. You should know the position “OFF” means shut off all water flow within the household whereas “Bypass” means continue water flow but the water does not go to cartridge.
Now press the red button to relieve pressure.
Unscrew the filter housing with the hand or wrench. The housing contains an O-ring which works as a well seal between the body and head so that the water does not leak. It is a thin black rubber band. Remove this o-ring and clean with soft clothes. Then, reject the used filter and rinse the housing thoroughly with dilute bleach.
Then, lubricate the o-ring with food grade oil and place in the groove of the housing. You should remember the O-ring should be proper position; otherwise, you will not get a proper seal. Now replace the new cartridge and screw the housing to left hand (clockwise) for tight. In this case, it is better to use your hand for tightening, never over tighten.
Rotate the handle to the service position for running water. Press the pressure release button to release any built up pressure. Check your filter for any leakage.
After complete the replacement, reset cartridge life indicator by pressing reset button for two second. This button contains in head section.
You have to run your water for minimum five minutes before using any purpose.
The filter life indicator is battery operated. You will find the battery under this indicator. To replace the battery you have to open the holder in head section.
The p5 cartridge can remove sediment, rust, scale, dirt, coarse sand, sand, fine sand, extra fine sand, and silt. It is 5 micron grade cartridge. It has 2 months lifetime or can filter 8000 gallons of water. So you have to change the cartridge after 2 months or after 8000 gallons water filter. Without p5 you can use most of the standard water filter cartridge.
4. 3m aqua pure whole house replacement water filter – aqua pure ap917hd
The 3M Aqua-Pure Whole House Water Filter Cartridge AP917HD are suitable for the AP903 system. It reduces sediment, unpleasant chlorine taste and odor. It is 5 micron and activated carbon filter. The lifetime of this cartridge is one year. It can filtrate 100000 gallons of water. So you have to replace the cartridge after one year or after 100000 gallons of water filtration. Although it depends on the water quality of your area. If you notice an observable reduction of water flow, then you have to replace it.
This 3m aqua pure ap917hd whole house water filter cartridge replacement process is very simple. You do not need any tools. Just close the inlet and outlet valve. Put a bucket under the cartridge. Then press the side button and unclamp the body from the head by rotating anticlockwise. Now, clamp the new aqua pure ap917hd cartridge to the head by rotating clockwise. Follow the video instruction and see, what a simple process. Open the inlet and outlet valve. Open any tap and drain the water about five minute. Now enjoy fresh water life again.
5. Whirlpool whkf gac undersink water filter replacement cartridge
Whirlpool whkf gac undersink water filter cartridge can removes chlorine gas and odor from water. You can use this filter near to any sink where you use water for drinking purpose. It is a cold water system filter. The lifetime of the cartridge is six months. The capacity of the cartridge is 2000 gallon. You may have to replace the cartridge in earlier if the water flow rate drops at the observable amount.
The Whirlpool whkf whole house water filter cartridge replacement is easy task. Firstly turn off inlet water supply. Place a bucket under the filter so that no water can drop in the floor. Now press the air release red button to release pressure. Unscrew the housing with wrench and remove the old cartridge. Then wash the housing by soft cloth with dilute bleach or soap. Insert the new cartridge and fix the housing to head tightly. Turn on water inlet valve and press the air release button. Flush the system for minimum five minutes before consuming it.
If your water source is highly contaminant then the whole house water filter cartridge may not work properly. You should conform less contaminant water source otherwise your cartridge need to be changed frequently. Normally the used filter can remove chlorine, sediment, herbicides, pesticides, rust, and other chemicals. The best water filter can removes the particles size larger than 0.35 micron. When you change a whole house water filter cartridge then you should remember the capacity, removing particle size, and effective for which contaminants.
The substances that have ability to dissolve other materials are known as solvent. It can be liquid, gas or solid. Water has excellent solvent properties. It can dissolve a vast amount of substances. Therefore it is called universal solvent. The polar effect (dipole moment) and high dielectric constant properties make the water excellent solvent. It plays an important rule to the entire living thing on the earth. Whenever the water goes to our body, it takes valuable chemicals, minerals and nutrients.
Polarization of water
The water has two different atoms such as oxygen and hydrogen. The oxygen is an electronegative atom whereas the hydrogen is an electropositive atom. Therefore the bonding electrons of the O-H bonds spend more time near to the oxygen atom. Consequently it has an asymmetric internal distribution of charge although they are neutral and uncharged. This creates partially positive charges on hydrogen and partially negative charge on the oxygen. The partial positive and partial negative charges on water molecule can be shown in following way:
Dipole attraction of water
This polar property of the water can form electrostatic interactions with other polar molecules and ions. Therefore water can interacts with different charged and polar substances but does not react with nonpolar substances like oils. The positive ions or partially positive charged molecule of a substance feel attraction with the partially negative charged oxygen atom. On the other hand the negative ions or partially negative charged atom of a substance feel attraction with the partially positive charged hydrogen atoms. This is called ion-dipole or dipole-dipole force of attraction. This force of attraction between the water molecules and ions or partially charged molecules is lead to the formation of a three-dimensional hydrated ions, or hydration shell which is lower in energy compare to separated ions or molecules. These hydration shells allow particles to spread out evenly in water. The partially charged water molecule does not remain fixed with a single ions or a molecule which is changed with time to time. So the average number of close water molecules with an ion is called hydration number of that ion. Normally the hydration number of a cation is larger than an anion. On the other hand small and highly charged ions have larger hydration number.
Example of water solvent with ionic compound
For an example we can consider the compound sodium chloride (NaCl), which is an ionic compound. The partially positive charged hydrogen of the water molecules attract to the negative Cl– ion, whereas the partially negative charged oxygen of the water molecules attract to the positive Na+ ion. This force of attraction between dipolar water molecules and sodium chloride ions causes the formation of hydrated ions. As a result the sodium chloride will dissolve with dissociation process and forms a homogeneous solution. Brackish water is a homogeneous solution of sodium chloride. Same way many bio-molecules are either polar or charged.
Solvent properties of water with Nonpolar molecules
Nonpolar molecules, like fats, lipids and oils, don’t interact with water at any considerable level because they have zero dipole moment (no partially charged atoms). They have weak electrostatically force of attraction to water molecules. This weak force of attraction would not overcome the strong force of attraction between polar water molecules. Therefore they stay in two separated layers and known as hydrophobic. Normally they are organic compounds. They are dissolved in some non polar substances like benzene, carbon tetrachloride.
Water desalination process is a system that removes dissolved salt and other contaminant from water in order to obtain fresh water. This water may be used as drinking, industrial or irrigation purposes. This process is used those areas where fresh water is insufficient but unlimited supply of saline water like Saudi Arabia, UAE, USA, Israel, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Australia, North Africa. More than 100 countries use the desalination process. Without sodium chloride this water may also contains some other contaminants such as organic matters, biological and mineral contents, algae, calcium carbonate etc. These substances should be removed from saline water. Generally the TDS value of the produce water is less than 500 ppm which is suitable for most of the domestic, industrial and agricultural uses.
The saline water can be classified as seawater, brackish water, low salinity water and very salinity water. Brackish water has more salinity than fresh water but less than seawater. It can be produced in different ways such as mixing of seawater and fresh water, occur as in brackish fossil aquifers, certain human activities etc.
Type of water
TDS value
Fresh water
Less than 1000 ppm
brackish water
1000-10000 ppm
Highly saline water
10000-35000 ppm
Seawater
Above 35000 ppm
Types of desalination process
There are so many types of water desalination process. It can be achieved by different water treatment process such as membrane process, distillation process, ion exchange, freezing, geothermal process etc. The distillation process can be further classified into multi stage flash distillation, multiple effect distillation and vapor compression. On the other hand the membrane process can be classified into reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, nanofiltration, membrane distillation and forward osmosis. Among them the most of the plants use reverse osmosis processes whereas the multi-stage flash distillation system is in second position.
Here we describe the reverse osmosis desalination process. Mainly the process contains three steps: pretreatment, reverse osmosis, and post-treatment.
Pretreatment
Pretreatment is very significant step for reverse osmosis. This step is used to remove algae, sediment, suspended solids and other particles and adjusting the pH to increase efficiency of the next reverse osmosis step. It may contain multimedia filter tanks such as sand filter, diatomaceous earth filter or cartridge filters.
Reverse Osmosis
In RO, the pretreated water pumped with high pressure through semi-permeable membranes, therefore the freshwater separated from saltwater by keeping salt and other minerals behind. A Small percentage of salt may remain in freshwater; it may up to 500 ppm. This fresh water is suitable for consumption. On the other hand the water behind the membranes is too much salty which is known as brine. This brine needs to be discharge into the sea by diluation with sea water to reduce the impact on sea. Normally the size of the RO membrane pore is about 0.001 microns.
Post-treatment
The fresh water, after the reverse osmosis is almost ready for uses. It needs to be treated as per consumption. In post-treatment step, it may require pH adjustment, disinfection or degasification before use as potable water. For industrial uses the water needs more pure water.
Desalination pros and cons
Generally the water desalination process requires more energy compared to other processes like groundwater or rainwater treatment. Although the membranes are sensitive but the system is simple and requires low maintenance. The brine disposes very carefully so it has a negligible environment impact.
Despite the popularity of the salt water pool in the USA is increasing day by day, but they have some problems. They are not a chlorine free swimming pool. Here Chlorine is produced from the salt water with the help of electrolytic chlorine generator (ECG). These types of pools are popular due to the water is clean, less chlorine smell, lower chloramines formation and low eyes irritation. The common salt water pool problems are scale, corrosion, drainage etc. Comparatively it is not a better pool then a chlorine pool. So you should consider the following problems before installation this type of pool.
Salt water swimming pool pH problem or scaling problems
The pH levels are a significant factor among the salt water pool problems. In these system the pH is tends to higher level. Reason, the sodium hydroxide also produces in chlorine generation process which are shown in the following reaction.
H2O + NaCl → HOCl + NaOH
The pool should be run between the pH level from 7.4 to 7.8. The pH over 8.0 can brings bad effects to the pool. It is a favorable condition to create scaling. Moreover, the chlorine may be lock up at higher pH. The scale can damage various parts of the pool. Common scaling components are calcium, phosphate, silicate and sulfates. The mineral deposit on the blades of electrolytic chlorine generator (ECG) can contribute to hamper the effectiveness and life span of the ECG which can lead to premature replacement. It is very costly to replace.
Moreover, the scale can also increase the temperature of the water. The scale on the blade can act as insulator and able to generate heat, so the contact water becomes hotter. On the other hand lower pH also creates problems. It can reduce the chlorine effectiveness, make the water corrosive and build up brown stains on the pool’s surface.
Draining system
Draining system is another problem for salt water swimming pool. Because of many municipalities prohibit to drains the saltwater from chlorine pool into the local sewer system. This water is harmful to plants, lawns, environments etc. Therefore they encourage the pool owners to send water into sanitary drainage system or trucked away.
Corrosion
Corrosion is another important dangerous matter among the salt water pool problems. Salty environment effects on the metallic equipments and attacks the cement in the plaster and floor materials. So if you installed a saltwater pool then the metallic objects are vulnerable and easily corrodes. Different metals such as nickel, galvanized steel, copper and titanium may able to develop a small electric charge. Moisture presence on the metal surfaces will rise to take place the corrosion processes. If the salt levels in the environment are low then the corrosion process is slow.
Chemical balance
Some pool owners think that salt water pools are not required maintenance. But they need water balance such as chlorine, pH, and alkalinity on a regular basis. On the other hand, occasionally they also need algaecide, clarifier, stain and scale control.
Chlorine Generator
Generator is used is salt water system for producing chlorine. After 1 to 3 years the cell of this generator should be replaced. The replacing cost is very high which is about $500 to $800. Moreover, calcium may deposit on the chlorinator cell; mainly for incorrect pH levels. It needs to be cleaning every 90 days. If it is goes long time without cleaning then the lifespan of the cell will be shortened. Low salt level in the pool can also harmful for the cell plate; reason it can responsible for oxygen production. It is better to keep the salinity levels between 2500 and 3500 to operate chlorine generator greatly. You should also know that single generator will not perfect for different salinity levels. Different chlorine generator would be perfect for different salinity levels.
Health salt water pool problems
Salt water swimming pool is harmful for health, because the skin will absorb sodium, salt, and chlorine. It is not suitable for the patients with high blood pressure, circulatory issues and a history of stroke.
Conclusion
Although the salt water swimming pool is easy to maintenance but it is not a great alternative of the traditional pools. If you are not able to take care properly, then it can corrode different parts including chlorine generator of your pools. So you should consider above salt water pool problems before installation.
Demineralization of water is a process that removes minerals from water and produced demineralized water. Shortly it is called dm water or demi water. It is water softening process. The most common dm water processes are distillation, deionization, membrane filtration (reverse osmosis or nanofiltration), electrodialysis. This water is not free from some uncharged molecules like viruses or bacteria and organic contaminants. The transportation of demi water is very significant as it is highly aggressive for metals and other plumbing materials. Comparably plastic materials are safe for transportation and storage.
pH value of dm water
The pH value of demineralized water should be 7.0 but it is slightly acidic. Reason, the carbon dioxide dissolves in it from the air; until reaches dynamic equilibrium with the atmosphere. The dissolved carbon dioxide reacts with the water and creates carbonic acid.
H2O + CO2 → H2CO3 (carbonic acid)
Only fresh dm water has neutral pH value 7.0, but when we leave them for a few hours; they will capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and become slightly acidic. In this way the pH value can be 5.5.
DM water conductivity
As the demineralization of water is a minerals removing process and the electric current is related to minerals, therefore the demineralized water has a very low electric conductivity. It has no fixed value. It has a higher conductivity value than deionized water. The dm water conductivity unit is expressed as millisiemens/meter (mS/m) or microsiemens/centimeter (µS/cm). Generally it is less than 2 mS/m, even lower than 0.1 mS/m.
DM water TDS value
The TDS value of water depends on the amount of minerals that are dissolved in water. When the minerals like calcium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate, and sodium chloride increases than the TDS value increases. Consequently the process of demineralization of water decreases the TDS. It should be always less than 10 mg/l, even as low as 1 mg/l.
Demineralized water uses
The water that contains the minerals like calcium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate, and sodium chloride can hamper different stages on chemical or physical process of chemical industries. They require low salt or low conductivity water. DM water is free of minerals salt, so this water is suitable for those industries. For example demi water is used in boiler feed water, textiles, pharmaceuticals, breweries, swimming pools, potable water, hospitals, automobile, lead-acid batteries, fertilizers, cooling systems.
Drinking demineralized water
A certain amount of minerals are important parts of drinking water. Internationally maximum acceptable levels of inorganic and organic substances have been established to assure the safety of drinking water. Different minerals increase the taste of water. As the dm water almost completely free from minerals; it has poor taste and thirst-quenching characteristics. Moreover trace amount of certain minerals provide the health benefits, so the consumption of this water is not good for health. In addition the demi water tends to take out minerals from food and electrolytes from the body, so it is also not suitable cooking purposes.
Difference between demineralized and distilled water
Both the demineralized and distilled water are purified water. Although distillation process is one kind of demineralization of water system but they have a clear difference. The major difference is that the distilled water is free of both the organic and inorganic contaminants; even it is also free of uncharged molecules such as viruses or bacteria whereas demineralized water is only free of mineral ions, but not free of uncharged molecules like viruses or bacteria and organic substances. Distilled water is much purer than dm water but it is more costly.
Swimming pool filter system is used to removes dust, dirt, debris and other particulates from the water. These contaminants come into the pool water through the environment, chemicals or carried by the swimmers. The wind blows the dust, leaves, chemical wastes, pollen, spores, bacteria etc. into the water. On the other hand swimmers carry sweat, suntan oils, urine, bacteria, viruses, etc. to the water. Many chemicals are used to maintenance the pool water which is also a great source of particulates. Filtration is a mechanical process and every swimming pool has a filtration system. Generally, pump is run by the pool owner about 6-8 hours each day. After removing the contaminants the water becomes hygiene and safety to the swimmers.
Swimming pool water filter systems are three basic types: sand filter, cartridge filter and diatomaceous earth filter. Among them pool sand filter is most common and are much easier to maintain compare to other two types of filters. You can choose your filter by considering water condition, local weather and personal preferences. Although the filter can removes floating or suspended particles from the water, but cannot removes the settle particles to the bottom or fixed contaminants to the walls.
Pool Sand Filter
Sand filter is a tank which is filled with multi-layers of sand and gravel and placed in line just after the water pump. The diameter of the tank may be 2 or 4 feet and made out of metal, fiberglass or concrete. In this sand filter the water passes through this sand and finish up in the pool by remaining the contaminants like dust, dirt, debris on grains of sand. The sand can remove the particles as low as 20-25 microns thus clarifying your water. While the particles are block the filtration system and raising the pressure in the filter. Then it must needs to backwash the system by reversing the water throughout the filter. After five or seven years the sand are more tightly packed and does not able to works intend. Hence they should be removed. You can use 500 kg graded sand for 50000 liters water.
Pool Cartridge Filter
Cartridge Filters consist of a cylindrical cartridge which is a hard plastic core by wrapping with polyester fabric. It is sealed on both ends to hold the pleats in place. The fabrics are tight mesh and strain out impurities. It can remove the particles as low as 10-15 microns. It works fine under lower speeds. When the meshes of the fabrics are packed up with the debris then it needs to be clean. The cleaning process is very simple, just removes the cartridge and sprayed down with a hose. After that places the original position. It doesn’t require back-washing like a sand filter. At present Cartridge filter is one of most popular and common swimming pool water filtering system on the market. They work best in salt systems. It is energy efficient, cost effective, and readily available.
D.E. Filter
The Diatomaceous Earth that is fine, white powder is the filtering agent of this filter. It helps to filter out contaminant particles as small as 3-5 microns. The D.E. Filter is also a tank which is contains a several number of fabric covered grids where the fabric is coated with Diatomaceous Earth. This filter is more expensive compared to Sand or Cartridge Filters but giving the clearest water. It needs to backwash two or three times per year. This filter is not Eco-friendly. During backwash some of Diatomaceous Earth (about 60-70%) is washout and goes to environment and into the surrounding ground water. Therefore these filters are banned in some states. To make up the wash D.E powder is added to the system through the skimmer.
Diatomaceous Earth Filter is basically two type depends on construction of the inside girds; the vertical grid and the spin type filter. Between these two filters vertical grid is more effective.
comparison on swimming pool filter system
The following table provides comparison among the three types of swimming pool filter system.
Types of Filters
Pros
Cons
Sand Filter
Cheaper and easy to maintenance
Sand last 5-7 years
Less energy efficient
Needed frequent backwashing about every week.
Cartridge Filter
No backwash
Requires less water to clean
Environmentally friendly
Filter runs at lower speeds
Larger surface area
Traps tiny particles as small as 5-10 microns
Cartridges are available and reasonable price
More maintenance cost than sand filters
Cartridges need to be clean once or twice per year and replaced after about every three years.
Diatomaceous Earth Filter
Most efficient
Traps the smallest particles
Provide the cleanest water
Expensive and higher maintenance costs.
Not the environmental friendly
The D.E. powder is carcinogenic
You can choose best filter for your pool by considering pool size, energy efficient, cost effective system. If your filtering capacity is too higher or lower according to your pool water volume, then it is not good choice for you. A good swimming pool filter system is environmental friendly, user friendly, easy to install, maintenance or cleaning. Considering overall fact the pool sand filter and cartridge filter is better for your pool.
