LaMotte Pool Manager Water Quality Handbook - Manual (Page 34)

Alternative Systems
Some health jurisdictions have approved the systems
below for use in pools and/or spas. Check with the local
health department for compliance and recommended
concentrations.
Metal Systems
There are systems that introduce metals or
combinations of metals such as copper, silver or zinc into
water to inhibit bacteria and algae. There are 3 ways
these can be added to the water.
1) Some systems are copper and silver electrodes that
use an electrical current to release copper and silver into
the water.
2) Some systems are mineral beds that contain metals. a
Water passes through the bed, the metals dissolve and
are added to the water.
3) One can add metals to water by adding them directly
as a liquid. Copper sulfate and silver oxide are examples
of these.
Chlorine or bromine must be used with all metal
systems. Zinc and silver are usually not tested in these
systems. Copper concentrations can vary from 0.3 to
over 1.0 ppm. Color comparators or test strips are used
to determine copper concentrations. Follow the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
Biguinide Systems
Polyhexamethylene biguinide (PHMB) is a bactericide
used in a 3 part system. The EPA has approved this
system for use as a recreational water sanitizer. The other
2 parts of the system are an algicide (quaternary
ammonium compound (QAC) or a polyquat) and
hydrogen peroxide, which serves as an oxidizer.
Chlorine, bromine, metals or monopersulfate should not
be used with this system.
The recommended concentration of PHMB is 30-50 ppm. Test
strips and color comparators may be used to test PHMB.
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