Upton Sinclair would find working conditions in today’s
Architecture industry repulsive and inhumane. Shackled to our collective desks,
toiling for so many hours that one might think FDR never rammed through the
Fair Labor Standards Act in ’38. One certainly wonders aloud to no one in
particular why we embark on such ugly permutations of masochism…we’re educated
persons are we not?
An abstract soliloquy aside there is, in point of fact, a
reason for breaking my long absence to once again bring some sliver of delight
to the one or two individuals that read our blog (and its direct translation in
Tagalog for our vast Philippine audience, or course). The reason is to have yet
another fireside chat to discuss the merits of using ozone as a disinfectant in
semi-public/commercial swimming pool applications. Those of you yearning for a
diatribe centering on the merits of offensive realism in international
relations will simply have to wait.
To wit, there are two predominate means with which to
produce ozone for use in swimming pool filtration and disinfection systems. The
most common is that which uses an ultraviolet light source and is relatively
simple to operate and maintain, namely because it works effectively in both
dry, and humid environments. The problem with this form of ozone generation is
that it produces a small amount of ozone (relative to the corona discharge
method) with which to use as a disinfectant in swimming pool water.
The second, more effective means with which to generate
ozone is through the corona discharge method (CD). This is also known as a “hot
spark” method which applies high voltage to a metallic grid located between two
dielectrics. Think of creating artificial lightning. The result is a much more
efficient production of ozone in greater quantities than an ultraviolet light.
The drawback is that CD ozone generators require a cool, dry place. As a
result, in the design process the aquatic consultant must quickly notify the
Architect and MEP consultant of the need for specific electrical loads as well
as a separate, climate controlled equipment room where the ozone generator can
be located alongside an air dryer, and contact chamber before it is injected into
the pressure-side of the recirculation system.
Surely with all the planning and cost associated with a corona
discharge ozone generator many Architects, Hotel/Resort Owners and Operators
may ask why they should bother with the preparation and expense. The reason is
three-fold: effective sanitation, measurable sanitation, and bather
comfort.
In the first instance, ozone is 200 times more effective
than chlorine at eliminating organic and inorganic waste in the swimming pool.
In the second instance, a basic chemistry control device measures the oxidation
reduction potential (ORP) of the water; in other words, the same device
measuring the level of a halogen chemical (bromine or chlorine) also measures
the amount of ozone in the water. Finally, in the third instance, because ozone
is both effective and measurable, it is possible to use substantially less
bromine or chlorine in the water, the result of which dramatically improves the
comfort of the bather. Think reduced wear and tear on bathing suits, less dry
skin, and fewer irritated eyes.
Admittedly this is an overly simplified, abridged
explanation for the merits of using ozone on semi-public and commercial pools,
but hopefully it brings some clarity as to the reason this type of sanitation
is so pervasive.