Using ORP To Manage Chlorine Levels
If you have an in-ground or above-ground pool, one chemical you may be familiar with is chlorine. When properly applying chlorine to a swimming pool, you can rid the water of any contaminants. However, chlorine is at its most effective at certain concentrations. If there’s too little or too much chlorine in the water, the water might not be comfortable to swim in. The chlorine might also be ineffective at removing contaminants if the concentration is too low. You can better understand how chlorine works in swimming pools by learning about the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) measurement. This measurement tells you how much chlorine is in the water and the level of sanitation you’ve obtained. The data you can gain from ORP measurements is helpful in a wide range of applications, which include everything from hydroponics and environmental sampling to drinking water measurements.
Oxidizers can bring in electrons from various other molecules, which makes for a loss of electrons. As for reducers, they donate a certain amount of electrons to other molecules, which results in a gain of electrons. ORP can tell you how clean water is, making it very beneficial for homeowners who want to disinfect their pool water or for wastewater management facilities attempting to purify it. If you want to calculate the levels of ORP in your water, you can do so with an ORP sensor, which will directly tell you how effective your disinfection and sanitation techniques are working.
Whether you are producing bleach or looking to disinfect your home swimming pool, measuring the ORP levels of water can be highly important. Without a sensor, you’ll likely be unable to determine if the process is completed correctly and accurately. Before you start with ORP measurement, remember that numerous variables can directly affect the measurement you receive. It’s essential to achieve optimal ORP levels if you want to be wholly confident that the water is being properly sanitized and disinfected.
PPM is another measurement used to assess chlorine concentration in pool water. The process employs three methods: calculated PPM, selective membrane PPM, and colorimetric PPM, each with its own strengths and limitations for accurate results.
PPM, a unit in water chemistry, signifies the density of dissolved substances like total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and free chlorine. One PPM translates to one millionth of the water’s composition. Despite its small value, a free chlorine reading of just one PPM is often effective for pool disinfection. However, higher levels might be necessary to prevent algae growth.
Aqueous Solution carries the full line of Sensorex Sensors.
Product Information
- Pool Plus sensors feature a special high-molarity reference design for stability, reliability, and maximum service life in demanding pool and spa applications!
- Crystallite structure provides a visual indication, alerting you when it is time to order and have an on-hand replacement electrode before it requires changing.
- Choose from pH, ORP, or combined pH/ORP Pool Plus Sensors featuring protection against breakage.
- Available in single-junction or contaminant-resistant double-junction models
Sensorex knows you would rather relax by the pool than worry about maintaining your pH and ORP sensors. That’s why we developed the Pool Plus line of sensors. No more guessing if your sensors are working. The Pool Plus electrode lets you know when to replace your sensor. The salt crystal reference provides enhanced performance and a clear visual indication of when the sensor’s reference fill is spent.
PP100 series (Basic): The PP100 series offers a single-junction reference for clean water applications. Available for pH or ORP.
PP200 series (Extended Life): The PP200 series offer a double-junction reference for applications where heavy metals, organics, or other chemicals that can poison the electrode are present. Available for pH or ORP.
PP300 series (pH/ORP Combined): The PP300 simplifies installation and maintenance, providing pH and ORP with one sensor—the double-junction reference for applications where chemicals that can poison the electrode are present.