Innovative concepts in the world of pool and spa sanitisation

With the world’s best quality water on tap, Aussies appreciate the benefits of fresh water. Yet when it comes to our nation’s favourite pastime, we’ve all accepted that chlorine and saltwater were the natural order of things. Not anymore.

A breakthrough system by Freshwater Pools can safely and effortlessly purify your pool water without the need for adding chlorine, high salt or expensive minerals. The health benefits are crystal clear.

How it works –

The hybrid NKD-R Freshwater System is made up of a digital control unit that supplies and manages current to the electrode assembly (OXI & ION Cell). Electrolysis passes through the copper and silver anodes, releasing the ions into the water. The silver disinfects the water controlling bacteria and the copper prevents algae growth. The minerals left in the water form a residual that continues to sanitise the water. It is not affected by UV or heat like traditional sanitisers. Not only does this mean you do not have to add additional chemicals such as stabiliser or clarifiers, but the continuous effects of the minerals means you can run the system for half the time of traditional sanitisers. This amounts to big savings in power and ongoing running costs.

In addition, oxidisation is used as water passes over the oxidising plates producing small, untraceable amounts of chlorine ensuring organic matter (dust, dirt, oils and body fats) and other contaminants are eliminated from the water.

Why is the NKD-R System different? –

The NKD-R Freshwater System actually utilises two very traditional methods of water sanitisation. The use of Oxidisers, similar to a salt chlorinator has been in the market for over thirty years. Ionisation was used by ancient Greeks and Romans over 500 years and since used by NASA for drinking water in space.

What is different is how the two processes are uniquely controlled together with very smart software and manufacturing. When starting a new pool, after balancing the water as normal, you enter the volume of water the system will be treating into the control panel and everything else is then taken care of. The system will run for an initial period of time based on the pool size to ensure correct copper and silver levels are put into the pool and then automatically set up its timers for ongoing treatment and circulation. The builder can be completely confident that after handing over the pool to their customer that everything will be correct before leaving.

A change in attitude –

The industry has seen the use of Ionisers for water treatment come and go in the past. The two biggest concerns were that Ionisers couldn’t treat heavy bather loads or work in very hot temperatures and chlorine would be needed to be added to keep the water crystal clear. The other was fear of having too much copper in the pool that can cause staining of surfaces. These were all due to not having proper control when treating the water.

Our company is bringing confidence back to the industry in the unique way we control both the Oxidiser and Ioniser together in the one system. Builders are now seeing how easy it is to install but also the ease of managing the pool on an ongoing basis. There is up to 70% fewer chemicals going into the pool making water balance much simpler and stable.

Ultimately though, it’s the absolute crystal clear water that continues to astound the builders and their customers. The freshwater not only makes the pool look amazing, but it also is safer for pool surrounds, equipment and the environment making it a better long-term investment for the customer.

Consumer attitude –

We are all now well aware of the dangers of chemicals. Whether it is around the home, cosmetics, foods we eat or the water we swim in. In fact, some chemicals such as Cyanuric Acid used in many chlorine/salt pools are starting to be banned in parts of Europe and the USA.

With the amount of information now freely available on the Internet, consumers are better educated about the alternative options now available and seeking advice from builders they may choose to invest with. And with one in every three Australians now suffering from some form of allergy or skin condition demand continues to grow for healthier alternatives to high chlorine or salt pools.

Conclusion –

The swimming pool industry is often slow to adopting change out of fear new products may not be reliable or work the way they’ve always been used to. However, we continue to see more new products enter the market for water treatment that include the addition of Ozone, UV or minerals to try and enhance existing products like salt/mineral chlorination.

The NKD-R Freshwater System actually combines two very successful methods of oxidisation and ionisation into the one, easy to install and manage solution for swimming pools and spas.

We certainly believe that Freshwater Systems will eventually become the norm’ for backyard pools. It’s the healthier choice for families and great for the environment, with lower running costs and longer-lasting equipment. But most importantly, your pool produces safe, crystal clear water to make your pool look and feel amazing, all year round.

Written by: Darren Milne. 31 July 2019