Episode 131: Utilizing Salt & UV as Alternative Sanitizer Solutions with John Rotundo & John Watt of Pentair
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In this episode, we welcome John Rotundo & John Watt of Pentair to discuss the utilization of salt and UV systems as alternative sanitizer solutions. As our industry continues to navigate through the chlorine tab shortage, it’s good to look at other proven methods of pool and spa sanitization.
We break down how exactly salt systems work, when and how to clean a salt cell, including important safety measures to be aware of, why calcium flakes happen, and how they are intended to be used with automation. The guys also discuss the differences between the IntelliChlor and iChlor and the many benefits of switching to a salt pool, such as the level of safety and efficiency and the surprisingly soft feeling the salt gives to your skin and hair.
We then detail how UV systems work and how to properly maintain UV bulbs and the BioShield UV System, as well as how this system can be used to eliminate harmful chloramines in the water. UV sanitization is not only a growing trend in our industry but one that is being heavily utilized all over the world.
Show Notes
01:17 - Introducing John Rotundo & John Watt of Pentair
02:48 - 2021 projections during a chlorine tab shortage
05:08 - Prior shifts away from chlorine tabs in the commercial market
06:31 - How salt cells work and the benefits of switching to a salt pool
10:49 - Chlorine tab thieves
11:47 - Salt cell maintenance
12:23 - The differences between IntelliChlor and iChlor
19:12 - How salt cells integrate with automation and breaking down ORP
22:09 - Recommendations for installing a salt cell
24:45 - Why salt cells shut down in cold water
26:10 - When and how to clean a salt cell
31:06 - Sizing salt cells correctly
32:01 - Recommendations for adding salt into your pool for the first time
34:25 - Do’s and don’ts of adding chlorine tabs to a salt pool in the summertime
37:09 - Benefits of UV pool sanitation and how it works exactly
40:17 - The harmful effects of chloramines and how UV can eliminate them
45:20 - Recommendations for installing the BioShield on the equipment pad
46:29 - UV system and bulb maintenance
52:02 - Using chlorine with UV plus misconceptions of using UV
54:04 - UV sanitization is gaining traction all over the world
55:47 - BioShield’s warranty and flow switch
