Document Santé Canada sur les piscines et spas résidentiels
Calculateur de volume d'eau
ClearBlue Mineral System Brochure
System Operation Manual
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS COPPER-SILVER IONIZATION?
An ion is an atom, or group of atoms, that has an electrical charge. An atom is like a tiny solar system with a nucleus at the center and one or more electrons orbiting it. Inside the nucleus are positively charged particles called protons. Electrons are negatively charged. An atom usually contains an equal number of protons and electrons. An ion gains its electrical charge by losing or gaining an electron. Copper/silver ionization is the electron release from copper and silver ions.
IS IT DIFFICULT TO INSTALL THE CLEARBLUE IONIZATION SYSTEM?
Installation is very simple and can be completed in just one hour in most cases. An installation manual is included with each unit. No special equipment is required.
HOW TO INSTALL A CLEARBLUE IONIZER?
*IMPORTANT : Please read the manual for important safety and installation instructions.
*WARRANTY: Don't forget to register your warranty. Once registered, your warranty duration will be doubled.
INSTALLATION & CONFIGURATION
-Fill the pool or spa and ensure the water is properly balanced:
pH : 7.2 – 7.8
Alkalinity : 80 – 120 ppm
Hardness
calcium : 200–400 ppm
Solids
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) : 500 – 2,000 ppm
Stabilizing
(cyanuric acid) : 30 – 50 ppm
Phosphates : 0 – 200 ppb
-Install the T-fitting on the return line, after the pump, filter, and water heater, and before the chlorinator or salt cell. Make sure it is correctly oriented and that the cell cable reaches the controller.
Installation on above-ground pool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGAK0yD6630&t=349s
Spa installation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fh-O93WCPLI
-Secure the controller. It can be mounted with Velcro or using the two screw mounts. If using Velcro, place it on the screw mounts and not on the model information, as this information will be needed for support and warranty claims. Velcro adheres to stucco, brick, wood, or any flat or textured surface, but you must press it firmly for 30 seconds. Make sure the cell cable reaches the controller.
-Plug in or electrically connect the controller. For 240V wiring, cut the plug and connect the wires to the line side of the panel or timer. There is nothing to activate on the controller for 240V power, it detects
automatically the voltage. The controller must always be powered, even when the pump is not running.
-Configure the controller.
INTERVIEW
The ClearBlue system will do most of the work for you. Once the copper level reaches 0.2 ppm , add one chlorine/bromine tablet per week (or maintain a chlorine/bromine level of 0.5 – 1 ppm ) and shock weekly. You can use either chlorine or non-chlorine shock.
It is essential to test the water parameters weekly (see above) and adjust if necessary:
Chlorine/Bromine : 0.5 – 1 ppm
Copper : 0.2 – 0.4 ppm
HOW TO ADJUST CLEARBLUE CONTROLLER SETTINGS?
You will need the volume of your pool or spa, which you can calculate here . The model number is located on the back of the controller.
HOW DO I KNOW THE IONIZER IS WORKING?
The ClearBlue ionizer features an LED indicator light to let you know when ionization is taking place. Each device comes with an ion test strip that should be used weekly. This will tell you if the device is producing copper and silver ions. It's very easy to use and only takes a few minutes.
DOES CLEARBLUE ACT AS A WATER FILTER?
No. ClearBlue is not a filter. You should use your filter system as usual and backwash as needed.
WHY DO I NEED TO OXIDIZE MY POOL WITH CHLORINE?
ClearBlue acts as a disinfectant by using silver to kill bacteria and viruses, and copper to kill algae. Zinc is used to prevent staining of the pool liner, while also being good for the skin. Organic matter, such as insects, leaves, skin oils or creams, shampoos, deodorants, makeup, etc., must be broken down by oxidation. Oxidizers include chlorine, bromine, and non-chlorine-based oxidants, such as active oxygen , to destroy organic matter, which is then removed by the filter.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I OXIDIZE MY POOL?
Generally once a week is more than enough, less if the pool is not used much. Ideally, oxidation should be carried out after a heavy rain and always at the end of the day because the sun helps to break down the chlorine.
faster.
WHAT OTHER TESTS ARE REQUIRED WITH THE IONIZER?
Normal pH and alkalinity tests should be done on a regular basis, in addition to the copper test (strips).
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR IONS TO REACH THEIR OPTIMAL CONCENTRATION OF 0.2PPM?
Approximately 7 to 14 days for a pool, 1 day for a spa. The process may take longer for larger pools using the large pool model ("Large Doses" may be necessary). During this period, you should continue to use your regular sanitizing treatment until you reach a minimum of 0.2 ppm Cu. After that, you can reduce your oxidation level to approximately one chlorine tablet per week or less.
THE COPPER ION LEVEL DOES NOT REACH 0.2 PPM, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If mineral ions do not reach the proper level, there are a few possible reasons.
Remember that raising and lowering the mineral ion level in a pool takes time. However, once the level is reached, the minerals are very stable in the water and remain there for several months.
Make sure you get the right model for your pool's capacity. The CBI-350P-25 is suitable for pools up to 25,000 gallons (95,000 liters). The CBI-350P-40 is suitable for pools up to 40,000 gallons (150,000 liters). If your pool's capacity is close to this threshold (e.g., 20,000 gallons), we recommend the CBI-350P-40, especially in warm, sunny climates.
Make sure the Ionizing light is flashing (or is on solid when the controller is in Large Dose mode).
Make sure the ClearBlue controller is turned on at all times (not plugged into a timer).
Make sure your copper test kit is not expired. If you don't see an expiration date, the reagents last about 2 years.
Make sure you use the copper test kit correctly (looking into the test tube from the top, not the side, to compare the color chart).
Make sure the Ion Action mode is set to the value corresponding to the capacity of your pool.
Set the Large Dose mode to the value appropriate for your pool or spa, as described on page 8 of the user manual. The controller will operate at full capacity for the specified number of hours. For example, if you set the
With the controller in Large Dose mode and set to 48, the system will run at full capacity for 48 hours. Test the copper level after 48 hours and if it is not 0.2 ppm, repeat this step as many times as necessary.
Check your phosphate level. A large amount of algae (which may be present but invisible) quickly depletes the ions and prevents you from reaching a level of 0.2 ppm. Most pool retailers can test your water from a sample. If your phosphate level exceeds 100 ppb, we recommend adjusting it with a product like Phosfree.
If you add a sequestrant to the water, it will remove all the minerals and neutralize the new generation of mineral ions. After a month, the sequestrant will dissipate and the ions will return to the correct level.
If you want to ensure that the controller, electrode, or copper test kit is working properly, you can test the system by immersing the electrode in a glass of water and setting the Ion Action mode to 98. Within 15 minutes, the water should be blue, and the copper ion level should be 1 ppm.
HOW TO USE COPPER TEST STRIPS?
These are the best tools for testing low copper levels in pools and spas. It's important to keep the copper level in the "OK" range to ensure the minerals are disinfecting effectively without causing buildup or depleting the mineral source too quickly.
Your mineral system may add other minerals to the water in addition to copper, such as silver or zinc. However, copper is the easiest to test. If the copper level is correct, the levels of other minerals are also correct.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Remove the clear colorimetric tube from the bottle.
- Fill the tube with a sample of pool or spa water to the fill line.
graduation. - Take a strip from the bottle and close the cap tightly.
- Dip the test strip pad into the bottom of the tube, dip it up and down 10 times, then remove the strip.
- Observe the color by placing the bottom of the tube in the white circle of the color chart and looking through the tube. Immediately compare the result with the color reference.
WARNING
- Avoid touching the inside of the bottle with wet fingers.
- Close the cap tightly after removing a strip.
- For best accuracy, read results in natural light.
- Store the bottle in a cool, dry place.
WHEN SHOULD I REPLACE THE ELECTRODES?
Electrodes will last about one season in a pool (depending on size, salinity, temperature, conductivity, and usage), and one to three years in a spa. If the "ionization" light on the processor stays off, it's time to replace your electrodes. The first electrode will always wear out faster because the ion level has to be raised from scratch. Once it reaches 0.2 ppm, the ions are very stable in the water, and subsequent electrodes will always last longer than the first.
HOW TO REPLACE THE ELECTRODE?
The ClearBlue electrode is the unit that plugs into the pink connector on the controller and screws into the T-piece of the pool pipe. When the mineral plugs
are completely worn out, the electrode must be replaced.
To replace the electrode:
- Turn off the pump to cut off the water circulation.
- Close any valve located before the ClearBlue “T” on the line.
- Unscrew the electrode from the “T” counterclockwise.
watch. - Disconnect the electrode from the controller.
- Unpack the new electrode.
- Screw the new electrode into the T-piece clockwise until it is tight. No need to use a wrench. Hand tightening
agrees. - Position the electrode so that water passes between the two pins. This will ensure even wear.
- Plug the electrode cable into the pink connector on the controller.
- Turn the pump on again.
Important: The electrode must be positioned so that water passes between the two pins to ensure equal wear.
DOES THE “T” HORIZONTAL OR CAN IT BE INSTALLED IN ANOTHER DIRECTION?
The “T” must be installed in a horizontal position and the electrode cable must
point down.
If this is not possible, you can install it in the direction of the duct provided that:
1) The electrode is positioned so that water passes between the pins.
2) The electrode plugs are immersed in water at all times.
DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF I HAVE A WATER HEATER?
No. ClearBlue is designed to have a continuous output current that automatically adjusts the ionization level and compensates for factors such as temperature, conductivity, and salinity.
WHAT IS THE ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION OF THE SYSTEM?
The ClearBlue system reduces the use of the pump, filter, and heater by 8 to 12 hours per day. For a 24-foot above-ground pool, Hydro-Québec estimates the electricity cost of a single-speed pump running 24 hours a day at $195 per season. If you reduce this time to 10 hours per day using a timer, you can save up to $88 per
summer. For a 16x32 in-ground pool, savings can be as high as $140. You can save even more by opting for a 2-speed pump. For more information, see the Hydro-Québec website.
CAN I USE CLEARBLUE WITH A TIMER ON THE PUMP?
We recommend placing ClearBlue on a circuit that is not on a timer, as our system can work 24/7 even if the pump is off and the water is not circulating. The microscopic ions will concentrate in the "T" and be released into the pool when the pump is turned on.
ARE COPPER AND SILVER IONS SAFE?
Absolutely !
Our bodies need copper, and silver is used throughout the world for various applications. Silver is used by dentists, in water purification equipment, utensils, coins, and more. You can't say the same about chlorine!
AND HOW TO CLOSE AND WINTERIZE MY CLEARBLUE POOL?
When closing your ClearBlue mineral pool, you can follow the recommendations of your pool professional or pool store. They may suggest a closing kit containing chemicals to preserve your water and pool during the winter.
Closing kits are perfectly compatible with your mineral pool and pose no risk of damage. However, it is important to note that these kits generally contain an anti-stain and anti-limescale product (or
another sequestering agent). This type of product removes contaminants from the water to prevent stains on the pool walls. However, sequestering agents also remove minerals from the water. Therefore, the minerals will need to be recharged in the spring, which will cause the mineral cell to wear out more quickly.
If you want to remove all contaminants from the water to reduce the risk of staining, we recommend using an anti-stain and anti-limescale product and increasing the mineral level again in the spring using the "Increase" (Large Dose) function.
If you are using municipal water or another clean water source, and you are certain that it does not contain iron or other contaminants that can cause staining, you can skip the stain treatment step and
Anti-limescale. The minerals will remain in the water all winter, with two benefits: The minerals will continue to fight algae during the winter, which will keep the water cleaner in the spring.
It won't take long to reach the recommended concentration of 0.2 ppm to 0.4 ppm, which will extend the life of your mineral cell.
If you decide not to use a stain and limescale remover, it is essential to balance the pH (7.2 – 7.8) and alkalinity (80 – 120 ppm) so that the minerals remain in solution during the winter.
We recommend storing the system controller indoors during the winter. If the mineral cell is still functional, you can leave it in place in the "T" fitting, but be sure to protect the plug end to prevent corrosion from winter conditions.
Is ClearBlue compatible with salt systems? What if I want to convert my salt pool to an ionization system?
Yes. You can use a mineral system in addition to your salt chlorinator. Reducing chlorine production to the lowest setting will extend the life of your chlorinator cell. However, if your cell is already out of service or you prefer to completely convert your pool to a mineral pool, here are the steps to follow:
Replace the salt chlorinator cell with the ClearBlue “T” fitting (follow the manual for correct orientation).
Set the Ion/Action and Large Dose settings according to the manual depending on the volume of your pool.
Add 3 chlorine tablets .
Test the copper level after one week.
If the copper level is between 0.2 ppm and 0.4 ppm , reduce the chlorine to 1 tablet per week (you are done).
If the level is below 0.2 ppm , add 3 more chlorine tablets and set Large Dose again to the same setting as before.
Repeat step 4 until you reach the correct level.
NOTES AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Once the copper level reaches 0.2 ppm – 0.4 ppm , the Ion/Action setting will maintain the minerals at the correct level.
You don't need to worry about the salt . It will gradually dilute with the addition of water and will not affect the system.
mineral.
Use slow-dissolving stabilized chlorine tablets to maintain a low chlorine residual.
Balance pH, alkalinity and calcium : In salt pools, these parameters can sometimes be very
unbalanced.
Check that the phosphate level is below 200 ppb . Phosphates act as a fertilizer for algae; if they are too high, the minerals will be consumed much more quickly.