ORP pool: REDOX potential in pool water

To begin with, in this section within Pool water treatmentyes, our purpose Ok Pool Reform is to make a brushstroke on Pool ORP values, equipment with pool redox probe, general information….

What is a redox reaction

The term redox refers to the chemical reaction that involves the transfer of electrons between different reactants, which leads to a modification of the state of oxidation.

• The redox reaction is also called oxidation-reduction reaction.
• And, to be more exact, in the redox chemical reaction the following occurs: the contraction of reducer and oxidant during which an exchange of electrons occurs and where the reducers will give up the oxidizing electrons.
• Ultimately, put simply in redox reactions: one element loses electrons and the other receives them.
• And on the other hand, When the defined oxidation-reduction chemical reaction occurs, a measurable voltage (potential difference) is created. Below on this page we explain the ideal values ​​and how you can measure it.

Definition of oxidation in the redox reaction

• Oxidation is: when an oxidant takes electrons (e-) from an oxidant.
• In other words, oxidation is: the loss of electrons by an atom, molecule or ion in which frequently these lost electrons are replaced by oxygen; so we would be talking about an addition of oxygen.

What are the oxidizing agents

• Examples of oxidizing agents in pool disinfection: chlorine, bromine, hydrogen peroxide, ozone and chlorine dioxide.

Definition of reduction in the redox reaction

• redox reduction is: the reduction of oxygen (net gain of electrons by an atom, molecule or ion.
• That is, the reduction occurs when the electrical charge of the oxidant is reduced for the electrons gained.
• In this way, when we popularly say that chlorine has been eliminated or has been exhausted, we are referring to the chlorine reduction.

What are reducing agents

• Examples of reducing agents: hydrogen sulfide, sodium sulfite or sodium bisulfate.

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What is the redox reaction or ORP in swimming pools

The RedOx chemical reaction in the pool, also called ORP, It is directly linked to the activity of chlorine. That is, how the chlorine in the pool responds to the other chemical elements present in the pool water, whether organic, nitrogenous, metals...

Redox reaction pool or ORP pool

• The ORP refers to abbreviations Oxygen Reduction Potential  (oxidation reduction potential).
• Likewise, the ORP control factor in swimming pools It is also called: REDOX or REDOX Potential.
• In short, it is still the chemical reaction that occurs when substances exchange electrons.
• It should be noted that it is very important to know this factor since directly concerns the health of the water in our swimming pools and if it is altered it may result in a poor quality signal.
• Above all, it is very important to control the pool redox in the facilities with saline chlorination.

Video what is the ORP of pool water

Video understanding of the ORP pool concept

In the following video, we will tell you about Understanding ORP: oxidation potential, reduction, explanation orp reactions pool...

ORP uses and applications

Below, we cite the different applications and uses of ORP:

• The first application of ORP and in fact the one that most concerns our company: ORP pool and ORP spas.
• Secondly, application for wastewater measurements, which are treated with chromate reduction or cyanide oxidation.
• Lastly, in the aquarium measurement regardless of whether they are freshwater or saltwater.

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Pool ORP Level

What are pool ORP levels?

The ORP or REDOX values ​​are used to measure and control water treatment processes.

Thus, the time required for pool water to exterminate bacteria depends on the Redox value. The ideal value is approximately 700 mV.

Each chemical element has electrons and, depending on the reaction conditions, it can either give them up or accept them, thus forming a redox couple. These electron exchanges will generate a potential called Redox potential, which is measured in mV.

This measurement is performed using two electrodes; It is therefore a potentiometric technique that It will provide us with a value expressed in Volts (V) or minivolts (mV).

Next, in this section we tell you everything about pool ORP values ​​along with their possibilities and measurements.

Ideal pool orp values

Thus, the ideal values ​​for the hygienic-sanitary conditions required by legislation to occur, such as The standard measurement for water in public swimming pools or spas must be a value greater than or equal to mVa 650mV – 750mV.

Ideal ORP value in aquariums

As additional information, we also provide you with the ideal ORP values ​​in the case of aquariums.

• The ideal ORP value in a freshwater aquarium: 250mV
• The ideal value of a saltwater aquarium is de: 350 and 400 mV.
• On the other hand, oxidation and reduction processes in aquariums are produced inside living cells and it is plants, bacteria and animals that change matter.

Types of Pool ORP Values

Next, the two types of possible pool ORP (redox) values:

Positive pool ORP values

• Positive, high magnitude pool ORP values ​​are indicative of an environment that favors oxidation reactions.

Negative pool ORP values

• On the other hand, negative pool ORP values ​​of low magnitude are indicative of a highly reducing environment.

What does a negative value mean in the ORP measurement?

The negative value in the ORP measurement means that the aqueous medium we are analyzing (in this case the pool water) is very basicIe has a very high pH problem .

Importance of correct pool ORP values

It is very important to know the ORP value of our water, since it has been shown that there is a direct relationship between the virus elimination time and this. 

Conditions to have a correct pool ORP

Firstly, In order to correct the pool ORP values ​​we must have the other essential parameters for the correct pool treatment.

• One of the most important factors taken into account to know the quality of a pool's water is the pH level.
• In a pool with low pH (acidic medium) an oxidation process occurs and in water with high pH (basic medium) a reduction process occurs. 
• When disinfecting pool water, the goal is to convert the water into an acidic medium to prevent the proliferation of bacteria and microorganisms that can be harmful to health.

Maintain regular measurements of the pool with optimal values

All values, especially pH, must be in place. Mv are only measurable at a correct pH. 

Ideal levels in the saltwater pool

• pH: 7,2-7,6
• Total chlorine value: 1,5ppm.
• Free chlorine value: 1,0-2,0ppm
• Residual or combined chlorine: 0-0,2ppm
• Ideal pool ORP value (pool redox): 650mv -750mv.
• Cyanuric acid: 0-75ppm
• Pool water hardness: 150-250ppm
• Alkalinity of pool water 125-150ppm
• Pool turbidity (-1.0),
• Pool phosphates (-100 ppb)

Causes imbalanced ORP levels

• One of the most common causes of this problem is not having the pool filtration plugged in for enough hours.
• Saturation of the pool water (cyanuric acid).
• Excess CO2 in the pool environment.
• Total or partial water change in the pool, so the appropriate values ​​have not yet been adjusted due to insufficient treatment.

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ORP Pool Potential

The redox potential (ORP) measures the relationship between the activities of oxidized substances and the activities of reduced substances existing in the pool.

What is Potential ORP Pool?

The redox potential of the pool is a measure that evaluates the oxidative degree of the pool water, that is, it measures its disinfectant power against a constant level of chlorinated agent and pH. REDOX potential is a measure that estimates the tendency of a chemical species (that is: atoms, molecules, ions...) to gain or lose electrons.

• More generic definition of REDOX potential: measure that assesses the tendency of a chemical species (that is: atoms, molecules, ions...) to gain or lose electrons.
• Emphasizing again, the potential ORP in the pools will indicate whether the solution (the water of our pool) is reducing or oxidizing; that is, whether it accepts or loses electrons.

Video what is pool redox potential

This video explains two basic measurement parameters in water quality; pH and redox potential, being parameters of field measurements.

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Factors affecting ORP

Several water chemistry factors can affect your ORP. Here are some that are more common in swimming pools:

1st factor that harms pool ORP: pH

• The lower the pH, The higher the ratio of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) to hypochlorite ions (OCl-) and the higher the ORP. 
• Below, in case you are interested, we provide you with a link to learn: how to increase pool pH
• In short, to have a correct pH it is an essential requirement that the water is not saturated  

2nd factor that harms the pool ORP: cyanuric acid

• According to the US Center for Disease Control (CDC), increasing levels of isocyanuric acid (also called chlorine stabilizer or conditioner) reduce ORP. 
• This is the main reason why the CDC has put a new limit on CYA levels in the event of a fecal incident. The new limit? Only 15 ppm CYA. fifteen!    

3rd factor that harms pool ORP: Phosphates (indirectly)

• Obviously phosphates can indirectly cause a decrease in ORP.
• On the other hand, just in this article A little further up in the section on the cause of pool ORP decrease: phosphates you can see a video that deals with this topic in depth.

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Low pool ORP level

How to raise pool ORP

Steps to raise ORP pool

• To startr, ensure adequate hours in the filtration of our pools. Well, it is proven that if there are areas where the water does not move and therefore does not receive correct treatment, the pool orp level drops.
• If you do not have a way to recirculate the pool water properly, el treating pool water with ozone It will help maintain the redox level.
• Another cause of having a low orp value is having the water from our pool saturated with stabilizers (cyanuric acid), in this case we advise you to enter the link provided.
• If you have totally or partially changed the pool water: We must wait about 48 hours for the new water to have passed through the filter and therefore to have received the appropriate treatment.
• Cause of low ORP level when the pool has high chlorine levels, but low ORP: It normally occurs when the pH value of the pool is not correct and/or there is saturation of the pool water with cyanuric acid.
• Cause of low ORP level when the pool has low chlorine levels but high ORP: This is normally due to a failure of the probes (check status as your pool water may be correct). On the other hand, remember that the more organics you have in the water, the slower the conductivity between the probes will be. 
• If the pool is indoor: ventilate the environment since there may be an excess of CO2 in the environment.
• En change, If you do not have a salt chlorinator: A remedy to raise pool orp values ​​is an extra injection with chlorine tablets.
• If you have salt chlorinator: Leave the equipment in manual mode at a capacity of 90% and with the redox controller with its replacement pump add sodium hypochlorite or bleach.

Cause of decreased pool ORP: phosphates

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High pool ORP level

How to lower pool ORP

Steps to lower the pool ORP

• The ORP increases its values ​​when the solution is more alkaline and its voltage is higher when there is more oxidizer.
• Leave the pool filter running for more hours
• More operation turn off
• water changeGood water quality, good eskimer and a lot of water movement, both superficial and internal, there is no more secret.
• the hardness at 500 ppm, quite high for salt chlorination but I am lowering it with a descaler. Today I lowered production like you to lower the chlorine, because I don't trust the orp.
• If a lower value is obtained, the pertinent chemical modifications should be made until the appropriate level is reached. Likewise, if the ORP value exceeds 750 mV, it would be advisable to activate (manually or automatically) the relevant treatment system (dosing pump, saline electrolysis, etc.).
• If the ORP value exceeds 750 mV, it would be advisable to activate (manually or automatically) the relevant treatment system (dosing pump, saline electrolysis, etc.).

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Pool ORP measurement equipment

In the equipment for measuring the ORP of a swimming pool, the redox electrode is the same as the PH electrode.

Even if, In the case of pH, glass is used for measurement and instead noble metals are used in redox measurements (like platinum, silver or gold) thanks to the fact that they do not interfere with the chemical reaction that is being processed.

Pool ORP measurement

The ORP measurement (Oxidation reduction potential) also known as redox is a parameter that measures the ability of a solution to absorb or expel dilute salts and effectively allows us to have a record of water sanitation.

For more details, go up a little on this page and review the Pool ORP Level section.

Reliability pool ORP measurement equipment

The reliability of pH/ORP measurements is largely determined by the quality of the electrodes, for this reason it is important to use an instrument with which you can provide reliability to your analyses. 

Next, we present the different equipment and ways to measure pool ORP.

Pool redox control with Salt chlorinator with redox and pH regulator

Click on our Saline Chlorinator link to learn more Pool salt dispenser + pH and ORP

Combined equipment for saline electrolysis, pH control and chlorine control through Redox potential (ORP).

Services Salt chlorinator with redox and pH regulator

Monitoring the ORP of our pool can bring us great benefits. In order to include decontamination and disinfection processes if required.

1. Ggenerates the disinfectant that requires water with an automatic method just as you will have total control of the chlorine level with a Redox regulator.
2. In addition, it is one of the systems that most effectively destroys bacteria, algae and pathogens. It has been proven that certain virulent bacterias such as E. Coli, Salmonella, Listeria or polio virus, as well as other pathogenic microorganisms, They have a survival of 30 seconds when the ORP value is adequate.
3. Double disinfection action and obtaining crystal clear water.
4. Convenience and simplicity, almost zero pool maintenance: reduction of up to 80%.
5. Savings on chemicals
6. They are ideal for all bathers, especially for the most vulnerable in the house. (small and large), because: they do not dry out the skin, they do not spoil the hair or damage it or it becomes matted, it does not cause redness in the eyes...
7. It has been proven that certain virulent bacteria such as E. Coli, Salmonella, Listeria or the polio virus, as well as other pathogenic microorganisms. They have a survival of 30 seconds when the ORP value is adequate. Yeasts and the most sensitive type of spore-forming fungus are also exterminated.
8. In the salt pools We avoid the strong odors of chlorine and the taste of chlorine.
9. For everything we have said, saline electrolysis is based on a natural and ecological process.
10. Etc

We also encourage you to Contact us without obligation so we can advise you for free.

Pool redox probe

What is a redox probe

Probe for measuring ORP potential (measures oxidation and disinfection potential of chlorine or bromine) affordable.

Thus, ORP measurements can be done easily by using a redox probe, which is nothing more than a metal electrode that has the ability to gain or lose electrons during the measurement.

Pool orp probe characteristics

• Replaceable ORP electrode with BNC connector and protective cap
• -1999 ~ 1999 mV Measurement range and ±0.1% F S ±1 digit Accuracy
• With an extra long 300cm cable, an ideal replacement probe for ORP meter, ORP controller or any ORP device which has a BNC input terminal
• The best tool for general water applications such as drinking, domestic and rain water, aquariums, tanks, ponds, swimming pools, spas, etc.
• Comes with protective case
• It can be used to connect the BNC connector directly to the ORP meter or ORP controller or to the input terminal of any ORP device with BNC input terminals.
• It allows you to flexibly measure the solution in a 300 cm container of the device and accurately determine the redox tension of the target solution to be measured.
• Replaceable ORP electrode provides reliable and easy-to-use instant ORP measurement.
• After connecting the new ORP electrode probe to the electricity input terminal, first calibrate it with a calibration solution (buffer), and then use the newly replaced ORP electrode.
• Suitable for measuring drinking water, household water and rainwater, aquariums, water tanks, ponds, swimming pools, spas, etc.

Pool orp measurement with probe

• First of all, comment that ORP probes require a very long time to "acclimatize" to the environment in which they are submerged. 
•  In other words: the measurement of an ORP probe does not stabilize until after about 20-30 minutes or even longer. 
• Therefore, if you made the measurement by submerging the meter for a few seconds in water, the measurement has little reliability. 
• Do the test by keeping the probe submerged for between 30 and 45 minutes and then see what value it measures. If it is an "abnormal" value, it is likely that the probe is out of calibration (very common in pocket probes).
• These probes are very sensitive to electromagnetic interference from the bombs, put them as far away as possible and if not, in a separate watertight compartment as I had to do in the end.

Probe assembly

• Remember that the probes have to be after the filter but BEFORE any dosing equipment, 
•  In addition, the probes must be separated as minimum between 60 and 80 cm. from any dispensing point.

Pool redox probe price

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How to calibrate pool redox probe

Video how to calibrate pool redox probe

Very illustrative video to illustrate the answer of how to calibrate the probes.

Alternative to the redox probe: amperometric probe for salt chlorinator

The amperometric probe is the alternative to the pool redox probe in salt water.

Amperometric probe characteristics for salt chlorinator

• They come equipped with a cell where the measurement is carried out.
• These probes are an ideal complement to guarantee accurate and reliable process control.
• They are easy to maintain.
• They offer a fast and accurate reading.
• It is suitable for installation in hydraulic systems to determine the residual level of inorganic chlorine (free chlorine) in water. Specially designed
• for large public swimming pools.
• Although, it must be mentioned that the amperometric redox probe is much more expensive than the conventional one.
• And, you also only have the option to control the chlorine level and not the disinfection level such as redox.
• Available models: Membrane amperometric probe, amperometric probe with copper and platinum electrodes and amperometric probe with copper and silver electrodes.

Digital redox meter

Features digital redox water quality meter

• The digital redox water quality meter is a High precision multifunctional water quality tester, with PH, ORP, H2 and temperature.
• At the same time it provides a Extensive full measurement range from 0 to 14 pH with high precision.
• The digital pool redox meter comes equipped with auto shut-off function.
• They use a completely transparent liquid crystal (LCD) to display 4 digit values.
• To finalize the generic characteristics, the digital redox water quality meter has a degree of protection IP67, that is, it is waterproof and dust-resistant.

Digital redox meter price

To give you an idea, here we leave you some other digital redox meter with its price.

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Pool digital Redox controller

General characteristics digital ORP pool controller

• To start, they give you a measurement instantly and constantly.
• On the other hand, They are equipped with relay for output power control, So, you can connect your own device (for example, oxygen pump, CO2 regulator, O3 ozonator or other pH and ORP generating devices) into the corresponding PH or ORP output power socket,
• Thus, you can set the desired ph or orp value in this monitor driver to activate or deactivate your devices.
• Detachable electrode: Both pH and ORP electrodes can be separated from the main unit, which entails a quick response and easy to calibrate.
• Equally, The pH and ORP electrodes are replaceable.
• Finally, these teams are approved by strict standards quality and safety guarantee reliability, stability, long life and trouble-free

Redox control swimming pools price

So, here you can see different models of Redox control pools with their corresponding price.

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