Synergistic combination of metal ions with an oxidizing agent and algaecide to reduce both required oxidizing agent and microbial sensitivity to fluctuations in oxidizing agent concentration, particularly for swimming pools

摘要

A water purification system and method suitable for use in swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, water storage tanks, wells and water cooling towers adds (i) an oxidizing agent, preferably granulated or caked chlorine, (ii) metal ions, preferably silver from a galvanic cell having a silver anode electrically connected to a cathode made from a metal of still higher electrochemical potential, normally platinum, and, optionally (iii) an algaecide, preferably chelated copper and/or phosphate-removing compound, and/or (iv) a phosphate-reducing compound, all in synergistic combination. The galvanic cell is preferably some tens of square centimeters in size and some tens of grams in weight, thereby liberating sufficient silver or copper ions so as to aid in treating a multi-thousand liter body of water, such as a swimming pool, for, typically under normal contamination, some weeks to months until the anode is consumed. Copper and/or silver ions liberated from the galvanic cell cooperate with oxidizing agent to suppress bacterial, fungal and/or algae growth, particularly when new supply of oxidizing agent ceases for a prolonged time, normally 2 days. The (i) amount of chlorine, bromine or other chemicals needed to maintain water quality is thus significantly reduced to the greatly enhanced comfort of bathers while the (ii) time during which recovery can graciously be made from an exhausted supply of oxidizing agent is usefully extended.