I Just Can't Keep The Water Clean!

[Tokay]

I'm reading about adding chlorine to the tank but that scares me a little. I've had it cleaned a few times already and within 2 weeks it smells again.

Are there alternatives to chlorine?

[Datsun240Z]

I don't know, but chlorine kills the bacteria that are causing it.

[trogers]

I'm reading about adding chlorine to the tank but that scares me a little. I've had it cleaned a few times already and within 2 weeks it smells again.

Are there alternatives to chlorine?

This link may be of help:

http://www.rogerspools.com/cleanwater.htm

[petercsea]

I'm reading about adding chlorine to the tank but that scares me a little. I've had it cleaned a few times already and within 2 weeks it smells again.

Are there alternatives to chlorine?

Hi Tokay,

If the smell is returning then I think it's your water supply that's contaminated. If you have the luxury of managing the supply you may be able to identify the contamination or have some water safety engineer report to you. The fix maybe a big job.

Chlorine treatment does scare some people but I think the risk of effects from contaminated water, dependent on the contaminants, is a greater risk. Hypochlorite addition is simple and the effects are very quick. You just need to keep it going. You can monitor hypochlorite levels with commercial test kits and these are quite good. if you're diligent and check daily maintaining the hypochlorite level at the low end of the recommendation (2 parts per million) gives you a very low chlorine level and bug free water.

A charcoal filter at the delivery point or the exit point of the tank will remove the traces of remaining hypochlorite and chloramines. I think that this is quite safe and then you don't need to consider the supply source. Simply a daily check and the addition of some more Haiter.

Ozonizers are effective and expensive capital outlay.

In-line UV sterilizers are effective. The lamps need to be changed regularly and they're expensive, but a good option. Yo would still need a charcoal filter at the end of either of these two options to remove any taste contaminants or odours.

Edited July 20, 2009 by petercsea

[stgrhe]

I'm reading about adding chlorine to the tank but that scares me a little. I've had it cleaned a few times already and within 2 weeks it smells again.

Are there alternatives to chlorine?

Hi Tokay,

If the smell is returning then I think it's your water supply that's contaminated. If you have the luxury of managing the supply you may be able to identify the contamination or have some water safety engineer report to you. The fix maybe a big job.

Chlorine treatment does scare some people but I think the risk of effects from contaminated water, dependent on the contaminants, is a greater risk. Hypochlorite addition is simple and the effects are very quick. You just need to keep it going. You can monitor hypochlorite levels with commercial test kits and these are quite good. if you're diligent and check daily maintaining the hypochlorite level at the low end of the recommendation (2 parts per million) gives you a very low chlorine level and bug free water.

A charcoal filter at the delivery point or the exit point of the tank will remove the traces of remaining hypochlorite and chloramines. I think that this is quite safe and then you don't need to consider the supply source. Simply a daily check and the addition of some more Haiter.

Ozonizers are effective and expensive capital outlay.

In-line UV sterilizers are effective. The lamps need to be changed regularly and they're expensive, but a good option. Yo would still need a charcoal filter at the end of either of these two options to remove any taste contaminants or odours.

These are good recommendations. However, while you are at it and if you decide to invest in filters, ozonizers or UV sterilizer you would probably like to check the hardness of your water too. If your water supply is from a well it is likely that your water is too hard (high calcium content) and in that case you might like to install a softener too.

The calcium level should max be 100 mg/l and with a pH of 6.8 to 8.2. The iron content is also important for good water and it should be of maximum 0.5 mg/l, while the total dissolved solids should not exceed 500 mg/l.

[Tokay]

Great answers! Thanks!

My water comes from the city, not a well. I suppose them sending me dirty water could be the trick.

[stgrhe]

You could have the water tested so you know the quality of it and what's the problem is. Eventually you might need to install some filtering systems even though the water is from the city.

The cost of a proper test would be around 4,000 - 5,000 baht if you let a University test it it for you. By doing so you need to obtain a sterile sample bottle from them as any other container would already be contaminated. They would then test about 12 to 15 parameters.

A cheaper, and less costly way, is to have a company do it for you. Some companies that specialises in water treatment systems have their own analysis lab and, although the measurements are not as accurate as the University's, it might be good enough for what you require. The companies typically test about five parameters and charge around 500 baht for their service.