Community Corner

Club Fit Introduces On-Site Oxidant System in Pool, Uses Salt Instead of Chlorine

The new system breaks down the organic and inorganic nitrogen compounds in the water, and is less hazardous.

Club Fit finished the installation of an innovative on-site oxidant system in its Aquatics Center at Club Fit Jefferson Valley, which uses common salt to produce a disinfectant for water treatment and has significant advantages over conventional chlorination technology.

"This system should improve overall quality and atmosphere within our Aquatics Department, including the elimination of the chlorine odor from the pool and surrounding areas, leading to a more enjoyable, healthier swim experience," said Mark Cuatt, General Manager of Club Fit Jefferson Valley.

The system was approved by the Westchester County Board of Health and became operational last week. Club Fit Briarcliff installed the same system in 2008, and was the first facility in Westchester County to do so. The aquatics center, one of the busiest areas of both club locations, caters to members of all ages, whose usage ranges from exercise classes to swim lessons to recreational swimming.

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The main benefit of the system is that it breaks down the organic and inorganic nitrogen compounds in the water which are produced from swimmers' body fluids. Chlorine is still a part of the process, as salt is used to create chlorine on-site, but the concentration is less than one percent, which is not considered hazardous.

Club Fit works with Simply Water, LLC, a Houston-based company that specializes in chemical automation systems and water chemistry consulting. Simply Water had been using the system since 2002 as a solution to the problems associated with water and air quality in high volume swimming pools, in addition to the overall facility benefits and staff simplicity the system provides.

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"The bottom line is that on-site oxidant systems make water healthier to swim in," said Rick Dempsey, CEO of Simply Water. "We are decomposing the organic nitrogen compounds and completing the breakpoint mechanism of inorganic chloramines. The inorganic chloramines are the ultimate cause of the headaches, skin irritation, eye burning and respiratory difficulties that people experience in a pool environment."

Aquatics Director Revita Page said since the conversion of the pool at Briarcliff, members have been inquiring about the possibility of converting the Jefferson Valley pool. 

"They are very excited and I am excited for them," Page said.

On-site oxidant systems are becoming popular at health clubs and public facilities across the country.

"The Board of Health was very involved in both pool conversions, and careful to make sure the equipment was running smoothly and that all chemical calculations were being maintained before we opened the pools up to our members," said Clint Hodder, special projects manager at Club Fit. 

"Their stamp of approval ensured us that we were providing a safe and improved environment to our members."

Club Fit was founded in 1973, and it operates clubs in Jefferson Valley and Briarcluff Manor, and serves more than 10,000 members and their guests.


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