Whilst there are several interpretations of the application of magnets for use in swimming pools and after reading several articles in various publications I feel it absolutely necessary to bring to notice that such treatment DOES NOT totally eliminate the need for cleaning and sanitisation chemicals in swimming pool water.

When applied correctly, magnetism can reduce the quantity of chemicals by 30 – 50%. It can also stabilize the pH of the water but you DO NEED to apply chemicals when necessary. Not to do so may put you, your family, visitors and friends at risk of infection from waterborne micro-organisms.

I recently spoke to an agent selling pool magnets for just under 100€ each (I was informed I needed at least two). I asked what they were and how did they work. I was given a flyer which stated “No More Chlorine, 100% safe”. I was informed that you just hang them in the pool and magnetism does the rest. I asked how does magnetism work and was told that - if I was to look on the internet I could get all relevant information required and I was assured that they eliminate the need of all chemicals. I visited many sites on the internet and found NOT ONE that said it replaces the need for chemicals. All websites with regards to pool magnets and the use of Chlorine and detergents stated “Reduces them YES, but totally replaces NO”.

Being a professional engineer and a Member of the Institutes of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering I have decided to bring this to the attention of those of you who may be relying on pool magnets alone and are no longer using chlorine in your pool or those of you who are considering doing so. I sincerely hope that this makes you aware that there is NO FACTUAL EVIDENCE or research which suggests magnets ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR CHEMICALS in your swimming pool, spa etc.

Without going into complex chemical formulae, biophysics and the field of electro technology, of which I have knowledge, and without inserting dozens of American patent numbers, I would like to give a short quote regarding the use and benefits of magnets and magnetic fields and their application to the management of swimming pools and, following this quote, an insight in the application of magnets and their uses.

Quote:

“A simple and effective patented magnetic water conditioner is now available for your pool, spa or hot tub by simply strapping the magnetizer on the return line to the pool, spa or hot tub. Laboratory tests prove that the magnetic effect reduces sanitizing chemical usage by 30% - 50% while stabilizing ph, thereby saving you money. The magnetizer helps to eliminate algae, keep water clean and improve the clarity of your pool or spa”

Application of magnets and their uses

Firstly, magnets MUST be installed on the RETURN LINE from the filter to the jets.

You will have noticed that I have underlined the words MUST and RETURN LINE .

Magnets installed on the return line from the filter to the inlet jets act upon the water passing through the magnetic field. I have found no scientific evidence that magnets hung on the sides of pools effect the ionising of the water. The science of magnetic application and its usage in water has been known and used in industry for a very long time, applied mainly for the reduction of scale in the water caused by the presence of Calcium Carbonate. Scaling deposits of Calcium have cost industry millions of pounds in downtime and complete loss of machinery and equipment (of which most of us ex pats know to our cost with the replacement of water heaters, washing machines and dish washers. Whilst there have been variants of applicators in high street stores for the softening and cleaning of domestic water, not much information has been forthcoming for protection in our swimming pool other than chlorine and ancillary chemicals all of which are continually increasing in cost.

A simple and, hopefully, easy explanation of a laboratory study under normal conditions is that magnetism affects biological systems and, in doing so, enhances the solubility of ions in the water thus creating a condition that enables an amount of chlorine to enter the cells of such bacteria. This increases its disinfectant properties therefore reducing the amount of chlorine that is required to destroy such bacteria thus keeping our pools bacteria free. Magnetism also breaks down the calcium by-products that cause scaling to the side of the pool so therefore consequently makes our pools safer and more pleasant to use.

Whilst the use of magnetism is beneficial, it is an applied science. The correct strength and material manufacture of magnets (as measured in Gauss and pronounced Gows) must be used. Gauss is the measurement of the number of magnetic lines produced by a magnet and the total number of lines determines its strength.  After extensive research, it is found that Neodymium is the strongest possible magnetising material available to date.

A lot of the bacteria in swimming pools is the result of urine, sweat and suntan lotion.

It is far better to allow suntan lotion to be fully absorbed into the skin, shower prior to entering the water.

The benefits of magnetic treatment are claimed to be water saving along with the reduction of scale, the suppression of chlorine volatilisation, the inhibition of microbial growth and prolonging the life of the systems component parts and hence the system itself . Magnetic treatment has been hugely successful in a range of systems such as water coolers in generating stations, industrial heat exchangers and water treatment plants for household water as just a few examples and now, after advanced study, proving to be extremely useful in the management of our swimming pools when used in conjunction with chlorine or alternative detergent.