Ensuring water clarity in one of the world’s largest ocean pools

Thu, 26 Aug 2021

Ensuring water clarity in one of the world’s largest ocean pools

"To avoid future corrosion and costly downtime,
CIMAI chose Waterco’s reinforced fibreglass filters and
injection moulded thermoplastic pumps."

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is one of the world's largest saltwater pools that relies on Waterco technology to maintain crystal clear swimming conditions.

Situated on Praia Grande in the Portuguese Riviera, the Arribas Sintra Hotel features an impressive 100-meter length saltwater pool filled directly from the sea. Built in 1966, it has since become an iconic landmark and was even used as a location for U2’s 2004 DVD version of their hit single ‘Vertigo’.

The pool consists of two areas: one for children, with a depth up to 0.65 meters and the other for adults, with a depth between 0.80 meters and 3.95 meters.

While the spectacular location provides swimmers with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the corrosive coastal environment does compromise equipment.

Despite carrying out a regular maintenance programme on the mild steel filters, continued contact with seawater caused the pool’s filters, pumps and metallic components to rust. Consequently, maintaining consistent water clarity and quality for guests had become virtually impossible.

“The entire system was inefficient due to being full of rust,” explains CIMAI’s Technical Supervisor Mario Alves. “This led to the whole technical area needing urgent intervention.”

Ongoing contact with seawater caused the pool's filters, pumps and metallic components to rust.

Considered Portugal’s leading chemical product developer and producer, CIMAI looked for alternative equipment to achieve the following results:

•   Resolve current issues with water quality
•   Improve the recirculation of pool water
•   Increase circulation efficiency and flow rate
•   Solve existing technical issues

“We did consider a range of brands but found the thickness of the filter walls were inferior and all had metal parts in contact with water, which meant within time the issue of corrosion would repeat itself,” says Mario.

Waterco’s sea-worthy solutions

To avoid future corrosion and costly downtime, CIMAI chose Waterco’s reinforced fibreglass filters and injection moulded thermoplastic pumps to replace the antiquated equipment — all of which are free of metal parts and therefore ideal for use in saltwater installations.

Consequently, the swimming pool underwent a complete refurbishment in 2019, which involved replacing the original steel filters with five side mounted SMDD2350 fibreglass wound filters designed and engineered by Waterco.

“Manufactured from the highest grade of non-corrosive materials and utilizing the latest in fibreglass winding technology, Micron fibreglass filters are designed and built for many years of trouble-free operation,” explains Waterco Europe Sales Director Jo Ainsworth.

CIMAI chose Waterco’s reinforced fibreglass filters and injection moulded thermoplastic pumps to replace the antiquated equipment.

Waterco’s digitally controlled machine winds continuous strands of high-quality fibreglass filament under controlled tension to create a seamless one-piece vessel with refined consistency and superior quality. There are no welds or seams or special tank linings which can corrode or electrolyse.

“For this installation, we upgraded the vessels with Titanium hardware that is resistant to the aggressive sea water environment,” says Jo. “Waterco’s Hydrostar Plus 7.5kW pumps upgraded with silicone carbide seals suitable for sea water were also installed.”

Waterco's Hydrostar Plus 7.5kW pumps upgraded with silicone carbide seals are ideal for sea water installations.

Reliable, durable commercial filtration systems

Waterco manufactures reliable, robust water filters and pumps that are easy to maintain,” adds Mario. “Crystal clear water quality, reduced electricity bills and no corrosion — these are just some of the benefits of installing Waterco’s Micron Fiberglass Filters and Hydrostar Plus Pumps.”