Substances to keep out #
Hydraloop devices are designed to efficiently treat lightly contaminated greywater, like water from showers and baths. Hydraloop uses a natural, biological treatment process.
To ensure optimal performance, it’s important to avoid certain substances that can impact the system.
A general rule of thumb is to only use biodegradable soap, shampoo, detergent and cleaning materials. And don’t use too much of them.
What to keep out #
The following items can negatively influence the cleaning performance of a Hydraloop device:
- Bleach
- Strong chemical non-biological cleaners
- Fats and oils
- Paints and solvents
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Motor oil and high amount of lubricants
- High amounts of pharmaceuticals and personal care products
- High amounts of body fluids or excretion
- High amounts of large particles or debris (sand/soil)
- High amounts of massage oils, shampoos or selfcare products
The next page describes the reasons why this should not enter the Hydraloop.
Reasons why #
Bleach
While great for cleaning, high concentrations can harm the biological activity in the system. Avoid introducing water with chlorine concentrations above 1 ppm. If needed, use the Hydraloop app to activate the bypass option.
Strong chemical non-biological cleaners
Harsh cleaning agents with strong chemicals, like oxidizers (in some bathroom cleaners and general cleaners), can disrupt the biological processes in the system.
Fats and oils
Kitchen fats and oils can clog the system and create blockages in the system or barriers between the greywater and the treatment process.
Paints and solvents
Chemicals in paints and solvents may be harmful to the biological processes occurring in the bioreactor.
Pesticides and herbicides
These chemicals can negatively impact the microbial communities responsible for treating water in the bioreactor.
Motor oil and lubricant
These substances can clog the treatment system, affecting both the process and the quality of the reusable water.
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products
Certain substances in pharmaceuticals and personal care products may not be effectively treated in greywater systems, potentially affecting the biological treatment process.
Large particles or debris
Items that could damage the system or impede its operation, like excessive amounts of sand or gravel, should be kept out. If you intend to connect your Hydraloop device to showers in an outside pool area, make sure to install a sand filter that avoids larger amounts of sand to enter the device.
Body fluids or excretion
While Hydraloop can handle small amounts of body fluids, large amounts (more than 250 mL during an average shower) should not be intentionally introduced. This includes vomit and blood.
Massage oils, shampoos, and selfcare products
Excessive disposal of these products through the shower drain can affect the system’s performance. As an indicator: do not empty a quarter (1/4) bottle of product in the shower drain.
Note: if you want to use these substances in the shower, you can always activate the Bypass Mode in the Hydraloop app. That way, the substances do not enter the Hydraloop device and are disposed directly into the sewer.