Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a generator

1. What is a hypochlorous acid generator?

A generator uses electricity to turn water and a salt solution into a solution containing hypochlorous acid, or HOCl. Follow the instructions for your model; recipes and settings are not interchangeable.

2. Which machine should I choose?

Start with how many liters you need each day and at your busiest time. Eco One makes 1-liter batches; Hypo 7.5 makes 7.5-liter batches; EWCO 300 is a continuous-flow system. Tell us your intended use, water quality, target concentration and available space so we can help compare options.

3. What concentration can each model produce?

4. How much does it cost to run a generator?

Buying hypochlorous acid online costs about $7 per liter. Producing it yourself with any of our machines usually costs less than $0.07 per liter. These are approximate comparisons, not a guaranteed saving. For current machine prices, refer to the product pages at https://store.hocl.com.

Water, salt and additives

5. What water should I use in Eco One?

Follow the water guidance in your Eco One manual. Distilled or purified water is an option discussed on the product page at https://store.hocl.com/ecoone/. For other machines, follow the corresponding manual at https://ewco.com/system-downloadmanual.

6. When should I add vinegar to Eco One?

Use only 5% distilled vinegar in the amount specified in the Eco One manual. Add all ingredients before starting generation. Never add vinegar after starting the machine: lowering the pH of a free chlorine solution can release chlorine gas. Do not use a pool-water smell as a test of safety. Follow the manual at https://ewco.com/system-downloadmanual.

7. How much salt do I need, and do I need proprietary capsules?

Eco One uses 2 grams of non-iodized salt for a batch at 50, 100, 200 or 500 ppm. It comes with a 1-gram spoon, so measure two spoonfuls. Add all ingredients before generation; use the cycle specified for your target concentration. Eco One does not require proprietary capsules. For other machines, use their corresponding manuals: batch and continuous-flow machines work differently.

8. What is the potassium carbonate additive for?

Potassium carbonate is used on its own in Eco One to generate a cleaner/degreaser called potassium hydroxide. It is not an additive for making hypochlorous acid: do not add it to salt or mix the two solutions. Potassium hydroxide has a negative ORP, while hypochlorous acid has a positive ORP; mixing them neutralizes their intended effects and does not make a useful solution. For making HOCl in Eco One, use only non-iodized salt and 5% distilled vinegar as directed in the manual.

9. Can I add fragrances, oils, buffers or another cleaner?

For HOCl production, Eco One’s approved additives are only non-iodized salt and 5% distilled vinegar, as directed in its manual. Potassium carbonate is used separately, on its own, for cleaner/degreaser generation as explained in Q8. Approved additives for other machines are listed in their corresponding manuals at https://ewco.com/system-downloadmanual. Do not add fragrances, oils, buffers or another cleaner outside the approved recipe, and do not add vinegar to a batch after generation has started.

Testing and troubleshooting

10. How do I check concentration and pH?

Measure free chlorine concentration with suitable test paper or a meter, and measure pH separately. Use the range and reading time specified by the test manufacturer. Concentration and pH are different measurements; one does not replace the other.

11. Can I judge strength by smell or ORP alone?

An ORP meter measures oxidation-reduction potential, an indicator of the solution’s oxidizing strength influenced by concentration, pH and temperature. Higher concentration and lower pH can increase ORP. ORP is not a direct ppm measurement or a test of a specific performance claim. Continue to measure free chlorine and pH separately; do not use smell as your concentration test.

12. My unit will not turn on, makes no bubbles or shows an error. What should I send support?

Provide the model, order reference, error message and a short video showing the problem and the power adapter label. Use the adapter intended for that unit, not one from another appliance. Do not open the housing or attempt an electrical repair.

13. What if there is an unusual strong odor, leakage or irritation?

First disconnect power to the machine, if it is safe to do so. Stop using the equipment and follow its safety instructions. Do not add chemicals to correct the problem. Contact support before restarting.

Storage and shelf life

14. How long does Eco One HOCl solution last?

Eco One HOCl has a shelf life of 90 days with under 10% concentration loss when stored in a closed, light-protected container at room temperature or cooler. This describes concentration retention, not a guarantee for every use. Test stored solution before use.

Setup, maintenance and parts

15. Where can I find my manual and setup instructions?

Choose your model at https://ewco.com/system-downloadmanual. Use that manual for setup, ingredients and operation. Contact us if the manual does not match your unit or you need help identifying it.

16. What must be ready before installing a commercial system?

For the EWCO 300, the system inflow water should have a water hardness below 80 ppm. Reverse-osmosis water is preferred for best performance; tap water is acceptable below that hardness limit. Hard water can cause scale on the cell and reduce performance over time. A 5-micron particulate feedwater filter is not required when using reverse-osmosis water; it is recommended when using well or tap water. The machine works on 110 V or 220 V and needs a room with normal ventilation. Installation over a sink or drain is practical. Installation is straightforward; use a plumber if you are not comfortable installing it yourself, and follow the manual.

17. Does the equipment need maintenance?

For batch systems, rinse the container after use. For Eco One, do not use soap or other cleaning chemicals; 5% distilled vinegar may be used separately to dissolve scale. Continuous-flow generators require no routine maintenance of the machine itself, but wear parts may need replacement over time, including plumbing parts, solenoid valves, flow sensors, peristaltic pumps and the electrolysis cell. With normal use, continuous-flow cell life is typically 5–10 years; this is not a warranty term and does not apply to Hypo 7.5’s 4,000-hour electrode specification. We stock these replacement parts. No downtime is required. A 5-micron particulate feedwater filter is not needed with reverse-osmosis water; it is recommended for well or tap water. The EWCO 300 includes a salt-additive strainer to keep salt crystals from being drawn into the tubing. Replacement strainers are sold at https://store.hocl.com; check the replacement part against your model. Continue to follow the manual’s feedwater, filter and strainer care instructions.

18. How long does the Hypo 7.5 electrode last, and is a lid included?

The Hypo 7.5 electrode life is 4,000 hours. The unit no longer comes with a lid. Electrode life is not the same thing as warranty duration.

Applications and safety

19. Do I still need to remove dirt and grease first?

Clean first, disinfect second. Remove dirt and grease before the disinfection step because organic matter deactivates HOCl. Follow the applicable solution directions; cleaning first does not replace the required concentration or contact time.

20. Can it damage metals, fabrics or other surfaces?

Hypochlorous acid is an oxidant, so it can damage metal if it’s left on the surface for a period of time. It usually won’t damage metal if you wipe it off after applying. For fabrics and other surfaces, test a small inconspicuous area before broader use.

21. Can I use generated solution on skin, eyes, wounds, animals or medical equipment?

Do not assume a generator-made solution is suitable for a personal, veterinary or medical use because another HOCl product is used that way. We do not provide medical advice or custom medical formulations. Use a product specifically intended for the application and follow its directions.

22. Is the generator registered or certified, and can I sell the solution I make?

Equipment status, a finished solution’s permitted claims and permission to sell a bottled product are separate questions. Contact us about your intended use and location before making assumptions.

Orders, warranty and business inquiries

23. Who should I contact about warranty service?

Email service@hocl.com for warranty assistance with any of our machines, including Hypo 7.5. We can help coordinate your claim. Have your model and proof of purchase ready. Coverage depends on the model’s applicable warranty.

24. How do shipping, tracking and returns work?

Please read our current Shipping & Returns policy at https://store.hocl.com/shipping-returns/ for shipping estimates, international charges, return eligibility and return instructions. Both shipping and returns are covered on that page. Contact HOCL with your order reference if you need tracking or help with an order.

25. Do you offer wholesale, distribution or affiliate arrangements?

Tell us the product, quantity, destination and proposed sales arrangement so we can review the inquiry. We do not currently have an affiliate program.

26. What comes in the box, and which extras do I need?