A pool ionizer cleans your pool water by releasing copper and silver ions that neutralize contaminants. This means that you can swim in your pool without worrying about harmful chemical reactions and chlorine levels, which is crucial for those with rheumatism, asthma, etc.
Pool ionizer keeps your pool crystal clear without using too much chemicals, thanks to its mesh filters. You will also don’t have to worry too much about other problems like algae or bacteria blooms. And it’s easy to use!
So if you’re on a budget and don’t have the time or patience to deal with chemicals, then a Pool Ionizer is definitely for you! That’s right. You can enjoy swimming without worrying about the harmful effects of chemical reactions.
In this article, you’ll understand what pool ionizer is, what are its benefits and drawbacks, and other questions you want answers to. Excited? Let’s dive in.
What Is Pool Ionizer?
A pool ionizer is an electrical device that runs through electricity. It converts water into ions (positively charged particles) by running an electric current through it. The current breaks up the particles into smaller and smaller pieces, breaking it down and sanitizing your water.
How Does Pool Ionizer Work?
Pool Ionizer uses copper and silver ions to fight bacteria and algae in the water. Silver ions are more effective at eliminating bacteria, and copper ions are more effective at preventing algae.
“Copper is also known for its powerful antimicrobial properties and has been used in medicine for centuries worldwide. Most pool ionizer electrodes contain 90% or more copper and around 10% or less silver.”
Jason Hughes, pool expert.
Note: Having pool ionizers doesn't eliminate the need for chlorine or another sanitizer. Pool ionizers work slowly, so it still needs the help of sanitizers to keep your pool safe for all swimmers. Additionally, you'll also have to add an oxidizer to kill off organic contaminants.
How Much Is a Pool Ionizer?
On average, the pool ionizer will cost around $700 to $1,500+. In addition, the cell will need to be replaced every few months and years and can cost $70-$200+.
In general, pool ionizers have cheaper upfront expenditures and long-term maintenance costs than UV systems and ozone generators.
For a cheaper option, solar pool ionizers are much less costly, at around 100 to 250
The actual range depends on how often you plan to use the ionizer for your pool (bottom line – if you plan to use it a lot, expect it to be more expensive). However, the price difference is usually not too significant.
If you’ve bought an electric pool ionizer, make sure to factor in the expense for installation. If you’re not an electrician, it’s best not to DIY the installation yourself and instead let the professionals have it done for you.
How Effective Is a Pool Ionizer?
A study shows that pool ionizers, in addition to reducing algae growth, are efficient in removing germs and dangerous pathogens from the water.
In the study, when used together with low levels of chlorine, ionizers were more successful at keeping pools sanitized than greater levels of chlorine used alone. Additionally, it was discovered that copper and silver ions have long-term residual disinfection activity, which helps maintain the pool safer even after the chlorine has dispersed in the water.
Can Pool Ionizers Last for Years?
Yes, pool ionizers may survive for many years if properly maintained, and the cells are replaced regularly. Most pool ionizer cells have a lifespan of several months to many years but must be changed when the electrodes fail.
The ionizer is made out of durable materials that can withstand harsh conditions and harsh UV light. However, to extend the life of your ionizer, inspect the components regularly and clean any scale deposits on the electrodes if you have hard water.
Pool Owners Commonly Found Problems Using Pool Ionizer
While pool ionizers provide several benefits, they may also pose issues for pool owners. The following are the primary concerns you may have if you choose a pool ionizer over other additional sanitizing systems.
May Cause Pool Staining
A pool stain is a discoloration on the surface of the water that often appears in circular patterns. This is usually caused by a wrong configuration of the ionizer, causing the release of too many ions in the water..
This can also occur if the source water contains metals. Using a metal sequestering product may be counterproductive since it might neutralize the benefits of your ionizer. Still, you can use a filter when replenishing or topping up your pool to minimize the presence of extra metals in the water.
If you see stains on the surface of your pool, the best course of action is to act quickly. Allowing stains to sit longer will make them more difficult to remove.
May Cause Hard Water
If you have troubles with hard water, you’ll need to add an extra step to your pool maintenance regimen to remove any scale deposits that have formed on the electrodes of your ionizer. By doing this task regularly, you may extend the longevity of your pool ionizer and ionizer cell.
It Can Be Slow-Acting
Ionizers can take several hours to become effective in a pool, highlighting the need to use another sanitation alternative to assist your ionizer in ensuring that your pool is safe for swimming.
Remember that the larger your pool and the greater the volume of water in it, the longer the ionization process may take.
Bacteria May Build Resistance
According to PHTA Recreational Water Quality Committee, when copper is primarily added to the pool, certain bacteria can acquire resistance to them. This would significantly reduce the ionizer’s effectiveness and would need the addition of alternative sanitizers to your pool water.
Solar Ionizers Are Inconsistent
A floating solar pool ionizer will continue to operate as long as sunshine is available to power it. If you live in a neighborhood where the skies are frequently cloudy, or if you want to keep your pool covered while it is not in use, you might want to consider an electric ionizer instead.
Pool Ionizers Advantages and Drawbacks
Pool ionizers are beneficial in many ways to your pool. But you need to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages to decide whether to invest in one. Here I have noted some of the positive features of pool ionizers and some of their less advantageous components.
Pool Ionizer Benefits
Less Chlorine and Reduced Skin and Eye Irritation
Suppose you are a pool user who has been directly affected by chlorine or bromine-related skin and eye irritations. If that’s the case, chances are you may have already invested in a pool ionizer.
This is because these types of water purification systems have been proven to drastically reduce the amount of chlorine and bromine available in your pool water, which means you will experience much less irritation when swimming in your pool.
Reduced Wear and Tear on Pool Equipment
The chemicals used in traditional water softening systems, which are added to the pool each day, will eventually corrode and wear away your pool equipment. But because ionizers make the water softer, your pool equipment will not get beaten up by the effects of harsh chlorine exposure.
Better Circulation and Swimming Water Quality
The greater the circulation in your water, the more oxygen you can breathe in while swimming. When more oxygen is present in the water, there is less stress on the body which means less skin irritation and discomfort.
In addition to this, pool ionizers also increase swimming water quality due to their ability to stabilize chlorine levels within a certain degree.
Pool Ionizer Drawbacks
Higher Operating Costs
Once you’ve purchased an ionizer, that’s it. There are no cartridges to replace, and there are no supplies to keep track of. However, because you still need to supplement with chlorine and ensure that you are shocking the water frequently, you may spend more money.
However, I only see this happening if you have a large pool that many swimmers frequently visit or are negligent in maintaining the pools’ chemical and chemistry monitoring.
Ionizers Doesn’t Eliminate the Need for Chlorine
It’s absolutely necessary to add chlorine or other sanitizing alternatives to assist your ionizer in maintaining the pool healthy.
Ionizers May Cause Pool Staining
When the copper and silver in the water oxidize, it can have the potential to discolor your pool’s surfaces. For example, copper may leave greenish stains on pool surfaces, whereas silver can react with sunlight or shocks to create black stains on a plaster pool’s interior, which can be difficult to remove.
Conclusion
Suppose you want to reduce the amounts of pool chemicals, whether to make the water softer on skin, hair, and eyes or because you are sensitive to harsh chemicals like chlorine, an ionizer is an excellent alternative for your swimming pool.
Take a look at the articles below to learn how you can worry less about your pool. To read all of our articles, please visit our website. With these articles, you will find answers to all your pool questions. Have fun swimming!
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