The Best Pool Ionizer For Keeping Your Swimming Pool Clean
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If you own a swimming pool, you want to keep it clean.
A murky pool doesn’t only look uninviting; poorly sanitized water can spread germs that make swimmers sick.
A pool ionizer is essential for some owners who want to cut back on chlorine, but it works alongside a sanitizer, not instead of one.
These little devices can be expensive, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for.
If you’re finding the information a little overwhelming, then keep reading.
I’ve found a pool ionizer that is simple to run.
All you have to do is enjoy a clean and safe swimming environment!
What Makes a Good Pool Ionizer?
You may think that any ionizer that keeps your swimming pool clean is fine. However, there are a few things you should bear in mind.
Whilst cleanliness is paramount, it’s also worth noting a few other details.
An ionizer works by adding copper and silver ions to the water to kill algae and bacteria.
Ionizers can mean you don’t need to use much chlorine, but you still need some.
Copper-silver ionization is studied as a complement to chlorine, not a replacement. In one study, pairing it with a lower chlorine level cut some disinfection byproducts.
Ionizers often float around in your pool and get the job done rather efficiently without you having to worry too much.
With the large number of pool ionizers on the market today, there are few factors for you to consider before making your purchase.
Power Source
Many pool ionizers use solar power. This will help save on batteries and means the device can work for a decent amount of time.
Generally, a swimming pool will see a fair bit of sun, but if your pool is in an usually shaded area it might be worth looking at other options.
Solar power can still work, but it may not be as effective.
Longevity
You don’t want to be replacing the ionizer frequently, nor do you want it to be too difficult to do so.
Keep an eye for long-lasting filters that are easy to replace (and ones that are relatively cheap to do so).
Copper Levels
Copper ions are themselves a chemical, and too much copper can stain pool surfaces and tint light hair green.
Use the test strips that come with your ionizer and follow the maker’s target copper range.
Algaecide Solar Power Ionizer
This Lumiére Solar Powered Technologies cleaner will not only help keep your pool clear of algae, but the maker also says it lets you cut chlorine use substantially.
This helps create a clean and safe swimming environment.
Solar technology kick-starts a small electrical current to ionize copper electrodes.
This in turn controls the growth of algae and other unwanted micro-organisms.
The copper electrode will last around two years, according to the maker, so upkeep is light.
Simply assemble the ionizer, put it in your swimming pool and you can get on with swimming and enjoying the water.
The Algaecide Ionizer will simply bob around in your pool and use the power from the sun to keep your pool crystal clear and safe.
If your pool is extra-dirty, shock and balance it first; an ionizer controls algae over time rather than clearing a green pool overnight.
The maker rates it for pools up to 35,000 gallons.
It is designed for chlorinated, saltwater, above-ground and in-ground pools.
Pros and Cons
The best thing about the Algaecide Ionizer is its ability to get the job done without much thinking and maintenance from you.
This is mostly due to the solar powered nature of the device. Copper test strips, a cleaning brush and a spare copper core have been included with it; check the current listing to confirm.
When you consider the fact that one core will last around two years, it will be a long time before you need to spend money on replacement parts.
Check the current listing for the return policy before you buy.
In Conclusion
If you’re after a pool ionizer that will keep your pool clean and sparkling with minimal upkeep, the Algaecide Ionizer is for you.
Keep a chlorine or bromine residual, test the water regularly and follow your local pool rules.
Used that way, an ionizer can help control algae and let you run less chlorine.
Sources
- Making Swimming Pools Safer: Does Copper-Silver Ionization with Chlorine Lower the Toxicity and Disinfection Byproduct Formation?, Environmental Science & Technology (via Europe PMC)
