Solar-powered pool ionizers have become popular over the past few years. Do they actually work? How do they work? Read on for the answers.
What is a Solar Pool Ionizer?
A solar pool ionizer is an electrical device that uses the sun’s power to generate an electrical current passed over a copper anode submerged in the water. The circulating current slowly releases charged copper ions into the water, which react with and kill microorganisms in the water, such as algae and bacteria.
What does a Solar Pool Ionizer do?
As copper ions build up in the water, algae can’t flourish. Copper is one of the best-known algaecides and has been used in the pool industry for decades to control algae growth. This allows you to reduce the chlorine concentration because there is less work for the chlorine to do.
Although solar pool ionizers do not normally maintain the copper level that the EPA recommends, they definitely help to kill algae and keep the water clear. It’s obvious from the thousands of Amazon reviews from satisfied customers that they work.
What are the Problems with Solar Pool Ionizers?
Solar pool ionizers are not very powerful, especially if they are not in constant sun. They don’t work well in shady areas, screened-in rooms, or locations that don’t get much sun. This means that they don’t always produce enough copper to be effective.
Solar pool ionizers also require extensive maintenance. This video illustrates the amount of work needed to clean the anode weekly. It is messy and time-consuming work that will make you wonder if it’s worth the low cost or chemical savings.
Many solar pool ionizers are poorly made and don’t last long.
Solar pool ionizers only work if they are floating around in the pool. This can be distracting or irritating to swimmers.
What are some Solar Pool Ionizer Alternatives?
Several copper-based methods for controlling algae and other technologies allow you to reduce the chlorine requirements. The most similar alternative is inline pool ionizers. These also use copper (along with silver and zinc in some cases) to control algae and bacteria. Inline systems are plumbed into the pool plumbing and powered by your main power. This means they are out of the way of swimmers and work in all sun conditions. The mineral cell is self-cleaning, which saves time and the mess of weekly cleaning required for solar pool ionizers.
Learn more about solar pool ionizers
Learn more about inline ionizers
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