Pool Rx vs. Ionizer

What’s the difference between Pool Rx and pool ionizers? Which one is best for you? Read on.

Mineral System Overview

Both Pool Rx and pool ionizers are types of ‘Mineral Systems.’ Mineral Systems are ‘alternative sanitizers’ that use natural minerals instead of chemicals to maintain clean, clear water in pools and hot tubs. While mineral systems are not a replacement for chlorine or bromine, they reduce the requirement for these harsh chemicals. They also reduce the time and cost required to maintain high-quality, enjoyable water to swim and soak in.

The result for Pool Rx and pool ionizers is the same, but the methods for achieving it differ.

Pool Rx Overview

Pool Rx is a chemical delivered to your pool using a small plastic container placed in the pool skimmer or pump basket. Several varieties deliver varying quantities of copper, zinc, and/or silver by dissolving material into the water. The dissolved material builds up a residual in the pool water and releases minerals, which help control algae and bacteria in the water.

Pool Rx costs from around $50 to $99, depending on the variety you choose and the size of your pool. A single container will last up to 6 months before it needs to be replaced.

The Pool Rx formula uses a chemical bonding method called chelation to ‘wrap’ the mineral ions so that they are less reactive. This minimizes the risk of the minerals ‘plating’ or collecting on pool surfaces, which can cause staining. However, it decreases the effectiveness, so a high concentration of minerals is needed to react with contaminants.

Pool Rx has a long history and a large customer base. Both homeowners and pool professionals use it to keep algae away and reduce chemical requirements.

Pool Ionizer Overview

There are two types of pool ionizers: solar and inline. Inline ionizers have been around since the 1980s, whereas solar ionizers appeared in the 2010s. Both systems use a combination of copper, zinc, and/or silver to fight algae and bacteria in the water.

Solar Pool Ionizer

Solar pool ionizers float in the pool and use the sun to energize an anode submerged in the water. The charged anode slowly releases mineral ions into the water, which attract algae and bacteria cells and kill them. Most solar ionizers are copper only.

Solar ionizers became very popular in the 2020s because they are cost-effective, easy to use, and make a noticeable difference in swimming pools’ clarity and chlorine requirements.

They cost between $79 and $149, including the replaceable anode, which lasts around 6 months. Replacement anodes sell for around $20.

Remington Solar Pool Ionizer — Solar Pool Ionizer

Inline Pool Ionizer

Inline pool ionizers are hooked into the pool’s filtration system. A mineral cell is plumbed using a tee and plugged into an electrical controller. The controller uses standard 120V or 240V power to energize the mineral cell and release minerals. Inline ionizers can be copper only or any combination of copper, zinc, and silver.

Inline pool ionizers have been around since the 80s and were spun off from a NASA technology transfer program. The technology was developed during the Apollo space program to purify drinking water on space missions.

Today, various inline pool ionizers are designed for above-ground and inground pools. Depending on the capacity, features, and manufacturer, they range in price from $199 to $999.

Mineral Lion Pool Ionizer — Inline Pool Ionizer

Pool Rx Pros and Cons

Pool Rx Benefits

There are several benefits to the Pool Rx method of pool ionization:

Reduces chlorine requirement by 50-80%
No plumbing or electrical installation required
Easy to administer into the pool
The chemical chelation process makes it less likely for mineral buildups and staining

Pool Rx Drawbacks

Must be sized correctly, or excess material will collect on the pool floor and surfaces, which can stain
Must run the pump constantly after adding to disperse the minerals; otherwise could get concentrated plumes of minerals and staining
There is no way to adjust the output levels for your specific pool and requirements
Can’t test the levels
Not compatible with bromine
An influx of minerals can clog the filter, requiring additional backwashing
It needs to be replaced every 6 months with no indication of how much life is left
Not a replacement for chlorine or bromine

Solar Pool Ionizer Pros and Cons

Solar Pool Ionizer Benefits

Compatible with both chlorine and bromine
Reduces chlorine requirement
Easy to deploy – just throw it into the pool
Can test for copper and remove the system from the water if the level is too high
Low cost

Solar Pool Ionizer Drawbacks

It doesn’t work well in areas with sparse sunlight
A plastic panel that is always floating around in the pool
It is hard to maintain the mineral levels recommended by the EPA
Requires weekly cleaning of the copper anode, which is messy and time-consuming
Many systems available online are cheaply made and don’t last
Not a replacement for chlorine or bromine

Inline Pool Ionizer Pros and Cons

Inline Pool Ionizer Benefits

Compatible with both chlorine and bromine
Reduces chlorine or bromine requirement by 50-80%
Installed inline so it is out of the way
It uses 100% elemental minerals – no chemical additives
Can test for mineral levels and adjust as needed
Allow you to adjust settings for pool size and usage
Mineral cells can last 12 months or longer

Inline Pool Ionizer Drawbacks

It must be plumbed in and requires a power connection
This can lead to an overdose of minerals if testing is not performed regularly
It is more expensive up front than Pool Rx or solar ionizers
Not a replacement for chlorine or bromine

Recommendations

For the lowest cost option, the solar pool ionizer is the best, as long as you don’t mind spending 30 minutes a week cleaning the anode, and the floating panel doesn’t bother you.

The inline pool ionizer is the most advanced and configurable option, with the least maintenance, but it has a higher upfront price tag.

Pool Rx is a proven option used by pool professionals. If deployed correctly, it is carefree.