Pool ionizers are swimming pool maintenance equipment used to kill algae and bacteria in the water. In the process of ionization, charged silver and copper ions are introduced into the water. They kill germs and bacteria.

How pool ionizers work

Pool ionizers consist of a series of silver and copper plates that are connected to an electrical power source. When they are switched on, electrical current passes through the plates, charging them and making them release ionized particles of metal. These particles kill the microorganisms in the water. The silver ions kill bacteria, while the copper ions kill algae. Both ions must be present to keep the pool clean.

Benefits of pool ionizers

Ionizers have become popular because they are environment-friendly. Traditionally, eradicating water-living microorganisms involves the use of chlorine, but chlorine has been proven to be toxic to humans as well. Swimming in chlorinated water causes sore eyes and damaged hair. Pool ionizers are safer to use even if they have disadvantages, too, like causing hair discoloration.

Chemical treatments for pool water also present a problem in water disposal. Some chemical treatments like the use of hydrochloric acid require water replacement. Treated water is usually drained away and flows out along with the rest of the waste water. This can heavily pollute a water source especially if a community's waste water is dumped into a nearby bay, lake or river. Ionizers eliminate this problem. The silver and copper ions lose their charge overtime, becoming stable minerals that can remain in the pool water safely.

Major pool ionizer brands

Sunshine Pool Products offers several pool ionizer models. The A20 is its basic model. It only has copper plates and is suitable for the treatment of algae infestation only. The production of ions can be controlled with a polarity switch on the unit's control box. The package comes with a testing kit that checks the water's alkalinity and copper ion levels. The A20 costs $150, and it come with a one-year warranty.

The PI-E is a more advanced model. It has the same copper electrode assembly as the A20, but it comes with silver ions in a bottle. The silver ions can be poured into the pool to kill bacteria. On the other hand, the copper ions from the electrode kill algae build-up. Like the A20, the PI-E has an adjustable ion output. It can treat up to 25,000 gallons of water. The PI-E costs $220, and it comes with a five-year limited warranty.

Purple Harmony Plates sells pool ionizers that are slightly different. Instead of the typical two-prong metallic electrode, the company's basic model has decomposed granite inside it. The granite is comprised of a number of naturally-occurring elements. When they are charged, a large variety of ions is introduced into the water. The basic model costs $200, and it can purify up to 25,000 gallons of water.

Carefree Clearwater Ltd. also offers a series of pool ionizers, from the compact Model 1100 to the heavy-duty Model 1200. Both models come with a lifetime warranty, LED power indicators, and water testing kits. The Model 1100 costs $250, and it can purify up to 25,000 gallons of water. The Model 1200 costs $350, and it can purify up to 65,000 gallons of water.