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Experiences with swimming pool copper ionizers?

Posted on 4/5/17 at 2:39 pm
Posted by REB BEER
Laffy Yet
Member since Dec 2010
16204 posts
Posted on 4/5/17 at 2:39 pm
Does anyone have one of these contraptions installed on their pool water system? I have all the components at work to make one and would love to cut back on the amount of chlorine and chemicals I use.

The reviews online suggest these things actually work, but I'd like to get some first hand accounts before I spend the time and effort making one.

Swimming Pool Ionizer

Posted by ChenierauTigre
Dreamland
Member since Dec 2007
34516 posts
Posted on 4/5/17 at 2:58 pm to
I don't, but a guy we know has one and he loves it.
Posted by ArkBengal
Benton, AR
Member since Aug 2004
1924 posts
Posted on 4/5/17 at 3:31 pm to
I used to sell/install them. Probably did over 50 pools. They do work. May not totally rid you of chlorine but will cut usage by 80% or more. Key thing is to maintain water balance (ph and alkalitnity/hardness) and monitor copper levels weekly.
Posted by REB BEER
Laffy Yet
Member since Dec 2010
16204 posts
Posted on 4/5/17 at 3:33 pm to
Thanks for the replies. That's exactly what I wanted to hear.
Posted by mooseofterror
USA
Member since Dec 2012
1338 posts
Posted on 4/5/17 at 3:34 pm to
Do they work? Yes and no. You need to be extremely careful checking the copper level or you will stain the hell out of your pool surface. Oh and green hair, green stained swimsuits, etc...

If your looking to reduce chemicals, look into the salt systems, they use electrolysis and salt to produce chlorine. The difference from using salt vs pool chlorine is that the salt/electrolysis process doesn't form as much Chloramines, which irritates the eyes and give pools that "chlorine" smell.
This post was edited on 4/5/17 at 3:37 pm
Posted by The Mick
Member since Oct 2010
43127 posts
Posted on 4/5/17 at 3:34 pm to
Trashy
Posted by jimbeam
University of LSU
Member since Oct 2011
75703 posts
Posted on 4/5/17 at 4:13 pm to
Great systems
Posted by Pfft
Member since Jul 2014
3667 posts
Posted on 4/5/17 at 4:37 pm to
You gonna have to give me a little something for those parts, before you just take them. Need my kick back to keep it on the down low.
Posted by Cash
Vail
Member since Feb 2005
37247 posts
Posted on 4/5/17 at 4:40 pm to
Not that you asked but I have a UV/Ozone system on my pool and love it.

A lot of the pool companies in BR are getting away from salt systems fwiw.
Posted by SlackMaster
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2009
2655 posts
Posted on 4/5/17 at 4:53 pm to
quote:

If your looking to reduce chemicals, look into the salt systems, they use electrolysis and salt to produce chlorine. The difference from using salt vs pool chlorine is that the salt/electrolysis process doesn't form as much Chloramines, which irritates the eyes and give pools that "chlorine" smell.


This is not true. All the salt systems do is manufacture clorine ions from the salt. So, you get all the things that come along with chlorine -- the smell, the eyes, etc.

Copper is amazing at inhibiting algae and definitely cuts your need for chlorine -- salt-generated or regular. I find it easier just to buy copper algaecide and put 2 oz's per week in the pool. It's cheap, works like a champ, and no equipment to buy and maintain.
Posted by SlackMaster
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2009
2655 posts
Posted on 4/5/17 at 5:00 pm to
quote:

A lot of the pool companies in BR are getting away from salt systems fwiw.


I've heard the same. They really don't save any money because you have to extend the run-time on your pump significantly in order to electrolyze enough salt to chlorine. Plus, the electrolysis units generally go bad after three years. Thus, any savings on chlorine is eaten up by electricity and the replacement costs of the unit. Plus, despite what people say, you can taste the salt in the pool.
Posted by PSU2LSU
Oxford MS
Member since Apr 2011
3144 posts
Posted on 4/5/17 at 5:15 pm to
I started using pool RX a few months ago. Can't tell if it was worth the money but it wasn't expensive.

Posted by kywildcatfanone
Wildcat Country!
Member since Oct 2012
119180 posts
Posted on 4/5/17 at 6:34 pm to
We have an above ground pool 21' round. We have used an ionizer for about 5-7 years now. Not the one from HD, but another.

Love it. Very easy to get the pool balanced, and then you just maintain with a few chemicals weekly.

I have this one: LINK


I have used the same one, just buy replacement cartridges. I usually get about a full season out of one, but that's June-September here.
Posted by ArkBengal
Benton, AR
Member since Aug 2004
1924 posts
Posted on 4/5/17 at 6:44 pm to
Not familiar with that brand, but they are fairly simple devices beyong the electronics. OP is right, need to monitor copper level weekly - too much can cause staining issues with blond hair (ask how I know) or gunite lining. Never had one stain a pool tho. I sold the Caribbean Clear brand which also had silver in the electrodes for bacteria. Electrodes usually lasted 1-3 years depending on size of pool and usage.
Posted by tiger91
In my own little world
Member since Nov 2005
36707 posts
Posted on 4/5/17 at 8:09 pm to
We have a copper ion system in the pool that was at the home that we purchased. The copper bar gets changed about 1 x per year and is $125 or so (husband sees about it).

Never have an issue with it not being clean.
Posted by magildachunks
Member since Oct 2006
32482 posts
Posted on 4/5/17 at 8:38 pm to
quote:

If your looking to reduce chemicals, look into the salt systems, they use electrolysis and salt to produce chlorine. The difference from using salt vs pool chlorine is that the salt/electrolysis process doesn't form as much Chloramines, which irritates the eyes and give pools that "chlorine" smell.



Now they are saying go back to chlorine if you salt. Salt destroys the shite out of everything.

When it's time to replace, go chlorine.
Posted by Drop4Loss
Birds Eye Of Deaf Valley
Member since Oct 2007
3864 posts
Posted on 4/5/17 at 8:47 pm to
I love these stupid posts
Ive had salt for 12 years
A bag of salt every 2 months or so
Dats it
I dont even have a chlorine check kit
It stays perfect and no it dont burn your eyseyes
Those copper thangs are marketing shite
Posted by Marco Esquandolas
Member since Jul 2013
11426 posts
Posted on 4/5/17 at 8:52 pm to
I have salt/gunnite and have done nothing but add a few bags of salt a year...that's it.
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