|
How
does it work?
A safe low voltage DC current like that of
several flashlight batteries is passed through a set of predominantly
copper and silver electrodes. As the water passes through the sealed
chamber, metallic ions are generated to purify the water. The microscopic
action of the ions with the algae and bacteria are twofold. First,
the algae, bacteria and viruses are destroyed through a change in
their enzyme or DNA replication processes. Secondly all these charged
particles flock together and they are more effectively pulled out
by the filter. The ions stay in solution until they are used up
by this process. Since the water is being sanitized automatically,
it is only necessary to test the ion level every couple of weeks.
This sure beats the daily chore of testing and dosing dangerous
chemicals.
Of course maintaining regular water balance is required no matter
what sanitizer you use. A benefit of ionization is that it is pH
neutral (balanced) and therefore doesn't have a negative effect
on water balance.
An
ionizer keeps the water safe and sanitary by killing the algae and
bacteria. Occasionally though you will need to oxidize the dissolved
organics like nitrogen and ammonia compounds. When the water becomes
dull, it's time to oxidize. This is far superior to a chlorinated
pool or spa which you must shock with 10 or more times the combined
chlorine reading in order to achieve breakpoint chlorination. This
is necessary to break apart the nasty and smelly chloramines or
the pool and spa will not be safe and sanitary.
Problems
with chlorine.
90% of unstabilized chlorine is used up on a hot sunny day and this
is why cyanuric acid or conditioner is used to slow down the chlorine
dissipation. There is a lot of controversy over the effects of cyanuric
acid. The health authorities will shut down and drain a commercial
pool if the cyanuric acid level exceeds 100 ppm. For a chlorinated
pool the recommended level of cyanuric acid is 30 - 50 PPM
But
why use questionable chemicals when the mineral ions continue to
sanitize the water and are not affected by heat, sunlight and wasted
like chlorine is. This long term residual effect is one of ionization’s
strongest attributes. It lasts and lasts.
An appeal of ionizers is that government agencies are continuing
to increase the restrictions and controls on the manufacture, sale
and use of chemicals employed in pool and spa sanitation. If a time
comes, for example, when it is no longer possible to buy and use
certain sanitizers, ionizer systems may fill the void. This, in
fact, almost happened in 1988 when Article 80, a new fire code,
restricted the use, storage, and handling of chlorine, a Class III
Oxidizer and Pesticide was proposed. The fire hazards of chlorine
compounds are real and unfortunately well documented. Not surprisingly,
a major lobbying effort by chemical companies got the bill amended
as it would have severely threatened retail sales of chlorine.
|
