Ionization process

 

Short Version

Ionization occurs when the water in your pool flows over a copper/silver anode with a low electric charge. This adds copper/silver to the water molecule. Copper/Silver prevents algae growth and kills bacteria. With NO Chemicals. This is a photo of what a new and used anode look like. Anodes are designed to be sacrificial and periodically need replacing.

 

 

 

Long Version

Ionization systems are based on NASA’s technology to electronically release copper and silver ions into the water to destroy bacteria and algae—which are then filtered out. Unlike chlorine, the ions are not affected by heat and sunlight and are very stable. The ionization technology substantially reduces the demand for chlorine so that fewer chloramines are formed and fewer chemicals are consumed. This cuts down on undesirable side effects realized in your pool, such as ruined bathing suits, burning eyes, chlorine smell and bleached or dry skin and hair. It also extends the life of your pool equipment.

 

Ions pose no health risks. Chlorine is a pesticide that can react chemically with organic materials in water to form a class of carcinogenic substances called trihalomethanes.

 

Numerous independent laboratory tests from NASA, health departments and universities, and many years of field testing have confirmed the exceptional sanitizing ability of copper/silver ionization. Studies further show that using a combination of copper and silver can be effective against E. coli, Pseudomonas, Legionella Pneumophila (Legionnaires’ disease), Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Salmonella and other pathogens—some of which have proven to be resilient even to high levels of chlorine.

 

Coastal Pure's automated water purification ionizers employ a safe, low direct current, like that of several common household batteries, that passes through a set of copper and silver alloy electrodes. As the water supply flows through the ionizers’ sealed chamber, metallic ions are generated to purify the water. When these ions encounter bacteria and algae, they destroy them through an alteration in their enzyme processes. All of the charged particles then flock together, only to be pulled out by a filter. The ions uphold a stable sanitizer residual until they are completely used up by this process.

 

Ionization Technology

 

Ionization is a simple process in which a small electrical voltage is applied between two copper/silver alloy electrodes. The resulting current flow causes metal ions to be deposited into the water. Ionization may be thought of as an automatic feeder in which the output of copper and silver can be easily increased or decreased as needed. A copper test kit is provided to allow verification of the correct copper level. Coastal Pure systems are based on constant current control which offers the most accurate delivery of copper and silver over the widest range of water chemistry.

 

During the process of ionization, metal is lost from one electrode while charged ions are attracted to the other. This results in the depletion of one electrode and the fouling of the other. By alternating electrode polarity, Coastal Pure's systems allows both electrodes to be used efficiently while providing a degree of self cleaning.

 

Electrode life will depend on pool size, water conditions, swimmer loading, weather and many other factors. Although electrodes have been reported to last up to 7 years, most pool owners should expect the electrodes to last 1 to 3 years.

 

Unlike other common water treatment methods, copper and silver offer very strong residuals which are not affected by sunlight, heat or time. During peak days of intense sun and heat or throughout the winter while the pool is closed , copper and silver will remain in the water. Only as algae, microorganisms or other organic debris are introduced into the water will the copper and silver be consumed and flushed from the pool.