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WHAT IS IONIZATION?
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 Origins
 The use of metals in water purification predates any scientific explanation for the phenomenon. Copper and silver vessels or water buckets containing coins, showed a remarkable tendency to keep the water free of algae in a drinkable condition for extended periods of time. This is how people coming over to the New World from Europe and in the wagon for Westward Expansion kept their water good to drink.
 The use of ionization for water purification was pioneered in the 60s by NASA. It was used as early as the Apollo missions and is also currently used on the International Space station. This technology was incorporated in development of an ionization product for introducing both copper and silver to swimming pool water.
 Copper is a well known algaecide and is commonly used to control algae in lakes and reservoirs. It is also the active ingredient in many swimming pool algaecides. A trace level of 0.2 ppm copper is typically needed to control algae commonly found in swimming pools.
 Silver and many of its compounds have unique antimicrobial properties and are commonly used in modern medicine. A level of approximately 0.015 ppm silver is used to control bacteria. Silver is also an efficient antibiotic which disease has shown no ability to develop a resistance.
Ionization Standards
In general, the swimming pool industry, health agencies and NSF International use EPA drinking water guidelines as a basis for maximum chemical levels in swimming pool water. These guidelines are currently 1.3 ppm for copper and 0.1 ppm for silver. Normal operating levels for the Coastal Pure system are less than 1/6 of these levels. Copper and silver levels which are in compliance with EPA drinking water limits should in no way infer that swimming pool water is safe to drink. 
NSF International (formerly the National Sanitation Foundation) has set standards by which copper/silver ionization systems may be tested and NSF listed. Among other items, the testing proves that the Coastal Pure system, when used with only 0.4 ppm chlorine, is as effective as 2.0 ppm chlorine.
 Both UL and CSA have very strict safety standards for electronic swimming pool products. These standards include electrical isolation safety, electrical leakage testing and 100% product subjection to high voltage to insure that no product can be compromised by voltage spikes. UL, NSF and CSA all perform unannounced inspections of our manufacturing facility to insure compliance.
It should not be inferred from testing and listing with these organizations that all ionization systems are safe and work equally well. Coastal Pure has spent considerable time and money researching manufacturer's that build product lines that perform satisfactorily and are safe.
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.
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