Pool Care Economics - Mineral Purifiers

12/3/2022

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PART III

Mineral Purifiers

Reduce the Demand & Save

Chlorine has three important jobs to do in your pool :

Killing germs
Oxidizing contaminants
Preventing algae.

What if you could reduce the need for chlorine by giving one of its jobs to another chemical?

Mineral Purifiers

Silver is used as a powerful bactericide in many products, and copper is used as a common algaecide. As water contacts these minerals, positively charged ions are released; these destroy negatively charged contaminants. And that makes these particular minerals well-suited for use as supplemental sanitizers in residential swimming pools and portable spas.

Ions at Work

Silver and copper are most effective in water in their ionic form. That means the molecules are independent from other compounds and carry a positive charge. These charged ions are attracted to negatively charged organics such as bacteria and algae. Once attached, these ionic elements destroy the organics by penetrating their cell walls.

Because the ions are unaffected by sunlight or heat, they can remain active in water for long periods. They are only removed by reacting with the organics or from splash-out. There must be a constant flow of these charged ions introduced to the water in order for this process to be effective

Sequestering agents are not necessary, since the ions are released so slowly. The cartridge contents will remain active for up to 6 months in pools and 4 months in portable spas. Some can be revived for another 6 months through the addition of a booster. Passive devices are also a perfect complement to salt-water chlorinators. They do not interfere with chlorine generation. Users find that they can turn the chlorine production rate down, making the cell last longer.

Benefits of Mineral Sanitizers

Because minerals lack the ability to oxidize dead contaminants, neither active nor passive methods eliminate the need for chlorine. The benefits of minerals are a reduction in the amount of chlorine used, and the ability to maintain a lower Free Chlorine level.

With a mineral sanitizer, you will notice at least some of the following:

No more algae
Fewer complaints about skin and eye irritations
Fewer shock treatments required
Fewer pH adjustments needed
The TDS reading does not increase as quickly

Cost

Plumb-in units generally start at around $299 but require a replacement cartridge every 6 months. These can be as high as $199.

Drop-ins start at $72 for the 6 month units. The 12 month units start at $75 for the starter plus $45 for the 6 month booster.

A Mineral Purifier enables you to maintain Free Chlorine level at only 1ppm instead of the normal 3-5ppm. This will save you at least 50% in chlorine use and cost.

Active and Passive Ionization

There are two types of devices manufactured today that accomplish this process — one using an active method and the other using a passive method.

Active-method devices create ionic silver and copper by applying a low-level direct current to electrodes that are plumbed into the filtration system. The electrodes must be replaced periodically. Additionally, the water must be tested to ensure the silver and copper levels do not rise to a point where stains may occur.

Sequestering agents are recommended with this method to prevent any possibility of staining. Popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s, they were touted as a replacement for chlorine. Due to improper installation and use, these “ionizers” never lived up to the hype.

Passive-method devices are usually what come to mind when discussing mineral sanitizers. They utilize a flow-through cartridge containing a substrate that is coated with silver or impregnated with a combination of silver and copper. The substrate is made of small pebble-sized pieces that are retained in the plastic cartridge. This cartridge can be used in a “plumbed-in” vessel or simply placed in the skimmer or pump basket.

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Newsletter Archive 2022

Pool Care Economics - Mineral Purifiers

PART III

Mineral Purifiers

Mineral Purifiers

Mineral Purifiers

Ions at Work

Benefits of Mineral Sanitizers

Cost

Active and Passive Ionization

Advice, Tutorials & DIY's

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