Real talk about copper pool ionizers: the good, the bad, and the algae!

[@SavingGreen]

Do you manage your pool yourself or hire a professional?

[@grapplerguy2007]

if you dont know lsi then hire pool pro. Ive had to remove 20 years of calcium scale before on 100 linear feet . no fun :)

[@adriancampbell8310]

Myself.

[@acesupsilver1039]

my Remington works great now for 11 months. ( 1 tab chlorine per week)

[@TheTimrodlady]

Been using an ionizer for about 4 years in an above ground. Started with the Floatron brand. Had great luck and no staining. Keeps my pool clear and I add no chemicals except chlorine tabs in a floater. Does take a little maintenance but worth it.

[@Dano896]

Same going on 4 years no problems

[@organicvids]

What you using?

[@adriancampbell8310]

I got rid of my salt system that rusted everything out, and 5 years ago I got a clear Blue Mineral Ionizer, I love it.

[@SavingGreen]

glad it's working!

[@Hundert1]

Hallo dear truth, honest, intelligent person. How have you been? We gotta beware cuz there are so many clever scammers out there selling anything to get rich. What's new regarding your copper silver ionization systems? What's the latest news regarding advancement with pool purification systems? Have our wonderful hardworking scientists developed an even healthier and even less expensive purification system than copper silver ionization? Thank you so very much. Best regards and have a wonderful summer season 🍉🌞🌳🍊🥭

[@acesupsilver1039]

One thing to know is that Silver is an Anti-bacterial . Our ancestors were well aware, hence Silverware. Quite often used in the Medical field.

[@harivney]

I have been using one for years and have no problems with a tablet floater. Thanks for the video

[@SavingGreen]

Great to hear! I agree for most people they should work out if you are careful with chlorine.

[@carlospasos5432]

The problem is when you don't keep it away from jets or the skimmer it's gotta be somewhere where there's barely any flow

[@SeanFitz-vo4fm]

Good discussion. However, at 14'45, the guest states "tablets are ok", and acknowledges that tablets contain stabilizer. This completely contradicts the chart shown at about 14:00 which states to keep stabilizer at 0. Did I miss something? Also, for the "3 pools which suffered black streaks" on the floor, Do we know what type of construction (Plaster, painted, fiberglass, liner, etc) these pools are made of? Perhaps the some types of surfaces are more susceptible to this?

[@TheMarcosdeo]

I have one that I have purchased online here in Australia. Its called Midion. Works great, even if you want to keep your chorinator, the ionizer is a great preventative for the winter months.

[@johnboylong40]

I bought one and have it in. I think this may be great for our pond where we don’t use chlorine at all but algae an be an issue.

[@SavingGreen]

Nice! Hope it works out for you :)

[@davehimlin2374]

did you use it yet and does it work well ?

[@richk5350]

This video is a bit old and there are no current comments, but I thought I would see if anyone is still viewing and has the same experience I have. Put a solar ionizer in our fiberglass pool, which uses a salt chlorinator. I removed the chlorinator for the winter months and put in a floating chlorine tablet dispenser. I have been checking the chlorine level weekly and it seems that the ionizer is surprisingly keeping the chlorine level up (preventing algae growth). I stopped adding chlorine tablets and the level is still high. I am not promoting the ionizer, but interested in determining if anyone has gotten the same beneficial resutlts.

[@wildaberrios2610]

We’ve had a ionizer for over 5 years. The first few years all was well, but now we have horrible stains. Hubby had used liquid algae killer and I think that’s what’s caused it.but living here in florida of course It gets super hot and humid and lots it rain during the hurricane season so heWas trying to prevent it as well as once orTwice Only in those 5 years or more we actually had algae. (Since we started Using the ionizer.) water is beautifully clear. We wanted to stay away from so much usage of chemicals so often because our grandson uses the pool over the summer and we anted to protect his skin.

[@tellydad]

I am just not sure any more what to do. I was excited about adding an ionizer, now i dont know if it makes sense. Chlorine is very costly now, but extra work for ionizer discourages me, and the staining issue is big.

[@SavingGreen]

Hi David, do you manage your own pool or have help? As long as you keep an eye on the pH, could be worth a try. staining is a small risk with the ionizers, but it is reversible should it occur…

[@tellydad]

@@SavingGreen i manage it on my own. there is another product called pool rx you might want to look at, i called them and they said staining is not an issue with them. (it goes in the skimmer). I think I will try that first.

[@SavingGreen]

Sounds great! I’ll check it out, thanks

[@defaultHandle1110]

Swimfresh. They have a cell and control panel. Ozone, collloidal silver and copper is what they use. No chlorine. Check them out. Never tried but I’d like to

[@JenniferMathewslive2]

I've had a Caribbean Clear for 35 years. I have switched to a solar Ionizer because Caribbean Clear doesn't service my area any longer. This $149 Ionizer I got from Amazon works as well as the expensive Caribbean Clear!

[@eckdoggie]

Great video! thank you Paul for sharing the wisdom!

[@SavingGreen]

Thanks so much! I’ll pass this along to Paul :)

[@mathewjacob3382]

Great Video and very relevant for me. We have a new pool in central florida that is just a month old and I have started to use the ionizer since week 2. I have not shocked the pool yet but do use the inline chlorination. Based on water testing that I did looks like my chlorine levels are on the higher side, I am planning to reduce it. I try to keep the PH low 7.2-7.4 .

[@SavingGreen]

Best of luck, Matthew! hope you’re enjoying the pool :).

[@ferk9331]

What do you use for chlorine? Tablets or líquid?

[@robertwadas]

Just add baking powder to lower your chlotine.. $12

[@danielsanner8326]

Awesome video guys! Thanks

[@fatu1738]

Why aren't you posting anymore? I just discovered your channel. Please make more videos. Our economy needs your research and tips.

[@SciaticaDrums]

I have to get one of these, been watching videos. Using way too much liquid chlorine because my CYA level is up because of my auto-chlorinator and the tabs. If I get one of these I can set that on super low and my pool will be perfect.

[@natethetoe386]

Why use this. It is just putting copper in the water? Why not use a Copper sulfate with stain prevention (an algicide). Same thing right?

[@SavingGreen]

Pretty much, this is supposed to titrate out slowly. Intended to be easier to control for most people

[@dranamarie]

Has anybody had discoloration with these ionizers when using them in an above ground pool because above ground pools are typically plastic I’m wondering if there will be any discoloration

[@guitarq359]

I saw a comment on another video that said these ionizers are better suited for pools with liners - I wonder if his customers that had staining had concrete or vinyl? Sounds like for an individual consumer with a vinyl liner this is potentially still a great product.

[@SavingGreen]

Great point!

[@Grimgrak1]

Why not just use liquid copper to prevent staining?

[@silliegirlie1]

Thank you for the info. It's so hard finding anything more on the Remington. I didn't know if I can use phosphate remover or muriatic acid with it floating in the water. Do you know if the metals get too high, if Metal out will help bring it down?

[@SavingGreen]

MetalOut and similar agents are designed to help with copper deposition, yes. Thanks!

[@silliegirlie1]

@SavingGreen Okay great! Thank you. I'm a new pool owner and was wondering if you knew what I can use to treat hard water and calcium build up on my salt cell, that won't take out the copper or mess with the remington in my pool?

[@kymd9386]

I was hoping to use this. I got a new copper kit to put on the solar disc since the old one left from previous owner was yucky/broken. So now looks new, but concerned with using it. Can I just put it in my pool when I feel like algae is starting to happen and remove it when is clears up? Will it clear it like that? I’d like to use occasionally & maybe that will even prevent that black stains escaping the return which thinking backI noticed the end of last year shooting out the return but thought it just needed another backwash 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@SavingGreen]

I think a stop/go strategy isn’t a bad one. It takes a few days to disperse the copper to appropriate levels, but with some close monitoring this might work well!

[@segelnnatur2022]

Fascinating video, thanks Paul. Any ideas about in-line copper-silver mineral ionization systems? Anything to avoid expensive UV, or those toxic & expensive full chlorine and salt water ( salt generated chlorine) pools. Thank you 👍

[@SavingGreen]

Hi Segeln, I asked Paul about this. Very interesting question! He doesn't have a lot of personal experience with copper-silver systems, but generally silver can be used (as is Copper) in medical capacities for antimicrobial effects. So I would assume these systems still have the same limitations of the Cu only ionizers. I researched these a bit and it seems they're used mainly in larger, commercial capacities as in-line, as you said. Not sure if they are scaled down or appropriate for smaller pools.

[@jmackinjersey1]

I realize this video is a few years old, but I am wondering if you have any follow up to this. Also, I have heard that the best practice with these devices is to have it in the pool for 6 to 8 weeks, then remove it for a week or two and then replace it and continue the cycle, or adjust the in/out durations, and this is going to eliminate the staining. Any word on that?

[@crissyhutto8409]

I've seen where someone put a chunk of copper pipe in the skimmer basket, no electricity just the metal in the skimmer basket and it seems to work? is this a viable option versus the ionization?

[@hyperqbit7246]

Would a UV Light be better, like the ones in fishtanks?

[@alex26i]

They sell for pools.. wok great….

[@alex26i]

I use a mineral filter for a few days.. remove it and done..

[@imaginarydreamz7794]

I just cut a copper pipe and put it in my skimmers. Works perfect and gets rid of all algae.

[@SavingGreen]

Oh wow! amazing that it works without any voltage from the solar cell. Did you measure Cu levels?

[@evergreennj9630]

Really just like that?

[@Dara-ih6jq]

Lol that definitely does not work. It’s a stupid trend on TikTok and uneducated people believe everything they see on tin tok, so now a bunch of knuckleheads are running around telling people to do it, and a bunch of people are doing it because that’s how sheep work.

[@Hundert1]

Hallo dear truth, honest, intelligent person. How have you been? We gotta really beware cuz there are so many clever scammers out there trying to sell anything to get rich. What's new regarding your copper silver ionization systems? What's the latest news regarding advancement with pool purification systems? Have our wonderful hardworking scientists developed an even healthier and even less expensive purification system than copper silver ionization? Thank you so very much. Best regards and have a wonderful summer season 🍉🌞🌳🍊🥭

[@lisanixon9284]

If your a pool vendor, save labor at the pool site by swapping out one for a clean one. Clean them off site. And explain to owners proper ways to use.

[@randalldellwo6365]

I wonder: What are the long term effects of copper exposure to the Human body? Is it less harmful than the chlorine?

[@jfnwjnowngowjrn]

tons of people's houses are piped in copper and they bathe and drink that water for their lifetimes without any known effects

[@jl3268]

Copper is not dangerous.

[@mapools777]

Can you use ascorbic acid to remove stains in a pool with a copper system in it?

[@SavingGreen]

Hi Jasmine, most agents use HEDP (Hydroxyethylidene Diphosphonic Acid) as the active ingredient in metal sequestrants. It may also be listed as 1-Hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid. Paul says he's used ascorbic acid in several pools. It made the pools cloudy for several weeks and only worked a little on removing stains. A “wet acid wash” is more advantageous. Wet acid wash is using muriatic acid in large amounts, to remove metal stains. If a heater is in place with copper elements, one must take precautions.

[@greghackney8437]

I've used acsorbic acid several stained pools, never an issue it does require shocking next day or so.

[@organicvids]

9:34 whaat chlorine drives copper into walls?

[@chastinmills5861]

Awesome info ty

[@claytondjuran8459]

Wondering about using this to reduce the pump run time on my pool with a Salt Water chlorinator . For acceptable chlorine levels I run my salt chlorinator at 80% for 8 hours and spend a small fortune on electricity ( Pool is in full sun - Caribbean location) What would be the sweet spot for this setup? Salt Chlorinator percentage vs Chlorine (test strip) level vs pump run time ?

[@jmackinjersey1]

Get a multi-stage/speed pump. We got one a few years back and it paid for itself in electricity savings in less than 18 months. Ours is made by Jacuzzi, bought through Leslie's. They included installation for the price we paid. I don't know if that was a promotional deal or if they still offer that special. Regardless, it is definitely worth it. It has a programable and manual controller. When the pump comes on in the morning, it runs at full speed for about 5 minutes to prime the pump and system. Then it drops down to level one, the lower setting, and then runs for 12 hours and turns off. However, you can program it to run at either the preset RPM range or you can raise/lower the RPM and save it to your settings. But as far as run time on a pump, you need it to be between 8 and 12 hours, depending on the size of the pool and the type of filter you have, as well as the time of year.

[@123gh]

Do they work In plastic temporary pools?

[@SavingGreen]

they do, but since it's likely a smaller volume be careful that you aren't over-using the device, so check the specs. Prob best to put it in for a few days and track Cu levels closely.

[@nanasloves]

I have an above ground pool and I’d rather have staining and use the very minimum of chlorine. This year the copper ionizer doesn’t seem to be working.

[@SavingGreen]

Have you cleaned the copper element? Is the solar panel glass still transparent?

[@organicvids]

11:03 copper wont evaporate out of pool. Water change needed.

[@robertwadas]

I put a 2" copper pipe in my strainer per month, tablets and baking soda.... My Chemicals are 100% and I never seen my pool even move off clear water in 5 years !

[@SavingGreen]

wow that's great!

[@markhowell25]

Thanks.

[@energyhealthkc1913]

Does copper deposition have to do with the PH/alkalinity balance?

[@SavingGreen]

Yes, the more acidic the higher the risk of Cu deposition. Aim for around 7.2-7.6 for most ionizers.

[@MiguelLopez-xh3sg]

Yuuuup. As soon as I see algae on my pool’s wall, I put the ionizer in for two weeks and remove it,

[@SavingGreen]

that's a good strategy!

[@brantk81]

He said keep 0 scya for ionized pools. Butnhe recommends using tabs?

[@SavingGreen]

He might have misspoke regarding the tabs, I don't think he used them usually with the ionizers

[@burkejones8277]

Hmmm. I don’t think I will get one of these. I can guarantee that whatever can go wrong will go wrong if I put it in my pool.

[@SavingGreen]

Haha I hear you, Burke. in most cases it’s probably fine, but there is the risk…

[@Bunkysworkshop]

Isn’t this about the same thing as Pool RX ? However without any problems.

[@SavingGreen]

PoolRx uses copper sulphate, so it dissolved and releases ions without the solar cell. I haven’t explored that particular product. You haven’t had any issues?

[@Bunkysworkshop]

@@SavingGreen No issues

[@SavingGreen]

That’s great

[@Heavens-Humanaterian-Army]

Sounds like an ozone or magnesium system would be easier to maintaine

[@SavingGreen]

I’m not too familiar with those but I’ll look into it! Thanks for the suggestion

[@Sig_P229]

Can the ionizer shock bromine too?

[@SavingGreen]

not sure, but don't see why not

[@grapplerguy2007]

pool pros dont use 7to1 strips. most guys use these because its basically a 15 second test . its either taylor dpd or the spin touch type testers period. and the reason the copper ionizers dont work is because you cant measure the amount copper being introduced. you could use granular and put a tablespoon a week until levels reach 1ppm then stop and do that ever 3 to 6 months . copper is fine under 1ppm thus why they make pool algaecide made out of copper as well . just most dont read the dosage instructions. this guy didnt seem too much of a pro because liquid chlorine does not oxidize metal . liquid chlor or dichlor . his pool was just out of balance.

[@SavingGreen]

thanks for the insightful comment!

[@grapplerguy2007]

@@SavingGreen sorry it just disheartening seeing someone with 25 years experience with so little knowledge

[@tomgrimmer947]

"keeping the stabilizer at about 50%" Hmm. I think 50 ppm.

[@robbs96]

Stabalizer at %50 lmao. how long did he say hes been doing this?

[@natethetoe386]

2.5 Gallons of Chlorine a week in a 10k pool. Deal lord why so much? 1 Gallon should raise Free Chlorine by about 12-13 PPM, so your recommending bringing the Free Chlorine up to 25-30 PPM every week? If that does not all burn off to 0 in one week, the free chlorine would go even higher? What is 50% stabilizer? I have only ever measured stabilizer/CYA is PPM Why is PH idea at 7.8? Seems that would be excectable but not ideal. Chlorine is more effective at lower PH, so idea would be 7.2-7.5?

[@SavingGreen]

These are excellent questions well above my pay grade. I’ll pass this along! Maybe he meant 50ppm?

[@greghackney8437]

Does it kill bacterium ?

[@greghackney8437]

You answered my question right after I posted it😂

[@SavingGreen]

No worries! But yes, it’s supposed to :)

[@jeffswitzer1448]

My pool has copper pipes. Would an ionizer do anything to them?

[@SavingGreen]

Hi Jeff, it shouldn’t. Any copper deposition could collect on any surface, even those pipes, but the ionization/charge itself won’t affect the piping directly.

[@savannaweselak503]

So use this instead of chlorine? I want to ommit altogether as its really bad for your heart

[@SavingGreen]

It doesn’t eliminate chlorine 100%, but can cut it back significantly.

[@leighmiller78]

I guess if you're lazy, pay for the chlorine. The "risk" occurs when you DON'T thoroughly clean the ionizer once, even twice a week where I live. Use those test strips and get to know your pool folks

[@selfawareness369]

…it’s copper and a solar panel. Wheres the problem??

[@belindathrasher111]

People moral to the story the ionizer puts the pool man out of business period.

[@carlospasos5432]

Well you gotta just add copper remover and problem solved lol

[@SavingGreen]

Haha yes, you can chelate the copper out of the pool but it’s a pain!

[@drbrycedavis]

Stopped watching when he said test strips. Come on , really?

[@JenniferMathewslive2]

Please lose that annoying little mic... It is distracting!

[@michaelcole5500]

100 pools a week is complete BS...

[@SavingGreen]

I know he does most of the neighborhood pools, so he doesn’t have to travel far!

[@michaelcole5500]

This a is a joke