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The Power Ionizer |
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The Power Ionizer |
Copper and silver have been used for centuries to sanitize water. Copper is a well know algaecide and silver is a powerful bactericide. In the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, the royalty used to drink from silver goblets and their water was stored in silver urns in order to purify their drinking water. As the pioneer settlers moved west across the American continent, they learned to insured safe drinking water by putting copper and silver coins in their barrels of water and milk.
The first modern attempts to use metal ions as a means to sanitize water were made in the 1930's. Then, in the 1960's and early 1970's, NASA conducted a research program aimed at developing a small, lightweight water purifier that required minimal power and no human monitoring. This program produced an electrolytic silver ion generator, slightly larger than a pager and weighing only nine ounces. One or more units, mounted at various locations in the potable water supply and waste water system of the Apollo or any future spacecraft, would dispense silver ions sufficient to eliminate bacteria and sanitize the water within hours. Today silver is used in medications for treatment of burn patients to prevent infections, for newborns to prevent blindness, to make bacteria free cosmetics, in drinking water filters, and for filling cavities in teeth to help prevent further decay. Copper based algaecides have long been used in swimming pools, fountains, lakes and ponds to safely control algae problems.
In very basic terms, an ionizer consists of a set of electrodes, made of copper and silver, placed in a chamber that is mounted in the hot tub water recirculation system. An electronic controller sends a minute DC current to the electrodes, which in turn, dispenses copper and silver ions into the water which kill organisms. These ions are odorless and tasteless, and unlike ozone, are stable in water and provide a residual level, which is so important for safe, healthy water.
There are a number of advantages to an ion purification system. Unlike standard sanitizing chemicals, ions are relatively unaffected by pH, temperature, aeration or sunlight. As they are not as prone to evaporation or dissipation, they tend to remain resident in the water to provide longer lasting and more constant purification. New ions are added automatically as the water circulates. Operating costs and maintenance are low. From a health standpoint, it is completely safe as no toxic chemicals are produced or consumed.
Although an ionizer is most effective as a sanitizer, it won't provide
the oxidizing action that you get with ozone, chlorine or bromine. To maintain
crystal clear water, a small amount of oxidizer is still necessary to "burn
up" the organic debris after the ions have destroyed them. The oxidizer
(chlorine or non-chlorine shock) may only be necessary in very small amounts
once a week (or less) in order to maintain crystal clear spa water.
This ionizer installs literally in minutes, and once adjusted reduces your chemical sanitizer needs to a once a week shocking (or less). The reduced or eliminated use of chlorine (or bromine) means no more itchy skin, burning red eyes, frequent chemical purchases, or any of the other problems or dangers associated with a halogen sanitizer. All that's required for installation is replacing 10" of the spas filtration system's piping with the power ionizer, and plugging it in to and outlet. Once it's plugged in, the two indicator light tell you that it's working properly to sanitize your hot tub. The single "level control knob" lets you to increase or decrease the amount of copper and silver ions being dispensed into your hot tub or spa. The built in LED temperature display allows you to know the temperature of your water from up to 50' away.The 'Power Ionizer' sends a precise quantity of copper and silver ions into your spa water, which kills algae, bacteria and viruses. The result is clear, healthy, more natural hot tub water.
Advantages of an Ionizer
- Less expensive than chemical sanitizers.
- Eliminates exposure to high levels of toxic chemical.
- Less frequent water testing required.
- Saves thousands in future chemical costs.
- Eliminates bleaching and other damage to hair, equipment and nearby vegetation.
- Ions are pH neutral and will not affect water balance.
- Extremely stable. Won't dissipate or evaporate, and is unaffected by pH or temperature.
- No more burning eyes, dry skin, bleached and damaged hair, offensive chemical odors or allergic reactions.
For complete technical information click here.
Please see the Virtual Store for pricing and on-line ordering.