Pool Ionizers

Salt based electrodes break down the added salt, which is sodium chloride, into sodium and chlorine. The chlorine then oxidizes any organic matter (yes, even the bathers) and quickly recombines with the sodium. The salt system is a chlorine based sanitizer even though you don’t have the hassle of adding chlorine, you just add salt instead. Some people like the feel of the salt water and others don’t like the salt residue left on your body and hair, and you may need a shower after swimming in the pool. ClearBlue uses pure minerals as anti-microbial and disinfectant and is not chlorine (chemical) based.

ClearBlue (Ions) will work effectively in salt pools. The salt (chlorine) generator can be turned down to the lowest setting for production of chlorine (oxidizer). When the salt generator membrane needs replacing, they system can be permanently removed and ½ chlorine puck can be added once a week instead. Pool owners may consider the automatic chlorine generation a benefit to keeping the salt water system.

No. ClearBlue is not a filter. You must still use your regular filter and backwash regularly.
How long does it take to get the ion level up?
It usually takes 7-14 days in a pool; one day in a spa. During this time, do not stop using your current sanitizer (chlorine) or algaecide until the ion level has reached the minimum of 0.2ppm Cu. Afterwards, you can reduce the oxidizer level to approx ½ chlorine puck once a week or equivalent oxidizer alternative. If you cannot get the ion level up in this time frame, read the troubleshooting guide.

We recommend ClearBlue be placed on a separate circuit which is not on the timer; ClearBlue can run full time (24/7) even if the pump is off and the water is not circulating. The microscopic ions will concentrate in the pipe and it will be dispersed in the pool or spa when the pump starts again. If the water drains from the electrodes when the pump is off, then no ionization can take place while the pump is not on. The ionizer is low-voltage (12v) and therefore costs pennies a day to run.
How often do I need to oxidize the pool?
Generally once a week is sufficient, maybe less if the pool is not used much. Pools can turn green overnight after a large rainstorm, so that is a good time to oxidize it.

If the ion level is between 0.2 – 0.4ppm as recommended, an algaecide is optional. It is always a safety precaution which helps avoid the surprise algae attack. An algaecide is usually a copper based solution which is not harmful and poses no danger to the swimmers. The regular strength algaecide is cheaper than the super kill variety, and is quite effective in keeping the ion level “topped up”.