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An Alternative Spa Sanitizer
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Scroll down to browse
through some archived SPA & HOT TUB questions and answers.
Please access the Spa Topics Page and other links, at the top of
every page, for additional information.
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Ionizers
are devices that supply a stream of copper and silver ions to the spa or hot tub
water. The copper ions function as an algaecide and the silver ions function as a bactericide. Used properly, the
ions are maintained at very low levels, avoiding the possibility of staining or
discoloration. Ionization units use metallic electrodes and electrical
circuits to release the ions into the water. Ionizers are not stand alone water
treatment
products, but can reduce the total amount of chemicals required for proper spa
or hot tub water maintenance. Copper and silver ions will not
destroy organic buildup and contamination and will not oxidize dead
microorganisms and organic debris. This requires spa water oxidation and
the use of agents such as: chlorine, bromine, non-chlorine shock or ozone.
All of these oxidizers can be used with a Ionizers.
Clicking on the underlined
and highlighted "keywords" or "catch phrases," in the archived answers
will give you access to additional information on that topic or product.
Please refer to the Glossary, if
there are terms or phrases that require explanation.

Copper Test
Kits
(Click on the Image for
product & ordering information.)
More information about Copper Test Kits can be found by clicking on the above
image. Helps you maintain the proper level and avoid or eliminate possible staining
or discoloration issues.
Be better informed and avoid costly problems!
► Ionization And Oxidation?
I was just looking at some info on the ionization
process for hot tubs to look after algae and such. I must admit it looks
great and I bet smells better with no bromine or chlorine odors. My question is
to do with the oxidation of the water. I have read where you suggest ozonators
to deal with this problem. But, are they enough to keep the water fresh or
do you need some non chlorine shock as well? Also is there a test you can do to
check, if you have enough oxidation occurring to be safe? Thanks in advance,
Darren H., 1/27/2005
For proper spa water quality, you
must have both sanitizing and oxidation! An ionization unit or mineral
sanitizer can provide most, if not all of the sanitizing action. However,
it must be used with oxidizing agents such as ozone, chlorine, bromine or
non-chlorine shock.
Ozonators come close to providing for all of the
sanitizing and oxidizing needs. Because the presence of ozone is
short-lived, after the unit is shut off, a backup sanitizer is always
recommended: chlorine, bromine or
mineral sanitizers or ionization units
are most commonly used in this backup role. Ozonators provide the
necessary oxidation and greatly reduce the amount of chlorine or bromine
required to maintain a level of about 1/2 the customary amount. There
should be no overpowering sense of chlorine or bromine. Use an ionization
unit and you can come close to eliminating the chlorine or bromine. The only time
non-chlorine shock needs to be used is if the water quality suddenly
deteriorates. Test kits are available that measure ozone levels. If
you maintain a chlorine or bromine residual, at a reduced level, the ability to
maintain this lower concentration is confirmation that the oxidation needs are
being met by the ozonator. I hope that I have helped convince you that an
ozonator will be beneficial and will enhance your hot water experience.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
1/27/2005
►
Hydrogen
Peroxide? We have a hot tub and would like
to use hydrogen peroxide instead of the normal chemicals. My husband is
allergic to the chlorine and bromides. How much Hydrogen peroxide do we
use and what %. We were told that it should be a 10% concentration but we
can't find any hydrogen peroxide above 3%. I thought maybe you could help
us. Also, do we nee to use any kind of a shock at the first? Hope you
can help! Thanks.
Jo, 7/10/2005
I am not sure
that using just hydrogen peroxide will provide adequate sanitation. In
pools and spas, it is used as a shock treatment with biguanide. It is
available in concentrated form in many pool and spa outlets that offer biguanide
products. Have you considered the use of an
ozonator and a
mineral
sanitizer or ionizer. This combination would come close to
being chlorine and bromine
free. The ozonator could negate the need for hydrogen peroxide and a mineral
sanitizer or ionizer would release metallic ions and act as a
persistent sanitizer. Hydrogen peroxide
can be used as a
shock treatment and a mineral sanitizer or ionizer as the primary water sanitizer.
However, in most cases better results are obtained, if you maintain a lower level
of chlorine or bromine. For a more automated approach to sanitizing and pH
control, you might consider the
TechnoPure Ionization-Oxidation
system. This space-age technology, developed by NASA,
utilizes the dual ionization or copper and zinc ions for sanitizing and the
generation of active forms of oxygen to destroy waste and contamination.
I hope that I've been helpful and given you some food for thought. Good
luck with your decision.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 7/10/2005
►
How Does An Ionizer Work? I am thinking of adding an
ionization unit to help reduce the amount of chlorine that is being used.
Is this possible? I have very hard water and want to minimize chemicals.
Fred. H, Mesa, AZ, 5/12/2005
Yes, it will work
to help reduce chemical usage, by providing silver and copper sanitizing ions,
as the water passes over the copper and silver electrodes. The chlorine
will now have help and less will be required. It is easily controlled and
adds little to the water. You can further reduce the chemicals required by
adding an
ozonator. That will allow you to cut the chlorine level back and
even less will be required, as the ozonator will do most of the oxidizing.
This sanitizing combination will reduce the odor, as well. I hope that
this information is helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 5/12/2005
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►
What is Ionization?
Exactly what is ionization? Is there a benefit
in using ionization in a spa?
T. T., Eugene, OR,
5/2/2003
Ionizers are a type of alternative water
sanitizer and operate on the principle of adding a low level of copper and silver or zinc
ions to the water. Ions are the electrically charged soluble forms of these
metals. These ions can function as a spa water sanitizer. At low levels,
staining and precipitation can be avoided and the ions are able to remain in
solution. Ionization units contain electrodes and the regulation and control of the
current between these electrodes, will regulate the amount ions released into the pool
water. The device is plumbed in-line and operates with the same cycle as the filter
pump. Another type of device is the
Mineral Sanitizer, that releases ions with the
electrical circuits. In either, case the sanitizing principle is similar. In
addition to the sanitizing ions, there must be oxidation. Without oxidation,
there would be a build up of organic wastes and byproducts in the spa water.
For this purpose, a non-chlorine shock, chlorine, bromine or an
ozonator are frequently used,
in order to oxidize organic contamination and debris. If bromine is
to be used, the only mineral sanitizer that can be used is THE FROG. The overall water chemistry must be
maintained for bather comfort, water quality and to protect the pool surfaces and
equipment. If you want to maintain a spa without chlorine or bromine,
Ozonators, Ionizers and
Mineral Sanitizers are things to consider. Unfortunately, it still requires some
chemicals. I hope that I have been of assistance.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
5/2/2003

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