Copper ionization uses a low voltage current to release copper ions into your pool water. It is a safe way of cleaning your swimming pool without the side effects of chlorine. Pool owners have been using copper ionization to clean pools and kill bacteria.
History of Copper Use
The ancient Greeks and Egyptians were the first people to start using copper for it’s benefits of preventing water contamination. Copper since then has been used to purify drinking water.
Does Copper Ionization Work for Pools?
Copper Ionization is a very strong biocide for microorganisms. The copper stresses the algae which will distort the cell walls ability to take in much needed liquid and gases. Copper blocks photosynthesis by getting inside the bacteria and which kills the bacteria. This will greatly hinder the reproduction of algae due to the algae not being able to survive.
Is Too Much Copper in Pool Water Dangerous?
Yes, too much copper in your pool can be bad for a number of reasons. Water can only hold so much oxidized copper, before it can get too saturated. Copper over 0.4 ppm (part per million) can lead to turning the water cloudy as it free-floats in the pool water. Copper can stain your pool after it finds it way to a solid surface where it builds up during a process called plating which can stain the pool walls. Copper can stain more than just solid surfaces. People have been seen to have their hair turn a green-tinted color after they have been in a pool that has excessive copper.
Are Pool Ionizers Safe?
Pool ionizers do provide some sanitation in pools and they are safe to use. Unfortunately pool ionizer companies claim that pool ionizers can make your pool chemical free, but there is no such thing as a safe chemical free pool. Pool ionizers can not oxidize your pool water. Copper and other heavy metal pool ionizers are very slow acting which leads to several hours to pass before they have any effect on bacteria and other pathogens.
Copper Has Many Health Benefits
Your body needs copper for forming new blood vessels and it can also help with your bone structure, skin, your immune system and your nervous system. Copper also helps oxygen flow through your blood and can help improve your heart health and prevent cancer. Along with these benefits, copper has been used as an anti-inflammatory for centuries.
Does Copper Kill Legionella?
Copper-silver ionization can efficiently kill Legionella bacteria.
