Keeping your pool clean and safe to use is very important. The most common way of doing this is by adding chlorine to the water. While it’s very strong and efficient, chlorine has some undesired effects (skin and eye irritation, damage to pool structures over time). This is why a better solution was developed – a solar pool ionizer.
This great device still eliminates algae and bacteria, but doesn’t have so many negative sides. It significantly reduces the need for chlorine in your pool, making the user experience more pleasant. On top of this, it’s eco-friendly too since it needs only solar power to work.
Many products are available in this category, but finding the best pool ionizer shouldn’t be difficult if you know what you’re looking for. We have created a buying guide to help you with this and picked out fantastic products to make your choice even easier.
OUR TOP PICK
Remington Solar Pool Ionizer
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Copper testing kit included
- Great for smaller pools
- Durable with very low maintenance
- 30-day no-risk purchase
Diameter: 10 inches
Weight: 3.75 pounds
Capacity: 25,000-gallon pools
Warranty: 30-day money-back guarantee
EDITORS CHOICE
No More Green Technologies Original
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Very powerful for its size
- High-quality materials increase durability
- Gift rubber band included
- Lifetime replacement warranty
Diameter: 5.9 inches
Weight: 2 pounds
Capacity: 35,000-gallon pools
Warranty: Lifetime
BEST VALUE
XtremepowerUS
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- More affordable than the competition
- Comes with high-quality anode, coil, and basket
- Free copper test kit included
- Treats the water within 24 hours
Diameter: 9 inches
Weight: 1.76 pounds
Capacity: 32,000-gallon pools
Human Creations
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Two color options available (blue and white)
- Tethering hook so it doesn’t float too far
- High-capacity anode significantly reduces chlorine use
- Cleaning brush and copper test strips included
Diameter: 11.7 inches
Weight: 4.05 pounds
Capacity: 40,000-gallon pools
Warranty: 2 years
Sooriyan LED
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Most powerful ionizer on the list
- LED indicator shows when the device is working
- Copper-silver anode provides even better coverage
- Free replacement filter basket in the package
Diameter: 16 inches
Weight: 3 pounds
Capacity: 45,000-gallon pools
DR Global
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Bonus copper anode bar included
- Works great in any type of water
- Saves a lot of money on yearly maintenance
- 1-month money-back guarantee
Diameter: 5.9 inches
Weight: 2 pounds
Capacity: 35,000-gallon pools
Warranty: Lifetime
Blue Works Natural
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Reduces chlorine use up to 80%
- Incredibly easy setup and operation
- Cleaning brush makes maintenance easier
- Two copper anodes in the package
Diameter: 9.6 inches
Weight: 3.35 pounds
Capacity: 40,000-gallon pools
Hilltop Solar Ionizer
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Two units included in the package
- Significantly larger copper anodes
- LED indicator shows when the unit is working
- Reduces chlorine need in large swimming pools
Diameter: 10 inches
Weight: 7.5 pounds
Capacity: 25,000 (per unit)
How To Choose A Solar Pool Ionizer – Buying Guide
Pool Size
The capacity of your pool is one of the things that you need to think about when buying an ionizer. Some products featured in our solar pool ionizer reviews are recommended for up to 15,000 gallons of water, while others easily work with up to 50,000 gallons.
Because of this, knowing the amount of water that needs to be treated is perhaps crucial. In addition, you should be aware that it takes time for copper concentration to build up inside the swimming pool, so you can’t eliminate chlorine straight away. In relation to this, it’s not a problem if you get a stronger model for your small pool, just make sure to keep the level under 0.5ppm.
Manufacturers often provide copper test kits as a bonus, and if the level goes over the limit it’s best to remove the ionizer until it drops again. Higher levels can cause stains and discoloration in your pool. On the other hand, if you have a very large pool size, nothing is stopping you from getting two solar pool ionizers to work at the same time.
Anode Bar
This is the most important part of your solar powered pool ionizer. It’s largely made of copper (sometimes with additions of silver and zinc), and it releases the ions that kill algae. Not all bars are the same in terms of size, which determines their lifespan and how well they can replace chlorine.
While most will last for a year or two, it’s best to be informed about this when buying. Some manufacturers include replacement copper bars in the package, which is a nice touch.
Use and Maintenance
It’s very useful if your package comes with a copper tester, wire brush, and an instruction manual, so you can easily use the device. Swimming pool ionization systems are much simpler to use than chlorine because you don’t have to constantly check levels.
The copper bar is screwed in inside the coil with the basket (filter) going around it, and then everything is tightened with a wingnut. The basket collects anything that falls off from the anode, so it doesn’t end up in the water. Some products come with a replacement basket which is a plus.
We mentioned the brush, since getting it with the solar powered ionizer makes things easier. The bar becomes covered in a layer of calcium and iron over time and loses its efficiency. An upside of this is that it makes the water softer, and reduces scaling in the pool. Scrubbing the anode removes this layer and allows it to work again. Luckily, most manufacturers include a brush with the purchase.
You might also like: Best Pool Algaecides
Durability and Warranty
Solar pool ionizers are simple devices that are generally very durable. Warranty is a big plus since it gives you peace of mind. It depends on the product, but you will usually get a year or even 2+ years for the best solar pool ionizer models. Take a look at what others had to say about the product, so you know what to expect. Other swimming pool maintenance tips can also be useful and make equipment more durable.
FAQs
Q: Why Use a Solar Pool Ionizer?
It’s a great way to sanitize your pool. Solar pool ionizers are inexpensive, kill algae and bacteria and don't irritate skin or eyes. Unlike chlorine, they are not toxic and don't have the chemical smell. In addition, pool ionizers don't mess with the pH of your water either. A solar ionizer for pools is an easy-to-use device that reduces your need for chlorine up to 90% and saves you lots of money along the way.
Q: How Does a Solar Ionizer Work?
A pool ionization system collects sunlight through its solar panel, and then converts it to low-voltage electricity. This electricity energizes and dissolves the anode, and the copper ions are released into the water. They are a very strong natural algicide and bactericide, but completely safe for humans and animals.
Trace amounts of copper will remain in the pool water for a long time, so this is a great longterm solution for reducing chlorine. Since it uses solar energy, this means it’s an eco-friendly product with no batteries involved. If you’re interested in other green products for your pool, be sure to check our articles about solar pool heaters and solar pool covers.
Q: What Other Accessories Do I Need?
Even though the bars are very efficient, they can’t completely work on their own. Copper kills algae and silver kills bacteria, but the solar powered ionizer for pool isn’t capable of oxidation. This is why even the best solar pool ionizer need to be combined with small amounts of chemical sanitizers – chlorine and bromine.
It helps to shock the pool with chemicals, usually once a week. Solar powered ionizers allow you to lower the chlorine to 10-15% of the previous amount, which is amazing. Of course, you need to think about pool chemistry too. Make sure to get a pool test kit and check the water status from time to time.
Globo Surf Overview
Buying a solar pool ionizer has many advantages. It allows you to keep the water crystal clear, while greatly reducing the need for chemicals. All this creates a better pool experience for you and your family.
As we discussed, an added bonus is saving you a lot of money in the long run, because we all know how expensive pool chemicals are. This is a one-time expense for a product that will work for a very long time. You should definitely give pool ionizers a try, we’re sure you’ll love it!
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