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Scroll
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Using a Mineral Sanitizer, to help
sanitize pool water!!! |
Mineral
sanitizers use an erosion process, as
opposed to an electrical charge, by
which metallic ions, such as copper,
silver or zinc, are utilized to help
sanitize swimming pool water. It
is not a complete water treatment
system, as it lacks the oxidizing
function, required to oxidize organic
wastes and byproducts.
Sanitizing is a must, for proper pool
water management.
Salt Chlorine generators are a
better way to utilize chlorine, producing
more controllable results. They
eliminate the need to handle, measure or
store chlorine products, while reducing
buildup problems. An
Electronic
PockeTester Kit is a convenient
way to monitor the salt level. |
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How to use
Mineral Sanitizers, in a pool? |
Mineral
Sanitizers are devices that supply a stream of
metallic ions to the swimming pool water,
functioning as an algaecide and as a
bactericide. Used properly, the ions are
maintained at very low levels, avoiding the
possibility of staining or discoloration.
Mineral Sanitizers accomplish the release of the
sanitizing ions without the use of electrical
circuits, as is the case with Ionization units.
Another type is a
Solar Mineralizer, which uses solar
power to ionize the metallic anodes.
Mineral Sanitizers and Mineralizers are not
stand alone pool water treatment products. They
can reduce the total amount of chemicals
required for proper pool water maintenance, but
cannot destroy organic buildup or contamination
and cannot destroy dead microorganisms and
organic debris. The reliance on metallic ions
for sanitizing, requires oxidation and the use
of products such as: chlorine, bromine,
non-chlorine shock or ozone. Mineralizers and Ionizers
can be used with bromine and all other pool and
spa oxidizers. As long as you still have to use
chlorine, why not simply use a
salt
chlorine generator, which is a complete
sanitizing system. The overall water chemistry
should be based upon the manufacturer's
recommendations. If problems arise, refer
to the Pool
Problems Page, as a source of
problem-solving information, broken down into
various categories. Scroll down the page
and click on the linked
keywords,
catch phrases
or images, in the archived answers below, to access additional information, on that topic or product.
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▼
Helpful,
Problem-Solving Information, in a question and
answer format.
▼ |
► How A Mineral
Sanitizer Works?
I have a
Mineralizer installed
on my above ground pool. I supplement it with some granular
chlorine and shock. It seems to be doing a good job. My
question is how does it work? Thanks.
Ed, Cleveland, OH, 6/3/2018
Ionizers and Mineralizers release metallic ions into the
water on a controlled basis. It is done without the use of
electrical circuits, as is the case with Ionization units.
The mineral ions act to help control algae and bacteria.
When used in a typical chlorine sanitized pool, a mineral
sanitizer will reduce the amount of chlorine required.
Mineral Sanitizers
and Mineralizers cannot destroy organic wastes
and byproducts or destroy dead algae and debris and it is
recommended that the water be shocked on a regular basis,
for this purpose. Because mineral sanitizing products have so little
effect on the water chemistry, control of the pH and total
alkalinity is less demanding. These products are not
complete sanitizers and are,
typically, used with a lower level
of chlorine. A
salt chlorine generator, on the
other hand, is a complete sanitizing
systems and affords better control
and results. I hope that I have been
helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 6/3/2018
► The
Shocking Facts?
I use a
Solar Mineralizer and
chlorine, for my above ground pool. Since it is supposed to
be a low chlorine system I'm wondering if I still need to
shock the pool periodically? If so should I use non chlorine
shock in order to keep the pool at a low level of chlorine?
Should I shock it when I open it? Thanks.
Karin S., 5/18/2020
Yes!!! Yes!!! Yes!!! Shock periodically to destroy waste
accumulations and help prevent resistant microorganisms from
developing. You can use a
non-chlorine shock, as it does
well at reducing the combined chlorines. When you open the
pool, you will need to shock with enough chlorine to
establish a stable free chlorine level and clear up pool.
The Solar-Mineralizer will help you maintain quality
water, while reducing the amount of
chlorine required to
maintain a satisfactory free chlorine level. As long as you
have to use chlorine, why not use a
salt chlorine generator, which
is a better way to do chlorine?
It eliminates the handling,
measuring and storage, of chlorine
products. I hope the
information helps. Enjoy the season.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/18/2020
► Salt
Chlorinators And Mineral Sanitizers?
Your website is a great source of
information that I found while doing research on alternate
pool sanitizer solutions. Thank you for your time in
providing this service. I hope this isn't a repeat, but I
didn't find the specific info on the mineral sanitizers, and
specifically not any comparison between the two in terms of
effectiveness, cost and ease of use. I would very much like
to know your thoughts on the relative merits of the mineral
sanitizers and salt water chlorine generators.
Gene G., Madison, AL, 7/7/2016
A salt chlorinator is a complete pool sanitizing system.
About all you'll need on a regular basis is some acid to
lower the pH. It is like maintaining a chlorine pool without
the headaches or the handling of chlorine. It is highly
automated and controllable. Need more chlorine - just dial
it up. A Mineral Sanitizer adds metallic ions to
control algae and bacteria. However, you will still have to add
chlorine or non-chlorine shock on a regular basis, to
perform the necessary oxidizing function. In either case,
the water chemistry must be maintained. A salt chlorinator
will cost more initially. While I don't have specific
figures, I suspect that over the life of the unit, the cost
will be very competitive and possibly lower depending upon
individual circumstances. Some salt cells are rated to last
5 years or more, depending upon the location. Mineral
sanitizer cartridges have life expectancies of about 6
months, by comparison. You can use both products, together.
That will allow you to maintain a lower level of free
chlorine and that will make control of the pH easier and
extend the life of the salt cell. I hope that the
information proves to be helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 7/7/2016
► Mineral
Sanitizers, Enzymes And Oxidation?
Hi Alan. Have you ever heard of a
natural enzyme product? If so, could you use this
effectively with a mineral sanitizer to eliminate chlorine?
Thanks.
Vince, 6/23/2012
There's no reason that you cannot use an enzyme product with
a Solar-Powered Mineralizer. It can help eliminate oily
residues and some organic
byproducts, but it will not replace the chlorine. Mineral
sanitizers require the occasional presence of oxidizing
agents, such as chlorine to decompose wastes and organic
buildup. You will still need chlorine, but 1 PPM should be
sufficient, for most pools. Enzymes are not oxidizing
agents. If you want to minimize chemical additions, you must provide the necessary
oxidation, with chlorine, bromine, ozone or hydrogen
peroxide. You can reduce overall chemical usage, by adding
an Ultraviolet Sterilizer, which adds no chemicals of its
own. I hope that the information proves
useful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 6/23/2012
► Need To
Replace Cartridge?
Thanks for going to the trouble of
running your web site. It is a big help! Now, on to my
problem…The first three years I had my inground pool, I
would get the water tested weekly and it was always perfect.
I figured, “Hey! This ain’t that hard.” At about the three
year point, I added solar heating. Since I have a pool
automation system, I programmed it to maintain the water at
83 degrees. The second thing I did around that time frame
was add a Solar-Powered Mineralizer. The last thing that
changed was that I added a pool cleaner, which I kept in the
pool full time. Well, paradise is over and the once a week
maintenance on water chemistry I used to do is now about
three times a week and I cannot get a grip on what is wrong.
Water check is not bad (today), pH a little low and combined
chlorine at 2 which is way off, so I added three tablets to
my chlorinator to bring that in line. Very little rain. Not
real sunny, though this is Florida. Basically, I’ve gone
from once a week maintenance to three times a week and I’m
not really getting anywhere. I have not added an algaecide
at this point because I feel that well balanced water should
prevent any algae bloom. I used to add 2 tablets of chlorine
every week and that was perfect, now it is 2 tablets every
other day and doesn’t seem like enough. Well, that’s the
history and all the facts I hope you need. Specific
questions are can I run the pool cleaner all the time; does
the setting of 83 degrees on the automation controller
affect anything adversely; and does the smaller mineral
purifier cartridge present a problem? I haven’t changed the
cartridge in a while, but I’m not wholly convinced that it
really needs to be changed every six months like ‘they’ are
saying in the local pool store. I keep the filter clean and
the attached spa and pool steps gets brushed down for algae
when needed. I really thought I had a handle on all this
stuff but now, I realize I don’t and I’m needing help.
Thanks again for hosting the site and I hope to hear from
you soon.
Jim, Florida, 5/20/2020
Warmer water does place extra demands on the sanitizing
system. However, 83 degree is not high and should not be
part of this problem. The fact that you are getting a
combined chlorine level of 2 PPM, would seem to indicate
that you are not keeping up with the demand of the pool. I
suggest that you use a non-chlorine shock, as it will help
convert some of the combined chlorine into free chlorine.
The Solar-Mineralizer should be able to help provide
some backup sanitation and reduce the amount of chlorine,
required to maintain any given level. Shock with
monopersulfate or chlorine and see if you can't keep the
free chlorine at 1-3 PPM and the combined chlorine at less
than 1 PPM. Testing with a tester like the LaMotte ColorQ
2X all-digital
Water Analyzer will help provide the right information,
without any color-matching or guesswork. You
might also want to have the water
tested for phosphates, as
that can accelerate algae growth. The use of trichlor can
lead to increases in the cyanuric acid levels over time.
These higher stabilizer levels can lead to chlorine becoming
less effective - that is you'll need to maintain a higher
level to get the same results. Over 150 PPM is high and
requires a partial water replacement. Have you ever
considered a salt chlorine generator,
which is definitely the better way to do chlorine? You seem to want to
make things easier and it leads itself to automation. A SCG can be a stand alone sanitizing
system. It can be used with the mineral sanitizer and will
allow you to maintain a lower chlorine level, extend the
life of the salt cell and make pH control easier, with no
chemical buildups to be concerned about. You'll have less
odor, better feel and no more chlorine to buy, handle or
store. I hope that this information will get you back on
track.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/21/2020
► Do I Need
Shock?
Hi Alan, I know I am dense, but I want
to get this straight. The solar mineralizer instructions say
to use a shock before each use and 3 TBS each week. If I add
an ozonator, then I no longer have to use the shock. Is this
right? Thanks.
Roland C., 8/2/2009
It's a really good question. The ozonator will provide the
necessary oxidation function and the
Solar Mineralizer will provide additional sanitizing action. The
ozone does not remain in the water for extended periods of
time and for this reason a persistent backup sanitizer, such
as chlorine, is
required. Unless the pool takes a sudden turn for the worse
and needs a quick boost in chlorine, shock should not be
required, if you maintain a 1 PPM level of free chlorine.
Algae blooms are unlikely to happen, if the pool and equipment
are operated properly. You will be better off trying to
maintain a concentration of free chlorine that favors to
lower end of the 1-3 PPM range and this will act as
confirmation that the ozonator and mineral sanitizer are
working to meet the needs of the pool. I hope that I have
cleared it up for you.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 8/2/2009
► Concerned
About Copper?
We have used a mineral sanitizer
system for the last 2 years with great results. We can keep
our chlorine levels low and the water stays perfectly clear.
This year, my wife has seen info that indicates that this
system may not be good for the pool, as it introduces copper
into the water Can you please shed some light on this
subject? Thanks.
Bill, 5/30/2016
Mineralizers and ionization units usually
release a stream of metallic ions, into the pool water, for
the purpose of providing sanitizing benefits. The ions are
at extremely low levels, so as not to cause staining and/or
discoloration. I assume that this is the issue that you were
addressing. The instances, where copper can present a
problem, result from the use of copper sulfate, corrosion of
copper heater cores or excessively high concentrations, due
to over application. You want to maintain the copper level
at under 0.3 PPM maximum. You will still need to add
an oxidizer, such as non-chlorine shock or chlorine.
That being said, a
salt chlorine generator seems to be a better option.
It eliminates many of the objections about chlorine, while
providing better results and more control. I hope that I have provided some
enlightenment.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/31/2016
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outside of the Continental
U.S. may require some
additional charge, based on
quantity and destination.
Most products can be
shipped World-Wide. International
and orders outside of
Continental U.S. - see
comments on the ordering
pages. |
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