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Using a Mineral Sanitizer, to help
sanitize spa
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 spa and swim-spa water.
It is not a complete water treatment
system, as it lacks the oxidizing
function, required to oxidize organic
wastes and byproducts. Chlorine or
bromine is typically used to provide the
oxidizing function.
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. |
Salt Chlorine Generators - 4
Models |
Testing The Salt Level |
Salt Chlorine Generators - 4
Models |
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Product and Ordering Information |
Product and Ordering Information |
Product and Ordering Information |
If you have a pool or spa water
testing need, we should have the
product.
►
Scroll down to read through some
Question & Answer information.
◄
|
A
ColorQ 2X is a 2nd generation,
Bluetooth, Waterproof, all-digital tester,
that can
measure all the common test factors. There is a model, for every sanitizing
need. An
Automatic
Filter Cartridge Cleaner
simply attaches to a standard
garden hose. Three sizes,
for all spa needs. The
WaterLink SpinTouch Labs
are the ultimate tester, doing
up to 10 different water test
factors, in just 1 minute. |
ColorQ All-Digital Water Testers |
Automatic Filter Cartridge Cleaner |
WaterLink SpinTouch Labs |
|
|
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Product and Ordering Information |
Product and Ordering Information |
Product and Ordering Information |
If you have a pool or spa water
testing need, we should have the
product.
►
Scroll down to read through some
Question & Answer information.
◄
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How to use
Mineral Sanitizers, in a spa, swim spa or hot
tub? |
Mineral
Sanitizers are devices that supply a stream
metallic ions to the spa or hot tub water. Used
properly, the ions are maintained at very low
levels, avoiding the possibility of staining or
discoloration. Mineral Sanitizers accomplish
this release, without the use of electrical
components. Mineral Sanitizers are not stand
alone water treatment products, but can reduce
the total amount of chemicals required for
proper spa or hot tub water maintenance. The
metallic ions will not destroy organic buildup
and contamination and will not oxidize dead
microorganisms and organic debris. This requires
oxidation and the use of agents such as:
chlorine, bromine, non-chlorine shock or ozone.
Not all of these oxidizers can be used with all
Mineral Sanitizers: check with the manufacturer
before adding chemicals, as to any limitations
that might be suggested. A more complete
sanitizing option is a
salt
chlorine generator, a choice of several
no-installation-required models, including two
smart enough to only produce chlorine, when it
is actually needed. If
problems arise, refer to the
Spa 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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and you can opt out anytime you
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Your information
will never be shared or sold. |
▼
Helpful,
Problem-Solving Information, in a question and
answer format.
▼ |
►
Silver Ion Use, with Ozone and a
Salt Chlorine Generator?
I have
a new salt water system, ozone
generator hot tub. In my old tubs I
would replace the silver ion
sanitizer every 4 months. I was told
by the technician that with my new
tub, the silver ion sanitizer only
needed to be changed once a year,
when drained the tub. The salesman
said I should still replace the ion
sanitizer every 4 months. Whose
right? Thanks.
Steve, 7/28/2019
Having both a
salt chlorine generator and an
ozonator should leave you not
needing to use a silver ion
mineralizer or anything else. The
silver ions are added through an
erosion process, if you have the
product, that I am familiar with. In
normal use, it lasts 3-4 months and
then is replaced. To get it
to last a year, you would have to
remove it, for 2 out of every three
days. Using it should help provide
extra sanitation, but it may not be
necessary, based on how your spa is
equipped. Spas should be drained and
cleaned more often, than once a
year. Usually it is done every
3-4 months, on the residential
level, based on current
recommendations. Please visit
our
website store to browse through
a large selection pool and spa water
testers, as well as many different,
useful and interesting pool and spa
products.
Sincerely, Alan Schuster,
7/29/2019
►
MPS, Mineral Purifier And Ozonator
Causing Irritation?
I would like to know if there is an
alternative to MPS as a shock. I use
a mineral purifier and an ozonator.
But, I have eye and nasal
irritation, and after many years I
have finally determined it is the
MPS. I typically put about 1/2 to
one teaspoon of MPS in my 400 gallon
tub after each use. Am I using too
much? Might that be the problem? I
have seen on forums that many people
have linked MPS to their skin and
eye irritations, and I'm thinking
that might be my problem. So, is
there another oxidizer that will not
give me the problem? Thank
you.
Peter B., 10/15/2020
I,
too, have received anecdotal
information linking MPS and
irritation. The simple answer is use
a low level of chlorine,
instead of MPS. A dealer is unlikely
to tell you this, because
eliminating chlorine was the whole
point of going with a mineral
purifier and ozone. By using
small amount of chlorine, you get
confirmation, that both products are
working, so long as it only takes
small amounts of
chlorine, to register on the tests.
On the other hand, a
salt chlorine generator, which
can be used, with or without mineral
purifier or an ozonator, is a
complete sanitizing system. We have
5 models that require no
installation. Two feature new
Chlorine Detection Technology, which
makes them smart enough to turn
themselves on, only when there is
too little chlorine. When chlorine
level rises to optimum, they turn
themselves off. You'll never over
chlorinate again. It is definitely a
better way to do chlorine and
eliminates most of the problems
associated with traditional
chlorine: chloramine odor,
measuring, handling and storage of
chlorine products. I hope that this
information will be helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
10/15/2020
►
Mineral Sanitizers
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., 1/27/2017
For proper spa water quality, you must have both sanitizing
and oxidation! A mineral sanitizer can provide most, if not
all of the sanitizing action. However, it must be used with
oxidizing agents such as
salt chlorine generators, ozone generators, 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 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 a mineral sanitizer and you can almost
eliminate the chlorine or bromine. The only
time non-chlorine shock needs to be used is if the water
quality suddenly deteriorates. 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. After all is said and done, a
salt chlorine generator is a
complete spa sanitizing system, that
has never been easier to use. I hope that I have helped
convince you that an ozonator will be beneficial and will
enhance your hot water experience.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/27/2017
► What Is A
Mineral Sanitizer?
I am considering a mineral sanitizer, as I am
interested in reducing the amount of chemicals. How does
this product work and why will I use less chlorine or
bromine? Thanks.
Jack C., Florida, 1/15/2013
Mineral Sanitizers will allow you to use less chlorine or
bromine, because you will be able to achieve proper
sanitizing with 1 PPM of free chlorine (instead of 1-3 PPM)
or with 2 PPM of bromine (instead of 3-5 PPM). However, they
are usually used with chlorine or
bromine. Instead of being
chlorine or bromine free, you'll
simply be using less. Therefore, as
long as you have to add chlorine,
why not use a
salt chlorine generator?
There are affordably-priced models,
that require no installation. All it
requires is a few pounds of salt,
each time the spa is refilled. I hope that
this information proves helpful. Enjoy the spa.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/15/2013
►
Chlorine Use With A Mineral
Sanitizer An Ozonator?
I have a
mineral purifier and ozonator. Do I
still add chlorine? I have spa
56 dichlor granules. And what should
my level be?
Jeff D. 8/24/2014
In
spite of what any dealer may have told you, to the
contrary, you would get better results and more
control over water quality, if you maintain a free
chlorine level of 0.5-1.5 PPM. Because of the
ozonator, less chlorine
will be required, to maintain this level. This also
confirms that everything is working properly, by
enabling you operate with a free chlorine level.
Chlorine provides persistent sanitation and
oxidation, while ozone is very short lived.
The addition of a
salt
chlorine generator would afford you even more
control. I hope
that this information is helpful.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 8/24/2014
► Ozone To
Mineral Sanitizing?
Is it possible and realistic to
convert my hot tub, which has an Ozonator and uses bromine,
to something like the silver oxide cartridge and
non-chlorine treatment?
Mike E., Evansville, IN, 12/12/2008
Yes, you should be able to make such
a switch. I suggest that you
completely drain the spa remove all
traces of the bromide salts. This is
important, so as not to shorten the
life of the silver component (you
can confirm this with the
manufacturer to be certain). Use the combination of a
Mineral Sanitizer and an ozone generator and you may not
need the non-chlorine shock and only a low level of chlorine
or bromine! The combination of a Mineral Sanitizer and Ozone
is being used in many spas. A
salt chlorine generator and
ozonator could prove to be a very
effective combination. It will
eliminate the odors, that are
sometimes associated with chlorine,
while providing better control. Have fun! Hope that I have been
of assistance.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 12/12/2008
► Silver
Oxide?
We have just installed a spa and would
like to use silver oxide, but all local dealers have never
heard of it. Do you have any suggestions about who sells
this is the Southern California area? Thank you in advance
for your help.
Nameless, California, 4/6/2011
The reason the dealers appeared to
be unfamiliar is that it is not sold
as silver oxide. Some Mineral Sanitizers
use a silver compound, as a source of silver ions and other
minerals, as well. Ask your local spa professional to
provide you with information on Mineral Sanitizers. I hope
that I have been helpful. Silver may help sanitize a spa,
but cannot be used alone, as it does
not oxidize wastes and organic
compounds. On the other hand,
a
salt chlorine generator is a
complete sanitizer. If used
with silver, you can reduce
chlorine usage, because it will
provide a degree of backup
sanitation. Enjoy the spa.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/7/2011
► Wanting To
Use Less Bromine?
I have been using bromine tablets in
my spa. The results, so far, have been good, but I would
like to use less bromine and fewer chemicals. Any
suggestions would be appreciated. Regards and thanks.
Barry M., Poughkeepsie, NY, 11/12/20012
The simplest thing to do would be to add a
Mineral
Sanitizer, that can be used
in spas, that use bromine or chlorine and it will not
interfere with the expected 6-month life of the cartridge. The presence of the mineral
sanitizer will allow you to maintain a lower bromine level
and because less bromine will be used, the overall water
chemistry will be easier to control. Another way to reduce
bromine usage, is to use a
salt chlorine generator.
If in addition to the salt, you add
a few ounces of sodium bromide, the
chlorine being generated, will end
up converting the bromides into
bromine. Just operate the salt
chlorine generator, in the normal
manner and it can produce your
bromine needs. I hope that this
information proves helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/12/2012
► Tired Of
Bromine?
I have a 500 gallon spa with an ozone
generator. I am tired of the bromine. After perusing your
website, it looks as though I could eliminate all need for
bromine/dispensers by adding a mineral sanitizer to my
system. I searched for those on the web and they appear to
simply be a device that slips into the 'tube' in my filter
and last for approximately 4 months at a time. Is this all
correct? Thank you for your advice,
Steve W., Austin, TX, 8/10/2010
Depending upon which Mineral
Sanitizer you use, it could be that
simple. However, there is one thing
that I would suggest be done first.
Empty and clean out the spa,
removing as much water as possible.
Some mineral sanitizers can shorten
the life of the cartridge, with the
presence of bromine. An ozone
generator, being part of your spa treatment regimen,
should
drastically reduce the bromine usage. Inasmuch as it is a
good practice to periodically empty a spa, you might as well
do it now. You could also use a
salt chlorine generator, with
the ozonator. The combination will
provide better results and more
control. I hope that the information will prove helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 8/10/2010
► 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 need to use any kind of a shock at the first? Hope you
can help! Thanks.
Jo, 7/10/2015
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? 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 might be
obtained, if you maintain a very low level of
chlorine or bromine. I hope that I've been helpful and
given you some food for thought. Good luck with your
decision.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 7/10/2015
► Too Much
Monopersulfate?
Alan, I use a mineral sanitizer system
and Monopersulfate (MPS). The
MPS test strips show that the MPS
level is WAY too high and the alkalinity and pH are at the
bottom of the scale. I know how to fix the alkalinity - pH
problem, but do not know how to lower the MPS level. Do I
just have to wait until it goes away or is there something I
can use to lower the level myself? Thank you.
Shelly M., Hanover, MD, 4/19/2010
It is possible to add a chemical to lower the monopersulfate
(MPS) level. Chlorine neutralizer will discharge the MPS
level very quickly. However, if you do nothing, the level
will drop on its own. By the time you read this and find the
product, I suspect that the level will be acceptable. As
long as you are
testing for MPS, you should add the product
in smaller increments. You can always add more - you can't
take out! Monopersulfate products, for spa use, should be a
buffered formula, so as not to affect the pH and TA. Check
to see if the label confirms this. I hope that I have been
helpful. Enjoy the spa.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/19/2010
► Mineral
Sanitizer, Ozone And Shock?
I am writing to ask about using a
mineral purifier in my hot tub. It has an ozonator in it, as
well. But, I am not sure how it really works. I have been
having problems with bromine with pH bouncing around and
hard to maintain. I also have been diagnosed with having
folliculitis. If I switch to a Mineralizer, do I need to use
an ionizer as well? I would like to get rid of the bromine
use. Can you recommend a mineral sanitizer brand to use? If
I switch to this system, do I understand correctly that I
will only be using the mineral sanitizer, ozonator and
shock? How do you test water? Do you use standard test
strips and will it give proper readings on pH and
alkalinity, using the purifier? Thank you so much. This is
all so confusing to me.
Lyn G., Charleston, SC, 2/25/2020
If you were medically diagnosed with
folliculitis, it was caused by
inadequate sanitation. Ozone and
bromine should have done the job.
However, the combination of an
ozonator, a mineral sanitizer and an
occasional shock treatment should
also be very effective. A mineral
sanitizer adds sanitizing metallic
ions to the water. Just make sure
that the ozonator is working
properly and is operated for 6-8
hours daily, spaced throughout out
the day into 2-hour periods. Once a
week or after heavy bather usage or
at the first signs of a loss of
water quality, add shock treatment. Bromine can sometimes
produce false high pH readings. If you use bromine, the pH
should always tend to drop.
Adding a pH Increaser should not be
required, under normal
circumstances. Perhaps,
bromine-pH interference was part of
the problem? Test strips should be fine for the pH and TA
and possibly to measure the shock level, if
chlorine is
used. You might find a
ColorQ 2X PRO 7 all-digital water
tester, more to your liking, as
it eliminates the color matching and
guesswork. I hope that I have been of
assistance.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 2/25/2020
► Better
Filtration?
Followed your advice and got a mineral
sanitizer to go with the ozone generator. Drained & cleaned
the tub. My skin is still reacting to the spa water but
everyone else is enjoying the water better now. It must be a
personal problem with heat sensitive dermatitis. The company
I ordered the mineral purifier from also supplied an
enhanced shock which contains 58% Sodium Dichloro
Triazinetrione and other stuff that they don't identify. I
assume that this is still a chlorine based shock? What type
of shock / chemical is non-chlorine or non-bromine in nature
that I could use in conjunction with the mineral sanitizer &
the ozonator? I am still monitoring the pH levels but should
I still be adding a stain and scale remover every week as the
Tub manufacturer recommends? Do I need to add anything else?
I have 2 filters that I rotate once a month but rinse off
once a week in between. When I rotate should I just soak
them in a filter cleaner or should I shock them first? How
long should they remain in the filter cleaner solution? My
spa supplier says 24 hours & then let them dry thoroughly,
other sources have advised that they should soak for a
couple of weeks. Also does a solar blanket on the water
surface help keep the ozone in the water? Sorry for all the
questions but I definitely appreciate the help you have
provided me with. Thanks.
Roger J., Dundas, Ont., 3/30/2006
The 58% product is sodium dichlor and you can use it. Just
try and keep the free chlorine level at 0.5-1.5 PPM. Less
than
normally amounts should be adequate, because of the
presence of the ozonator. A solar blanket could make a
slight difference, but it could be hard to quantify.
Potassium monopersulfate shock is a non-chlorine product.
You need one or the other. I would stop adding the stain and
scale product or verify that it can be used with the mineral
sanitizer. Unless your calcium hardness is very high, over
400 PPM, a scale preventative should
not be required. If you source
water contains iron, copper or
manganese, you might want to add a
MetalTrap
Filter, to the garden hose, used
to add water to the spa. You might be complexing (chelating) the metallic
ions and rendering them less effective. Spa filters are not
very effective, under the best of circumstances. A higher
efficiency product might be beneficial. The better
filtration couldn't hurt your dermatitis problem either.
Otherwise, clean according to the manufacturer's
instructions. I hope that this information proves helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/31/2006
► How A
Mineral Sanitizer Works?
I'm using a Mineral Sanitizer
Cartridge in my spa. I add some non-chlorine shock after
each use. I like it because there is very little odor, if
any. Exactly, how does this cartridge reduce chlorine
requirements?
Dennis G., 1/14/2010
The Mineral Sanitizer contains metallic ions, in a form that allows for slow
release into the spa water. This is done without the use of
electrical components, as is the
case with Ionization Units. The
ions, copper, silver or zinc, are
released into the water in ionic
form. This is the most active form
and allows the ions to function as
sanitizers, at very low
concentrations. Chlorine is normally
used to provide this type of
sanitizing action. However, chlorine
will also destroy and decompose
organic wastes and debris. Because
metallic ions cannot destroy the
organic contamination or prevent
further buildups, it is necessary to
add an oxidizer to do this job. That
is the reason for adding the
non-chlorine shock. Maintaining a
free chlorine of that favors the low
end of 1-3 PPM, helps assure proper
sanitation, at all times. The use of
a Mineral Sanitizer
should reduce the overall chemical usage and make control of
the water chemistry easier. Enjoy the spa. I hope that I
have been helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/15/2010
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Shipping is FREE* . . . within
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A $9.99
handling charge will apply
to Continental U.S. Orders,
under $75.00. Orders
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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Credit Cards and PayPal are accepted. |
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