Clear Water Pool System - Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Ion?

An ion is an atom, or group of atoms, that possesses an electrical charge. An atom is like a tiny solar system, with a nucleus in the middle and one or more electrons orbiting around the outside. Inside the nucleus are positively charged particles called protons. The electrons are negatively charged. An atom usually contains an equal number of protons and electrons. An ion gets its electrical charge by losing or gaining electrons. If it has an extra ion, it is called an ANION. If it has lost an electron, it is a positive ion, or known as a CATION.

What is copper-silver ionization?

The process that causes an element to gain or lose electrons is called ionization. Copper-silver ionization is the electronic release of copper and silver ions.

How does copper-silver ionization work?

A low voltage, alternating DC current is passed through a set of metallic electrodes, which are placed in-line with the circulation system and set slightly apart from one another. The voltage causes some of the outermost atoms of the electrodes to lose an electron, thus becoming positive ions, which attempt to flow across the space between the electrodes, but instead are carried away by the flow of water. The electrodes are located in the "ion chamber" plumbed in the return line. A separate control box supplies a variable, low-voltage DC charge to the electrodes.

How does copper-silver ionization purify water?

It is a well-established, well-documented fact that copper ions in water will inhibit algae growth, while silver ions kill bacteria and viruses. The electrodes consist of a metal plated cathode and a metal plated anode. Low voltage is introduced as direct current, at milliamp levels, that passes between the cathode and anode. As the current moves, it produces metal ions from the copper and silver. Because water is flowing through the chamber, many of these ions are swept away before they can reach the other side of the electrode. The electrodes are scientifically formulated with a 96% copper and 4% silver alloy mix.

How do you control the actual amount of ionization taking place?

The amount of mineral ions released is controlled by a rheostat, an adjustable transformer that changes 110 or 220 AC current from the power service to low-voltage DC current. The higher the charge, the more ions are released. The polarity switches back and forth between the electrodes' two elements to prevent plating of the cathode - a process that reduces the electrodes' active surface over time.

How do you know if ionization is taking place?

Every purifier includes a test kit that can measure a precise amount of copper ions in the water. A single test should be done once a week in the hot summer months. The test only takes a couple of minutes. After the tablet is added to the water sample, you compare the color to a chart on the test kit to determine the copper ion level. This test is called a Chlorimetic Test.

What is the recommended copper ion level?

The recommended range is between .20 and .30 ppm. If the reading is low, simply turn the control knob up a little; if the reading is too high, turn the control knob down a bit.

How can I tell if the unit is functioning?

The Control Box features a digital readout of the actual DC charge that is being passed between the electrodes. The readout will be in milliamps. The unit will read "OFF" when set at the lowest setting when no ionization is taking place.

Do I need to test for the silver ion level?

Whenever the copper ion level is correct, the silver ion level will be in range also. The electrodes are a mix of copper and silver, so the right proportions are always being released at the same time.

Is it difficult to change the electrodes?

No, not at all. All you need is a wrench and some Teflon tape. Simply unscrew the worn electrodes (which are sealed in a cap) from the chamber and replace with a new set. Wrap some Teflon tape around the cap to prevent leaking.

How long will my electrodes last?

The electrodes will last anywhere from 1 to 5 years, depending on several factors. For example, a 50,000 gallon pool will require 5 times the amount of ions as a 10,000 gallon pool. A pool in Maine has a swimming pool season of only 3 months while a pool in Florida is open year round.

How do I know if my electrodes need cleaning or replacing?

A warning light on the control box will let you know.

How hard is it to install the system?

The installation is very simple and can be done in under one hour in most cases. No special tools are required. An Installation Manual and Video are available by request.

Will the purifier work on 110 or 220 volts?

All units leave the factory set on 220 volts. If the voltage is 110, simply change the voltage switch inside the unit. All you need is a screwdriver and this step can be done in about two minutes.

What is the actual electrical consumption?

Based on eight hours of operation per day, the cost of electricity consumed by teh Clearwater R-200 Purifier would be less than one dollar per year.

Will I ever have to shock my pool again?

Yes, but don't be alarmed. In the hot summer months, one pound of potassium monopersulfate (or Clearwater Non-Chlorine Shock) may be required once a week or after a heavy rainstorm. In the spring and fall, once a month dosage may be required. This non-chlorine shock dissolves instantly and you can swim immediately after adding it to the pool. This oxidizer, available through Clearwater or at any store that sells pool supplies, simply puts oxygen in the water to get rid of the organic contaminants (body oils, suntan lotions, debris from leaves, etc.) and dissolves a bio-shield that can build up around algae cells preventing the copper ions from getting to the algae and kill it.

How often will I have to oxidize?

It all depends on your pool and the environment. If you maintain your pool's pH between 7.2 and 7.8, it will make a big difference. Generally, in the hot summer months you should oxidize once a week. In cooler weather, or in dry areas, once a month may be sufficient. Commercial pool owners should keep a small amount of chlorine in the pool at all times because of heavy bather load.

Are there any other options?

Yes, you can add ozone, which Clearwater also sells. An ozone system when combined with ionization, will give you the closest thing possible to a "hands-free pool." We sell a state of the art Corona Discharge unit in various sizes. With ozone in place, oxidizing is automatically done.

What is the Enterprise System?

Our premium residential system including the RS-50 unit (for residential pools up to 50,000 gallons) and the Ion-Mate.

What is the Ion-Mate?

The Ion-Mate is basically the same as our ScaleBlaster product, an electronic descaler. This product, that simply snaps on your PVC pipe (or any other type of pipe) offers several benefits. Scale will remove from your tile and pipes, the pH will become more stabilized, and oxidizer use will be cut down. Another benefit is that the unit will help prevent and remove stains in the pool.