Best Solar Pool Ionizers | Why Make the Switch

While many people may be skeptical of a pool ionizer that totally relies on the power of the sun, rest assured; solar pool ionizers really work, and they perform exceptionally well.

Not only do they save you a ton of money each year in chemical use, but they are surprisingly affordable too!

In the following, you’ll explore the top two solar pool ionizers that are your ticket to a cleaner pool that’s healthier for your family and good for the environment as well.

Best Solar Pool Ionizers

With pool ionizers, it’s easier than ever to keep your water crystal clear. Below are two favorite models and what makes them worth considering.

Best Overall: CopperFlo Solar Pool Ionizer

The CopperFlo Solar Pool Ionizer is considered the cream of the crop because of its value compared to similar, pricier models.

While some companies charge more, this ionizer gives you incredible algae reduction, sustainability, and customer service at a very reasonable price.

While the CopperFlo might look like a simple Frisbee, this little powerhouse will keep your pool cleaner—even large pools (up to 45,000 gallons!).

Changing to the CopperFlo means no more feeling icky, being overpowered by chlorine fumes, or ruining a new hair color from chemicals.

That alone makes an ionizer worth it. However, the CopperFlo deserves the throne in this category because of the money and time it saves you.

Pool maintenance can be stressful when all you’d like to do is relax.

With this ionizer, there is minimal maintenance required, and the copper electrode can be expected to last for 2-3 years before needing to be replaced. 

You’ll save hundreds of dollars each year because you’ll no longer be dumping endless chemicals into your pool and you’ll have more free time to enjoy your oasis because you won’t be constantly monitoring the chlorine levels.

If you’re looking for the top-performer in all categories, it’d be hard to find another pool ionizer that beats the CopperFlo.

Pros:

• 25% better than competitors at controlling algae.
• Solar-powered to save electricity.
• User friendly.
• Lifetime warranty.
• Outstanding customer service with the product.
• Reduces chlorine usage by up to 85%.
• Works in above-ground, in-ground, chlorine, and saltwater pools.

Cons:

• Copper anode may need replacement each season depending on usage.

Runner-Up: XtremepowerUS 90120 System

If price is the defining factor, the XtremepowerUS 90120 may be perfect for your pool.

It’s slightly cheaper than the CopperFlo but still delivers a stellar clean to your water.

With its easy-to-use frame, checking for wear and tear can be done in seconds.

Instead of dumping tons of chlorine to achieve the same effect, this solar ionizer chugs along, steadily keeping a charge out to prevent algae growth.

Working with this model can reduce your chemical use by 80%.

The XtremepowerUS 90210 garners accolades in customer satisfaction across the charts with reliability, value, and overall performance.

Don’t fight a losing battle. Clean the green with the XtremepowerUS 90210, and get back to enjoying your pool.

Pros:

• Inexpensive compared to similar models.
• Quick, visible results. 
• Saves money with solar power.
• Easily cleaned parts.
• Reduces chlorine usage by up to 80%.
• Works in above-ground, in-ground, chlorine, and saltwater pools.

Cons:

• Only effective to 32,000 gallons.

Benefits of a Pool Ionizer

Pool owners love these ionizers because they are cheaper, safer alternatives to just dumping tons of chemicals into the pool.

While it is still good to use a little chlorine to make sure the water is disinfected, for the most part, an ionizer will do the heavy lifting with pool maintenance. 

Pool ionizers keep the pool smelling better and free from algae growth, and if your friends and family have skin conditions, an ionizer keeps them from being irritated.

If you’ve ever left a pool feeling itchy or with a burning sensation around your eyes, then you might opt for the gentler approach of an ionized pool. 

This goes doubly for other items you use with your pool.

While you can rinse off in the shower, your pool equipment has to sit there in those high levels of chlorine.

This can take its toll over time, so using a pool ionizer can help reduce the erosion on your pool toys, pumps, and other equipment for the long haul.

In essence, owning a pool can be a significant chore because of its upkeep.

Ionizers reduce these chores by reducing the chemical amount you need to keep your water clean.

They’re also nontoxic! People have been using copper for centuries to hold water because of copper’s antibacterial properties.

Pool Ionizer vs. Salt Water Pool

Pool ionizers and saltwater pools are similar and work together reasonably well.

However, an ionizer will be a piece of equipment that can work in most pools, while a saltwater pool is an entire system.

The two are different investments, and you can find out more about saltwater pools here.

Saltwater pools use salt chlorinators to make the water…well, salty.

It doesn’t save you entirely from chlorine as the process still produces a small amount to keep your water clean.

This is a major change to a pool and is usually installed when you build it.

Maintenance for these pool types keeps your salt topped off and measures chlorine levels if you’re covering it for a time.

An ionizer is inexpensive in comparison and can be used in saltwater pools if you wish.

The added benefit of solar power means your ionizer won’t be running up your electric bill while it’s working.

How Do Solar Pool Ionizers Work?

So we’ve talked about how great these models are at keeping your pool clean but not about how they actually do it.

If you’re on the fence about switching to a pool ionizer, then here are a few reasons why you should grab one and how they help keep your pool a healthy place to swim.

Inside an ionizer are metal parts (generally copper anodes, but some come with silver), and these parts interact with electricity to release their ions into the water.

It’s only a slight voltage during this interaction, so you don’t need to worry about any shock while in the pool. The process is called electrolysis.

These tiny metal particles don’t make algae (for copper) or bacteria (for silver) very happy. The ions attach to their cell walls and erode them over time.

Not only that, when this erosion kills them off, the negative charge of these ions binds them together for easy cleanup.

So while your ionizer will definitely keep your pool cleaner, make sure to keep your filtration system running!

You know the copper anodes are working if they look bluish-green when you check on them.

The anodes can take up to two years to fully erode, so you shouldn’t need a replacement anode for quite a while.

Related Questions:

How Long Do Solar Pool Ionizers Take To Work?

Ionizers need minimal setup. This can be different for each pool as there are varying degrees of algae and chemical balances.

Generally, it takes a few hours to build up enough ions in the water before you will notice results.

If your pool has already been treated, balanced, and shocked, then you should be fine to just drop your solar pool ionizer in and go!

For new pool owners, here is a handy checklist to balance your pool water easily.

Can You Use a Solar Pool Ionizer in a Hot Tub?

Solar pool ionizers are fine to use in your hot tub, though you might want to purchase a hot tub-specific ionizer because of its capacity, especially if your hot tub is indoors or covered by an awning.

Hot tubs are smaller and have different needs than a traditional pool, but the same principles apply to both.

If your hot tub is large or attached to your pool, an ionizer can be a perfect alternative to other treatments on the market.

Wrapping It Up

These days it just doesn’t make sense to continue being a slave to your swimming pool when there are healthier, more affordable alternatives.

Just in case you still have lingering doubts about the overwhelming advantages of a solar pool ionizer, let’s review the key benefits:

• Drastically reduces algae growth and the need for chlorine.
• Saves on energy bills.
• Creates a healthier, cleaner pool.
• Can be used with both above-ground and in-ground pools.
• Very low maintenance.
• Better for the environment.
• Works with both fresh and saltwater pools.

What’s not to love? For those who are tired of the never-ending chemical applications and water testing, it’s an easy decision – one you won’t regret.

Sources:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/copper-virus-kill-180974655/

https://www.healthline.com/health/salt-water-pool

https://www.medallionenergy.com/blog/balance-pool-water-adjust-pool-chemicals