Solar Pool Ionizer,Ideal for Above Ground, In-Ground Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs(Deepblue)

The Enhulk Solar Pool Ionizer is a long-lived and cost effective way to keep your pool water sparkling clean. I can't tell you the chemistry of why, but copper just simply works. The best attribute of these ionizers is they are completely hands off. Take them apart and clean the element every 30-60 days and thats it! Love these things and can't recommend them enough for pool owners.

I ordered this $100 Enhulk solar ionizer (Amazon ASIN B0DSFVTR2R) because I wanted to test out whether solar pool ionizers work for my pool.As I understand it, these ionizers are based on the science of mineral ionization, specifically copper ionization for this ionizer (silver being the other type). The way the unit is supposed to work, as far as I can tell, is the solar panel generates a low-voltage DC electrical current which is passed through the copper rod (aka the electrode). The electrical current causes copper atoms to lose electrons, becoming positively charged copper ions (cations) which are then released into the pool water.Copper ions are known to act as an algaecide and bactericide, disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms but the problem is I'm not sure of the concentration of copper ions this device can create, nor what the level is for effective cleaning. Also, over time, high concentrations of copper can cause staining on the pool surfaces. Apparently pool ionizers are not regulated like chemical sanitizers are, so there is less oversight on their effectiveness and safety. Therefore I take the claims of cost savings with a grain of copper salts.Looking at the build quality of this solar ionizer, I have to say the copper rod is thick and the stainless steel spring well made, as is the mesh filter surrounding it all, and the floating cap with the solar panel inside, so the build quality is stellar. Of course, without a battery backup, it only works during the day, and how well it works will be greatly dependent on the hardness of the pool water and the amount of organics for the copper ions to bind to (which deactivates them).Research shows me that generally, a copper ion concentration of 0.2 to 0.4 parts per million (ppm) is considered effective for controlling algae and some bacteria in pool water (200ppb to 400 ppb, parts per billion). Unfortunately, that same research implies that solar pool ionizers do not normally maintain the copper level that the EPA recommends to kill bacteria. So disinfecting chemicals are still needed.So it's important to note that a swimming pool cannot rely on an ionizer alone for sanitation. Ionizers work too slowly to be effective on their own and require another sanitizer such as chlorine to make the pool safe for swimmers, as well as an oxidizer to eliminate organic contaminants.Also, after a while in the pool, the copper anode and stainless steel coils became gunked with a blue substance near the top and a pinkish substance near the bottom (bottom being facing the pool floor and top being the upmost portion).I was surprised how much rather colorful corrosive gunk was inside the filter, with black copper stains all over the bottom of the unit in addition to the bright blue and pinkish brown on the steel spring and copper rod. Even the stainless steel at the bottom (lowest part) of the spring seemed to be corroding a brownish pinkish color.I guess that's why the trusty scrub brush was provided in the kit! I washed the parts in a spray from the garden hose and scrubbed off the pasty materials off the electrode. Over time, of course, the copper electrode will corrode enough that it will need to be replaced. And the nylon wingnuts will break, so it's good they supplied a couple extra in the kit along with a copper test strip kit.Note that some people use vinegar to help clean the coils. Others tie the unit by a string to a single place in the pool, but a black streak can result at that area if it stays there too long.For more information, please see the included detailed photos. In explaining all of this, I hope this review helps you make a more informed decision.

It took me several weeks to get a handle on my pool chemicals last summer. Inevitably, I end up a little behind if we go on vacation or something. This year I thought I’d give one of these solar floaters a try. Something to supplement the chlorine treatments. It was a little expensive, but then so is a bucket of chlorine tablets. I wanted something a little more passive, so gonna see how this does alongside my normal pool routine this summer. Will come back and update come closing in the fall.

Helps me keep the algae in my older concrete pool under control without having to add silver or copper to the water twice a year. This is my second unit like this in the last couple of years and they work very well in the Soutwest! They do need to be cleaned periodically and replaced when the electrode is no longer effective.