Problems With Pool Ionizers

Pool ionizers use mineral levels of copper, iron and ions to maintain a clean and clear pool. The ionizer is often used as an alternative to keeping a pool clean with more traditional cleansing methods, such as chemicals. However, the ionizer is not free of problems. With the right methods the pool ionizer can overcome the problems that it faces.

Cloudy Water

Cloudy water is a common problem seen in pools that use pool ionizers. The ionizer is used to clean the water in the pool but it cannot do it on its own. The only way to keep the water from getting cloudy is with shock treatments of chlorine used about once a week in the pool. This chlorine shock should clear away the cloudy water, leaving it sparkling. Cloudy water can also be caused by low copper levels, dirty pump filters or by not running the ionizer enough. If your pool is cloudy even after the shock treatment, try running the pool ionizer for one hour more each day.

Mineral Imbalance

Colored water is usually caused by a mineral imbalance in the pool, such as too much copper or iron. If the water has blue, green or red stains, there are a few different causes. The copper level might be too high. The copper level should be lowered to .3ppm (this may take several weeks). The pH of the water may be too high. The pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6. You may also need to shock the pool with chlorine more. If you shock once a week, try shocking twice a week.

Algae

Algae can be caused by several different factors. The copper levels in the pool may be too low. This is usually fixed by operating the ionizer and pump for eight hours each day. Infrequent chlorine shocks can also cause algae growth. Shock the pool one to two times each week. You can also use a non-copper based algaecide to kill the algae.

Prevention/Solution

These problems with ionizers can easily be prevented. The best way to prevent these problems is to follow the operating instructions outlined in your ionizer manual. Operate the ionizer for eight hours a day and shock the pool with chlorine at least once a week. If you do this, the ionizer will have little trouble keeping the pool clean.

Pool Stains

If the pool has black or brown stains,this can be caused by high mineral levels--such as iron--or by insufficient chlorine levels. The best way to deal with this is to add a stain remover to the water. The ionizer is turned off for a week and instant ionizers are added after the week is over.