Over time, the copper anode and cathode will start to accumulate organic matter. As the copper ions go through the water, the mass will eventually shrink. The anode and cathode must be regularly inspected and cleaned with a wire brush. Here are pictures of the clean copper surface and the transformation of the anode.
The plastic cap on the solar panel head should be removed. The steel cathode and the mesh basket should be brushed. The copper anode can also be cleaned while it's on the panel head.
After cleaning, the anode, the mesh basket, and the copper cathode should be reassembled. Using a plastic screw, tighten the ionizer until it's ready to work.
Copper Anode Replacement
When copper ions start to dissolve in your pool, the anode starts to shrink. This process can take up to 12 to 24 months. If the anode is less than 0.25 inches in radius, it should be replaced. An anode with a diameter of less than 0.25 inches should be fitted to the ionizer. There are two holes at the ends of the anode, one of which is used to attach a plastic mesh basket to the base of the unit.
Water Testing after Solar Pool Ionizer using
Although the test strips are as not effective in detecting low levels of copper ions, they are as useful at determining the high levels of copper. If the water's copper level exceeds 0.5 ppm, the ionizer should be taken out of the pool. However, if the copper anode is corroding, the presence of ions can help prevent algae growth.
The design of the Solar Pool Ionizer makes it incredibly rare for it to malfunction. This means that if you suspect that it might be defective, you can perform a test to see if it's working properly.
After setting the ionizer aside for a couple of minutes, remove it and test the water. Since the volume of water is very small, the ionizer can quickly increase the copper levels in the water. If the copper content is still at trace levels, it might indicate an issue with the unit.
Useful Tips
If your pool's surface is covered in shading, you can use a tethered ionizer to access an exposed area.
If the exposure to the sun is weak or cloudy, you might want to lower the pH level to increase the natural copper dissolution rate.
Keep in mind that the copper content of the water should not go beyond the upper limit of 0.5 ppm. High levels can cause the water to become green and eventually turn to a copper color.
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