Pacific Hot Tub Solutions is committed to providing our customers the healthiest way to sanitize their water, improving their health well-being and experience in their spas.

Background: The principal of using metals for water purification goes back hundreds of years. The benefits of silver's effectiveness is found throughout history. In Ancient Greece and Rome, people used silver containers to keep liquids fresh. Settlers in the American West would put a silver dollar in water overnight to purify it. By the end of the 19th Century Silver was being used to fill cavities and by dropping silver filtrate solution in newborn babies' eyes to prevent blindness due to infection. In the late 60's, early 70's Johnson Space Center conducted a research program to create a lightweight water purifier that required minimal power and no human monitoring. The results of this research was an electrolytic silver ion generator. This unit, when placed in the potable water supply and waster water system of a spacecraft, would dispense silver ions sufficient to eliminate bacteria and sanitize the water within hours. From this beginning one of the world's most advanced water purification systems was developed.

How it Works: Both Silver an Copper have algacidal and bactericidal properties. Copper has the ability to pierce the protective outer membrane of a cell and disrupt enzyme balance as well as allowing other bactericidal and algaecides access to the susceptible part of the organism. Silver is effective because of its capabilities of interfering with DNA production and accelerating the death phase of the organism. Although lethal to bacteria and algae, this process is completely safe to humans In conjunction with the copper/silver ionization, water passes through a powerful magnetic field which polarizes molecules and gives water a positive(+) charge. This gives a silk smooth feel and eliminates the need for adding chemicals.

Advantages: There are a number of advantages to the electrolytic system. Unlike standard sanitizing chemicals, ions are reactively unaffected by pH, temperature, aeration or sunlight. As they are not as prone to evaporation or dissipation, they tend to remain resident in the water to provide long-lasting and constant purification. New ions are added automatically as the water circulates. Operation of the system is virtually automatic and very simple. Operation costs and maintenance are low. From a health standpoint it is completely safe, as no toxic chemicals are produced or consumed. The system is environmentally friendly and the water is healthy, sanitary and odor free. Water quality is improved dramatically. The water feels fresh and clean with no chemical smell. Unlike chlorine, silver is not absorbed through you skin or inhaled via steam. The silver ion system is ideal for those who are allergic or very sensitive to standard sanitizing chemicals unlike Salt systems it is non-corrosive. Combining a silver/copper ion system with hybrid UV-C ozone, creates a perfect dual defense system, eliminating the need for and exposure to harsh chemicals.

What is an ion? An ion is an atom, or group of atoms that possess 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 electron, it is called an anion. If it has lost an electron, it is a positive ion, or known as a cation. Copper silver ion systems produce cations.

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 set of electrodes, made up of an anode and cathode are placed in a flow cell. This flow cell is placed in-line with the circulation system. A controller provides a low voltage, alternating DC current. This is passed between the anode and cathode. The voltage causes some of the outermost atoms of the anode to lose an electron, thus becoming positive ions, which attempt to flow across to the cathode. In this process, the ions are carried away by the flow of water.

How do copper and silver ions sanitize water? An over simplified explanation is as follows. The copper ion destroys the algae and bacteria by piercing the outer membrane and disrupting enzyme balance. This also allows for other halogens present to enter the cell and help destroy it. Silver ions are effective as a sanitizer because of its efficiency in interrupting DNA production preventing reproduction and accelerating the death phase of the bacteria and viruses. While lethal to bacteria, many viruses and algae, the system is completely safe for humans, animals and plants.

How do you control the actual amount of ionization taking place? The electrodes are connected to a control panel which governs the system. By advancing the output time on the controller, you increase the amount of ions dispensed into the water. Buy reducing the output time, you reduce the number of ions dispensed.

How do you know if ionization is taking place? Every Thomsontec ion system includes a test kit that can measure a precise amount of copper ions in the water. A single test should be done a minimum of once a week in the hot summer months. The test only takes a couple of minutes. You compare the color of the tested water to a chart on the test kit to determine the copper ion level.

What is the recommended copper ion level? The recommended range is between .20 and .50 ppm. If the reading is low, simply adjust the controller to a higher setting; if the reading is too high, turn the system down.

How can I tell if the unit is functioning?

The controller features a digital readout of the duty cycle and an anode indicator. The anode indicator will be lit when current is passing between anode and cathode. The copper test kit tells the actual copper level.

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.

This system is unarguably superior to any other automated system available for water purification for swim spas and hot tubs. The benefits to you, your family, friends and spa are insurmountable. With this system available to you, only from Pacific Hot Tub Solutions, why would you buy anywhere else and be subjected to traditional, harsh or corrosive chemicals as well as the ongoing costs and item associated with maintaining your spa?