Side-by-Side POOL PURIFIER Comparison
Product
Technology
Salt-natural chlorine generator and automated pool chemistry controller
 Salt-natural chlorine generator Ultra-violet germicidal disinfection Solar powered mineralizer Mineral pool care Chlorine [In-line or off-line injectors, or floating dispensers]
Pool Types
Fresh water and salt water pools; indoor or outdoor
 Fresh water and salt water pools; indoor or outdoor Fresh water and salt water pools; indoor or outdoor Fresh water and salt [6] water pools; outdoor pools only [2] Fresh water and salt water pools; indoor or outdoor Fresh water and salt water pools; indoor or outdoor
How does it Work? Converts salt into safe low level chlorine; also monitors and adds acid to maintain pH level Converts salt into safe low level chlorine Instantly eliminates biological growth with ultra-violet light Converts sunlight into electricity which in turn introduces beneficial mineral ions to the water Granulated product dissolves adding metal ions and minerals to the water. Regular addition of toxic chlorine is added; super chlorination [shocking] typically required
Chemical Chlorine Reduction 100% 100% 70% or more typical [1] 80% or more typical [1] 50% 0%
Chloramine Reduction [3] 100% 100% 70% or more typical 80% or more typical 50% 0%
Water Quality Crystal clear, soft, silky; no chlorine taste or odor Crystal clear, soft, silky; no chlorine taste or odor Clear; reduced chlorine taste or odor Crystal clear water with only trace oxidizer, reduced chlorine. No bad taste or odor Crystal clear water with only trace oxidizer, reduced chlorine. No bad taste or odor Water can be murky, dull, hard; chlorine taste or odor; damage to skin, hair, equipment, clothing, etc
Chlorine and Sanitation Monitoring Automatic Automatic Manual chemical test Kit [5] Not Required Not Required Manual chemical test Kit [5]
pH Control Precision pH stabilization by automatic acid injection [4] Naturally increases pH levels - decreases normal amount of required acid; requires periodic addition of acid Requires normal addition of acid or soda ash to maintain pH level Naturally stabilizes pH - requires less acid or soda ash Naturally stabilizes pH - requires less acid or soda ash Requires normal addition of acid or soda ash to maintain pH level

Temperature
Fluctuations

 Unaffected by temperature changes Automatic temperature compensation Unaffected by temperature changes Not degraded by hot summer temperatures Not degraded by hot summer temperatures Affected by temperature changes
Built-In Pool Pump Time Clock
 Optional Yes No N/A N/A No
Owner Maintenance
 Very Low Low Slightly Low Less than 5 min. per week Replace every 6 months High

Clean Filter

 Less often Less often Normal Normal Normal Normal
Water Testing

Salt Level

 Check monthly Check monthly Never N/A N/A Never
Stabilizer Level
 Check monthly Check monthly Check monthly N/A N/A Check weekly
Chlorine Level
 Automatic Automatic Check monthly Minimal Minimal Check weekly
pH Level Automatic Check weekly Check monthly Stable Stable Check weekly
Saturation Index Check monthly Check monthly Check monthly N/A N/A Check weekly
Ion Level Never Never Never Weekly (to start) N/A Never
Additives Required
Salt Add yearly Add yearly None N/A N/A None
Stabilizers Add yearly Add yearly None N/A N/A
Chlorine None None 70% less than normal typical [3][7] 80% less than normal typical [3][7] 50% less than normal typical [3][7] 100% Normal amount
Acid Less than normal; added automatically [4] Less than normal; add weekly as required Less than normal; add monthly as required Hardly Hardly 100% normal amount
Soda Ash None None Less than normal; add monthly as required Hardly Hardly 100% normal amount
Calcium As needed based on saturation index test As needed based on saturation index test Less than normal; add monthly as required None None 100% normal amount
Clarifiers None None None None None 100% normal amount
Algaecides None None None None None
Replacement Parts or Maintenance Replace ORP and pH Sensors every two years; replace Flow Cell every 3-6 years Replace Flow Cell every 3-5 years Clean bulb 1-2 times per year; replace bulb every 1-4 years Clean electrode weekly for 2-3 minutes; replace electrode every 1-2 seasons average None
Ease of Operating Extremely easy Very easy Very easy Simply throw in the water Very easy High maintenance
Easy-to-read digital readout display. Digital display but owner must  track pH and adjust Weekly water testing required
Self-balancing sanitizer levels Requires occasional adjustment to maintain sanitation level
Self-balancing pH
Ease of Installation 2-4 Hours 2-3 Hours 1-3 Hours No Installation Required Minutes 1 Hour
Requires simple PVC plumbing and electrical hookup Requires simple PVC plumbing and electrical hookup Requires simple PVC plumbing and electrical plug-in or hookup Requires simple PVC plumbing; Floaters just toss in pool
DIY kit DIY kit DIY kit DIY kit
Installation Location Permanent installation next to pool pump and filter Permanent installation next to pool pump and filter Permanent installation next to pool pump and filter Portable; can be moved to any pool/spa Skimmer Basket Permanent and portable models
Environmental Friendliness No chlorine use; minimal electric usage No chlorine use; minimal electric usage Extremely minimal chlorine use; minimal electric usage Best for the environment: solar powered. Greatly reduces pump hours & saves electricity.
Extremely minimal chlorine use		 Extremely minimal chlorine use. No energy required Toxic chemicals harmful to humans and the environment
Compatibility with other Technologies Compatible with Floaton or Ionizers, and Ultra Violet Compatible with Floaton or Ionizers, and Ultra Violet Compatible with the Floatron or Pool Pilot

Compatible with Pool Pilot or Salt Water Chlorine Generators, Ozone and Ultra Violet

 Compatible with Ultra Violet and regular Chlorinatorss Compatible with the Floatron and Ultra Violet for adding small amounts of chlorine or other oxidizers
Price Range $1838 $1070  $504  $299 $45.17 $78.77
Warranty 24 months 24 months 24 months 24 months 6 months* 12 months
Prices as of 7/22/07. Subject to change without notice.
[1] Manufacturer states some amount of chlorine or oxidizers typically must be added
[2] Bacquacil pools must be converted to Chlorine before unit operation
[3] Chloramine Reduction may be temporarily minimized during heavy bather load, heavy rainfall, or when adding large volumes of fresh water
[4] Must add bulk acid to the Acid Tank approximately every 3 months to maintain level in tank
[5] Not included; typical test kit used by pool owners
[6] Salt water will shorten electrode life
[7] Non-chlorine oxidizer can be used instead of chlorine with equally good results
*Free from defects in materials and workmanship

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