How Claritech Water Purification Works

Claritech uses a scientifically proven process called copper-silver ionisation to keep your pool or spa water crystal clear — dramatically reducing your reliance on chlorine, salt, and algicides by up to 90%.

The Science Behind It

When water flows through the Claritech purification unit, a low-voltage electrical current passes through copper and silver electrodes. This releases positively charged copper (Cu²⁺) and silver (Ag⁺) ions into the water.

These ions are naturally attracted to the negatively charged cell walls of bacteria, algae, and pathogenic microorganisms. Once they attach and penetrate, they disrupt the cell’s ability to photosynthesise and absorb nutrients — the organism rapidly dies. The ions remain active in the water, providing continuous protection against recontamination.

• Copper ions (Cu²⁺) — destroy algae by disrupting cell membranes and preventing photosynthesis
• Silver ions (Ag⁺) — eliminate bacteria and viruses by interfering with their enzyme systems
• Together, they provide continuous, long-lasting protection — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Step-by-Step: How It Works

1. Water flows through the ionisation chamber — your existing pump circulates water through the Claritech unit as normal
2. Ions are released — copper and silver ions dissolve into the water at safe, controlled levels
3. Bacteria and algae are eliminated — ions bind to microorganisms and destroy them naturally
4. Water stays clean — residual ions remain active in the water, providing ongoing protection
5. You test and monitor — use the included Claritech Test Kit to check copper ion levels. Ideal target: 0.3–0.5 ppm (within the safe operating range of 0.3–1.0 mg/L for the NEC-20, or 0.7–1.0 mg/L for the NEC-2000). Test weekly during the first 2–4 weeks while dialling in your control box setting, then every 2–4 weeks once stable.

Do I Still Need Any Chemicals?

The Claritech system reduces your chemical usage by up to 90% — but a small amount of an oxidiser is still needed to break down dissolved organic waste like sunscreen, sweat, and body oils. The ioniser does the killing; the oxidiser does the cleaning. Think of it as a tag-team.

• Cartridge or Sand Filter Pool: A minimal weekly dose of non-chlorine shock (MPS) or a small amount of liquid chlorine keeps the water sparkling. Dissolved organics are microscopic and pass through any physical filter media, so an oxidiser is needed regardless of filter type.
• Spa Pool: A small dose of oxidiser weekly or after heavy use — heated water accelerates organic buildup.
• Saltwater Chlorinator Pool: No additional oxidiser needed — turn your chlorinator down to 10–15% of its total output capacity and it generates enough chlorine to handle oxidation while the Claritech system takes over 90% of the sanitising load. Note: you’ll still need to top up pool salt periodically and monitor pH — salt chlorinators can cause pH drift, so keep pH between 7.2 and 7.4.

→ Full chemical setup guide, testing protocol & filter-type breakdown

Works Brilliantly With a Salt Water Chlorinator

Many people don’t realise that salt chlorinators generate chlorine. While a saltwater pool isn’t truly chemical-free on its own, pairing it with a Claritech system completely transforms how it operates.

• The Claritech system takes over the heavy lifting — copper and silver ions destroy bacteria and algae, so your chlorinator no longer needs to work hard.
• Dial it down — turn your salt chlorinator down to just 10–15% of its total output capacity. At this setting it acts purely as a gentle oxidiser — burning off organic waste without the harsh side effects of a traditional chlorine pool.
• Better water, less wear — crystal-clear water with no stinging eyes, no heavy chemical odours, and significantly less wear on your pool equipment.
• Bonus — the salt in the water actually helps the copper and silver ions disperse even more effectively.
• Ongoing maintenance: You’ll still need to top up pool salt periodically and monitor pH — salt chlorinators can cause pH drift, so keep pH between 7.2 and 7.4 as part of your weekly routine.

Is It Safe?

Absolutely. Copper and silver have been used for water purification for thousands of years — from ancient civilisations storing water in copper vessels to modern hospitals using silver-based antimicrobials. The ion levels used by Claritech are well within WHO safe drinking water guidelines and consistent with NZ drinking water standards for copper.

• Safe for children and pets
• Safe for sensitive skin and eyes — no red eyes, no dry skin, no chemical smell
• Backwash water is safe for gardens and lawns
• No chemical storage or handling required
• The NEC-2000 flow cell carries WRAS drinking water certification for its coating

What About pH?

The system operates effectively across a wide pH range of 6.5–9.5 — consistent with the German Drinking Water Directive testing range and covering virtually all residential pool conditions. For optimal copper ion stability and to prevent any risk of surface staining, we recommend keeping pH between 7.2 and 7.4. Keeping Total Alkalinity (TA) between 80–120 ppm helps prevent pH from drifting.

This is one of the most significant advantages over chlorine-based systems, which are highly pH-sensitive and require constant adjustment to remain effective.