Why Ionisation?
Why Copper-Silver Ionisation?
There are many ways to keep pool water clean. But not all methods are equal — and when you compare them side by side, copper-silver ionisation stands apart. It's the only purification method that scores clean across every category that matters to your family, your pool, and the environment.
How It Works
The Claritech system passes a low electrical current through copper and silver electrodes inside the treatment cell. 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 without any ongoing chemical input.
The result: crystal-clear water that's genuinely clean — not just chemically masked.
Trusted at the Highest Level
Copper-silver ionisation isn't new — it's a proven technology with a track record spanning decades and continents. NASA pioneered its use for drinking water purification on space missions in the 1960s. It has since been adopted across hospitals, municipal water systems, commercial aquatic facilities, and elite sporting venues worldwide.
Most notably, copper-silver ionisation technology was used to treat the swimming pools at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games — one of the most scrutinised aquatic events in history, where water quality standards are held to the absolute highest level. The same core technology powers every Claritech system.
NECON GmbH systems are deployed across 50+ countries, with applications including:
- Olympic and elite competitive swimming pools
- Municipal reservoirs and drinking water treatment
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities requiring sterile water environments
- Commercial aquatic centres and fitness clubs
- Residential pools and spas
When you install a Claritech system, you're bringing the same technology trusted at the world's highest level into your own backyard.
How Ionisation Compares
| Feature | Ionisation | Chlorine | Salt | UV | Ozone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No corrosion damage to pipes & fittings | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Non-toxic | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Not temperature-dependent | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Not pH-dependent | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| No lime scale development | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| No high energy consumption | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| No rapid recontamination after treatment | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Simple to apply | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Source: NECON GmbH independent comparison data.
The Real-World Benefits
For Your Family
- No red eyes, dry skin, or bleached hair from chlorine
- No chemical smell on skin or swimwear
- Safe for children, sensitive skin, and pets
- Copper ion levels maintained at 0.3–1.0 mg/L — consistent with NZ drinking water standards
For Your Pool
- Non-corrosive — protects pipes, fittings, liners, and pool surfaces
- No lime scale build-up
- Stable water chemistry across a wide pH range (6.5–9.5)
- No temperature sensitivity — works year-round
For the Environment
- No chemical waste or hazardous runoff
- Backwash water is safe for garden irrigation
- No plastic packaging from ongoing chemical purchases
- Ultra-low energy: NEC-20 uses just 5W, NEC-2000 uses max. 36W
- The only consumable is the electrode set — manufactured in Germany, lasting 2–5 years
Drinking Water Quality — From Your Pool
One of the most remarkable qualities of NECON copper-silver ionisation is that the treated water meets drinking water quality standards. As confirmed by NECON GmbH and consistent with German Drinking Water Regulations, the ion levels maintained in your pool (0.7–1.0 mg/L) are within the range considered safe for human consumption.
This means:
- Your pool water is genuinely clean — not just chemically suppressed
- Backwash water is completely safe for garden and lawn irrigation — no chemical runoff, no harm to plants or soil
- pH levels between 6.5 and 9.5 are safe — no constant adjustment required
- Children and pets who accidentally swallow pool water are not at risk from chemical contamination
Beyond the Pool — Agricultural & Broader Applications
Copper-silver ionisation isn't limited to swimming pools. The same NECON technology is used across a range of water treatment applications worldwide — a testament to its safety, effectiveness, and versatility.
Agricultural Use
In crop cultivation, NECON-treated water prevents the majority of fungal diseases — particularly those that rely on airborne transport via irrigation spray. Key benefits confirmed by NECON GmbH include:
- Fungal disease prevention in vineyards, greenhouses, and field crops
- Improved root growth and plant strengthening via copper uptake from the soil
- Legionella prevention in overhead sprinkler irrigation systems
- Surrounding flora and beneficial soil microorganisms are not harmed by the treatment
- No restrictions on frequency or duration of irrigation treatment
Livestock & Animal Husbandry
NECON-purified water can prevent the spread of pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms in animal breeding, livestock husbandry, and processing environments — providing a chemical-free alternative to traditional water treatment in agricultural settings.
Legionella Control in Buildings
The technology is formally recognised by ASHRAE for Legionella control in building water systems — including hospitals, hotels, and commercial facilities where water safety is critical.
Proven Technology. German Engineering.
The NECON copper-silver ionisation system has been independently tested and certified across multiple countries. The NEC-2000 flow cell carries WRAS drinking water certification for its coating — the same standard applied to components used in drinking water infrastructure.
NECON GmbH has been developing and manufacturing ionisation systems in Germany for decades, with applications spanning residential pools, spas, agricultural water treatment, and Legionella control in commercial buildings.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Choose the right system for your pool:
- NEC-20 — above-ground pools and spas up to 20,000 litres
- NEC-2000 — in-ground pools up to 60,000 litres
Not sure which one you need? Contact us and we'll help you size correctly.