NEC-20 - Above Ground Pool & Spa Water Purification System

German-engineered since 1981 — 40+ years of proven performance across 50+ countries worldwide.

ISO 9001 Certified | Made in Germany | 40+ Years Experience | Used in 50+ Countries

Maintain copper ion levels at 0.7–1.0 mg/L.

Maintenance & Chemical Setup

The Claritech system provides a virtually chemical-free experience, reducing your chemical usage by up to 90%. While our copper and silver ion technology safely sanitises the water by destroying algae and bacteria, you will still need a minimal amount of an oxidiser (like a non-chlorine shock) to burn off dissolved organic waste — such as sunscreen and sweat — that accumulates in the water.

• Standard Pools (Cartridge/Sand Filters): Requires only a minimal weekly maintenance dose of an oxidiser to maintain crystal-clear water.
• Spa Pools (Standard Pump & Heater): Requires a small dose of oxidiser weekly or after heavy use to manage the faster organic buildup in heated water.
• 💡 Visual Cue: If your pool or spa water ever looks dull or loses its sparkle, simply add a quick maintenance dose of your chosen oxidiser.

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

Ready Year-Round — Pool & Spa

Unlike chlorine systems that degrade over winter or require draining when not in use, the NEC-20 runs continuously 365 days a year. Leave your pool untouched over winter or your spa idle through summer — the system keeps the water balanced and bacteria-free the entire time. Come back whenever you're ready and it's clean, clear, and swim-ready. No green water. No chemical shock. No hassle.

✔ Runs 365 days a year — no seasonal shutdown required
✔ Leave your pool over winter without draining or chemical correction
✔ Return to your spa after months away to clean, ready water
✔ No green water, no shock treatment, no drama

Proven Technology — Trusted for Thousands of Years

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. NASA pioneered its use for drinking water purification on space missions in the 1960s, and it was used to treat the swimming pools at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. NECON GmbH has been refining and manufacturing this technology in Germany since 1981, with systems now deployed across 50+ countries on six continents.

Technical Specifications

• Max pool size: 20,000 litres (20m³)
• Power rating: 5 Watt
• Power supply: 110–240V AC, 50/60 Hz
• Voltage output: 12V DC
• IP rating: IP54 (splash-water protection)
• Dimensions: L 200mm × H 148mm × W 115mm (incl. adapter: L 292mm)
• Weight: 1.8 kg (incl. electrode: 1.9 kg)
• Connections: 1½" (1" with supplied threaded adaptor)
• Electrode part no.: C21031
• Electrode lifespan: approx. 2–3 years
• Manufacturer: NECON GmbH, Germany (est. 1981)

Installation

The NEC-20 can be installed by the customer on an above-ground pool with a straightforward hose-connected setup, provided the installation instructions are followed. Customer installation in this setup does not, by itself, invalidate the warranty or guarantee.

For spas, in-ground pools, or any setup requiring modifications to fixed or high-pressure pipework, installation must be carried out by a qualified pool or spa technician. If you’re unsure which applies to your setup, contact us before installation.

See the full Installation Guide for step-by-step instructions.

📄 Download manual

Compatibility & FAQ

Q: Can I use this system if I already have a Salt Water Chlorinator?

A: Yes — and this is actually one of the most efficient setups possible. 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 — because our system handles sanitisation, you can turn your salt chlorinator down to just 10–15% output.
• The result — at this low setting, your chlorinator produces just enough output to act as a gentle oxidiser, burning off organic waste like sunscreen and sweat, 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.

Q: Which oxidiser should I use — and why do I need one?

A: Copper and silver ions are highly effective sanitisers — they kill bacteria, algae, and pathogens. But ionisation cannot oxidise. It cannot break down dissolved non-living organic matter like sunscreen, sweat, body oils, urine, pollen, or other environmental contaminants. These substances dissolve into the water and pass straight through any filter media — sand, glass, or cartridge — because they're not particles. Without an oxidiser, this dissolved organic load accumulates over time, eventually causing cloudy or dull water.

Think of it as a tag-team: the ioniser does the killing, the oxidiser does the cleaning.

For filter pools (sand, glass, or cartridge):

• MPS / Non-Chlorine Shock (primary recommendation): The cleanest option — oxidises organic waste without adding chlorine. Use weekly or as needed based on bather load.
• Pool-Grade Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂): A strong oxidiser that breaks down completely into water and oxygen — no chemical residue. Suitable as an alternative to MPS.
• Natural Enzymes (supplemental): Enzyme-based products help break down oils and organics over time. Best used as a supplement alongside MPS or H₂O₂ rather than as a standalone oxidiser.

For saltwater chlorinator pools: No additional oxidiser is needed. Simply turn your chlorinator down to 10–15% output — at this low setting, it generates just enough chlorine to handle oxidation, while the Claritech system takes over the sanitising load.

Q: Do I still need to maintain my pool during winter?

A: Yes — reduced, but not eliminated. Even in winter, environmental organics continue to enter your pool: leaves, pollen, rain runoff, and airborne debris all contribute organic load that needs to be oxidised. The good news is that reduced bather activity means less sweat, sunscreen, and body oils, so your maintenance requirements drop significantly.

Filter pools (sand, glass, or cartridge):

• Reduce oxidiser dosing to every 3–4 weeks during winter (or every 6 weeks if you're using a pool cover, which significantly reduces environmental contamination).
• After heavy rain, add an oxidiser dose — rain introduces organic matter and can dilute your copper levels.

Saltwater chlorinator pools: No change needed — keep running your chlorinator at 10–15% output as normal. It will continue to handle oxidation through winter without any adjustment.

All pools — year-round non-negotiables:

• Test pH and copper levels fortnightly, year-round — even in winter. pH drift is the most common cause of copper staining, and it can happen at any time of year regardless of bather load or temperature.
• A pool cover is strongly recommended — it dramatically reduces organic contamination, slows pH drift, and can extend your oxidiser intervals significantly.

Q: Why has no one told me about copper-silver ionisation before?

A: Copper-silver ionisation has been around since the 1960s — originally developed by NASA to purify drinking water for Apollo astronauts. The reason most pool owners haven't heard of it comes down to the traditional pool industry's business model: pool shops make their margins on ongoing chemical sales. A customer who switches to ionisation reduces their chemical use by up to 90%, which removes the recurring revenue. There's simply no financial incentive for traditional retailers to promote it. Read the full story →

Q: Will copper ions stain my pool or turn hair green?

A: Only if pH is left unmanaged. Copper falls out of suspension and causes staining when pH drifts well outside the recommended 7.2–7.4 range. Maintain normal pH — which every pool owner should be doing regardless of sanitisation method — and staining is not a concern. This objection is commonly used as a scare tactic to steer pool owners back toward chlorine.

Q: Does ionisation work as fast as chlorine?

A: Chlorine is a fast-acting chemical — it can clear a green pool in hours. Copper and silver ions work on a slightly longer timeline, but they maintain a consistently clean, healthy pool environment rather than delivering a harsh chemical shock. The trade-off is healthier water, no chloramines, no skin irritation, and no red eyes.

Q: Is this technology proven and safe?

A: Yes. Copper-silver ionisation has been used for decades in applications ranging from NASA spacecraft to hospitals and commercial water systems. It's a well-established, scientifically validated method of water purification.

Also Available

• Replacement Electrodes — NEC-20 (Part No. C21031)
• Claritech Test Kit
• Copper Ion Test Tablets (Refill)

Ideal for above-ground pools and spas up to 20,000 litres. For in-ground pools, see the NEC-2000.