A demonstrated cost savings can be achieved Following is a brief of some important facts and test data on each of the three swimming pool disinfection methods. A common and very effective method of purifying swimming pools is to use electronically produced copper and silver ions. It was previously promoted that copper was a more effective algaecide and silver the more effective bactericide. More recent studies have shown each to be highly effective in the control and killing of both bacteria and algae. Together they give superior results.
Copper has the ability to pierce the protective outer membrane of a cell and disrupt enzyme balance.
Silver is effective because of its capabilities of interfering with DNA production and accelerating the death phase. This method has the advantage over chlorine of remaining very stable in swimming pools. The pool will stay sanitized for days or weeks with the system turned off and no additional copper or silver being added. Copper and silver are not absorbed through the skin and, therefore, are not carried out of the pool by swimmers. They are also not affected by sunlight and actually become slightly more effective as the water is heated or the pH increases.