Floatron

Floatron

1 product

  • Floatron, Solar Powered Water Purifier, FT-1

    Floatron, Solar Powered Water Purifier, FT-1

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    Floatron, Solar Powered Water Purifier, FT-1

    Floatron

    FT-1
    Sale Price Value: 0 Sale Price Number: 0 Website Price Value: 0 Website Price Number: 0 All Metafields: {"mpn":"FT-1","warranty":"24 Months"}
    $259.00
    $259.00
    Sold out

Floatron

Reduce pool chemical usage with the Floatron FT-1 Solar-Powered Water Purifier — the original solar mineral ionizer for swimming pools. PST Pool Supplies carries the genuine Floatron unit at $259.00 with a 24-month warranty.

The Floatron is a solar-powered mineral ionization system that floats on the pool surface, using sunlight to generate a low-level electrical current through a mineral electrode. This process releases copper and silver ions into the pool water — natural antimicrobial agents that kill algae and bacteria, reducing the pool's dependence on chlorine for sanitization. The result is softer, gentler pool water with lower chemical costs over the swimming season. The Floatron FT-1 kit includes the floater with integrated photovoltaic solar panel, mineral electrode, debris screen basket, thumbscrew and spare, ion test kit, cleaning brush, and operating instructions — everything needed for immediate deployment.

The Floatron has been available for decades and is backed by direct manufacturer support and a developed knowledge base for troubleshooting and electrode replacement. PST Pool Supplies carries only the genuine Floatron FT-1 — not the knockoff solar ionizers (marketed as Solarclear, Solarpur, Eko Klor, Remington Solar, and similar names) that reverse-engineer the form factor without matching the mineral electrode chemistry, quality standards, or support infrastructure of the original product. Electrode replacement is the primary ongoing maintenance cost — electrodes wear through ionization over one to two seasons depending on pool size and sunlight exposure. The 24-month warranty covers the solar panel and electronic components.

Shop the Floatron at PST Pool Supplies and reduce chlorine demand with proven solar mineral ionization technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Floatron work to reduce pool chemical usage?
The Floatron uses solar-powered mineral ionization to supplement chlorine sanitization. Here's the mechanism: (1) Solar power generation — the integrated photovoltaic panel on the floater converts sunlight into low-voltage DC electrical current. No batteries, no external power source required. (2) Electrolytic ionization — the current flows through the mineral electrode submerged below the float. This process releases copper and silver ions into the pool water at trace concentrations. (3) Antimicrobial ion activity — copper ions are toxic to algae at very low concentrations (0.2–0.3 ppm); silver ions are broad-spectrum antimicrobials effective against bacteria. Both are naturally occurring minerals used in water treatment. (4) Reduced chlorine demand — because copper and silver are independently controlling algae and bacteria, the chlorine in the pool is reserved for oxidizing organic waste rather than fighting biology. Pool owners typically reduce chlorine usage by 50–80% after establishing the proper ion level. The Floatron does not eliminate chlorine entirely — a low residual (0.5–1.0 ppm vs. the standard 1–3 ppm) is still maintained for oxidation. The ion test kit included with the Floatron allows you to monitor copper levels and ensure they stay in the effective range without exceeding safe limits (above 0.3 ppm copper can stain light-colored plaster).
How do I set up and maintain the Floatron FT-1?
Floatron setup and maintenance is straightforward: Initial setup: (1) Assemble the unit — attach the mineral electrode to the floater body using the thumbscrew. The screen basket around the electrode keeps debris away from the electrode surface. (2) Float the Floatron in the pool in a sunny location away from skimmers and return jets. (3) The unit begins ionizing immediately when sunlight hits the solar panel — no programming or settings required. Establishing ion levels: it takes 1–4 weeks of daily sun exposure to build copper ion concentration from zero to the target range (0.2–0.3 ppm). Test ion levels weekly with the included ion test kit. During this build-up period, maintain normal chlorine levels. Once ion levels are established, begin reducing chlorine dosing gradually. Ongoing maintenance: (1) Clean the electrode weekly — use the included brush to remove scale and oxidation from the electrode surface. A clean electrode ionizes efficiently; a coated electrode produces fewer ions. (2) Move the Floatron daily if possible to distribute ions evenly — the unit drifts with wind and return jets, so some repositioning helps coverage. (3) Replace the electrode when it wears down to approximately 50% of its original length — typically every 1–2 seasons. Replacement electrodes are available separately. (4) Store indoors over winter — UV exposure and freeze/thaw cycles degrade the solar panel over time if left out year-round.
Is the Floatron safe for swimmers and pool surfaces?
The Floatron is safe for swimmers and most pool surfaces when used correctly: Swimmer safety: copper and silver ions at the Floatron's operating concentrations (0.2–0.3 ppm copper) are below EPA drinking water limits for copper (1.3 ppm) and well within safe swimming exposure limits. The ions are not irritating to skin or eyes at these concentrations — many pool owners report reduced eye and skin irritation compared to higher-chlorine operation. Surface safety: (1) Light-colored plaster and white vinyl liners — copper ions above 0.5 ppm can stain these surfaces green or teal. Keep copper in the 0.2–0.3 ppm range and this is not a concern. If staining occurs, lower the ion level and use a copper stain remover. (2) Dark plaster and colored surfaces — less susceptible to visible staining. (3) Fiberglass pools — compatible at recommended ion levels. (4) Salt water pools — fully compatible; the Floatron works alongside saltwater chlorine generators. Not recommended for: pools with biguanide (BAQUA Spa, Soft Swim) sanitizers — copper and biguanide are chemically incompatible and will cause water problems. Test ion levels regularly with the included kit — the most important safety practice is preventing copper from creeping above 0.3 ppm.
How do I identify a genuine Floatron versus a counterfeit solar ionizer?
Counterfeit solar ionizers have proliferated online, and identifying the genuine Floatron protects your investment: Known counterfeit brands to avoid: Solarclear, Solarpur, Eko Klor, Remington Solar, and similar solar pool ionizers sold at significantly lower prices. These products copy the Floatron's visual design but use inferior electrode metallurgy and lack the technical support infrastructure of the original. How to verify authenticity: (1) Purchase from authorized dealers — PST Pool Supplies is an authorized Floatron retailer. Buying from authorized channels guarantees the genuine product and valid 24-month warranty. (2) Check the warranty — genuine Floatron includes a 24-month warranty backed by the manufacturer. Counterfeit units typically offer no warranty or a minimal 30-day return policy. (3) Examine the electrode — genuine Floatron electrodes use a specific mineral alloy formulation developed over decades; counterfeit electrodes often use incorrect alloy ratios that produce ions at the wrong concentrations or fail prematurely. (4) Replacement parts availability — genuine Floatron replacement electrodes are available; counterfeit units often have no manufacturer-supported replacement parts, making them disposable when the electrode wears out. (5) Price — the genuine Floatron FT-1 retails at $259.00. Units marketed at $80–$150 as "solar ionizers" are invariably counterfeit products. The quality difference in electrode chemistry directly impacts ionization effectiveness and pool water quality.