Mineral System Parts

Collection: Mineral System Parts

2 products

Floatron Solar Pool Purifier & Replacement Parts

Harness the power of solar energy and natural mineral ionization to maintain cleaner pool water with the Floatron solar-powered pool purifier. The Floatron is a self-contained floating unit that uses a built-in photovoltaic solar panel to power a mineral electrode, releasing copper ions into the pool water that control algae and reduce reliance on chemical sanitizers. PST Pool Supplies carries the Floatron FT-1 complete unit and replacement parts, starting from $9.90.

The Floatron FT-1 is a complete, ready-to-use unit that includes the integrated photovoltaic solar panel, mineral electrode, and a test kit for monitoring copper ion levels. It floats freely on the pool surface and requires no plumbing connections or electrical hookup — it operates entirely on solar power whenever sunlight is available. As the solar panel generates current, a low-level electrolytic process releases copper ions from the mineral electrode into the pool water. These copper ions act as a natural algaecide and bacteriostat, allowing pool owners to maintain lower chemical sanitizer levels (typically 0.5 ppm free chlorine) compared to conventional chemical-only pools. The Floatron is backed by a 24-month warranty and has been sold in the pool market for over 30 years. Warning: Be cautious of counterfeit Floatron units sold through unauthorized channels — genuine Floatron units are identifiable by specific construction and certification markings. For other mineral sanitizer systems, browse our mineral sanitizer collection. The EPA registers copper-based pool sanitizers as EPA Reg. products — verify any mineral system carries appropriate registration for your region.

The Floatron's mineral electrode requires periodic replacement as the copper core depletes over time — typically every 1–3 seasons depending on pool size and solar exposure hours. Monitor copper ion levels using the included test kit; when levels can no longer be maintained in the 0.2–0.4 ppm target range, the electrode needs replacement. Keep the solar panel surface clean and free of algae film to maintain optimal charging efficiency. The Floatron is compatible with all pool sanitization systems (chlorine, bromine, salt) and works with any pool type — inground, above-ground, vinyl, plaster, or fiberglass. Always maintain a minimum supplemental chlorine or bromine residual for health code compliance.

Shop Floatron solar pool purifiers and parts and experience the benefits of solar-powered mineral pool purification.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Floatron solar pool purifier work?
The Floatron is a floating solar-powered mineral ionizer. Its integrated photovoltaic solar panel converts sunlight into a small electrical current, which passes through a copper-based mineral electrode submerged below the surface. This low-level electrolysis releases copper ions into the pool water at a controlled rate. Copper ions are a natural algaecide and bacteriostat — at concentrations of 0.2–0.4 ppm, they inhibit algae growth and reduce bacterial load, allowing the pool to be maintained with a lower supplemental chlorine or bromine level (typically 0.5 ppm instead of the standard 1–3 ppm). The Floatron requires no plumbing, no external power, and no batteries — it operates entirely on solar power during daylight hours. It floats freely on the pool surface and works continuously whenever the sun is shining.
How long does the Floatron mineral electrode last?
The Floatron mineral electrode gradually depletes as copper ions are released into the pool water. Under normal conditions (a residential pool in a typical climate with 4–8 daily sunlight hours), the electrode typically lasts 1–3 swimming seasons depending on pool size and the amount of solar exposure. Monitor copper ion levels using the test kit included with the FT-1 unit — target copper levels are 0.2–0.4 ppm. When you can no longer maintain adequate copper levels despite normal solar exposure, the electrode is depleted and needs replacement. Replacement electrodes are available separately. Do not attempt to clean or mechanically restore a depleted electrode — the copper core is the active component and cannot be regenerated.
Do I still need to add chlorine if I use the Floatron?
Yes — the Floatron is a supplemental sanitizer, not a chlorine replacement. Health regulations in most jurisdictions require a minimum residual disinfectant in residential pools. With the Floatron, pool owners typically maintain 0.5 ppm free chlorine (compared to 1–3 ppm in a conventional pool) — the copper ionization handles much of the algae control and reduces the bacterial load so that less chlorine is required. The combination of mineral ionization plus low-residual chlorine produces water that is noticeably softer, less harsh on eyes and skin, and has a reduced chemical odor. Completely eliminating chlorine from a Floatron-treated pool is not recommended and may not comply with local health codes.
How do I know if my Floatron is working properly?
There are two ways to verify your Floatron is operating: visually and through copper testing. Visually, a working Floatron should produce a small stream of fine bubbles from the electrode when in direct sunlight — this is the electrolysis reaction in progress. If no bubbles are visible on a sunny day, the solar panel may be shaded, fouled with algae film, or the unit may be faulty. For a definitive check, use the copper ion test kit included with the FT-1 — test your pool water after the Floatron has been running for 3–5 days in sunny weather. You should see 0.2–0.4 ppm copper. If copper reads zero or below 0.1 ppm, the electrode may be depleted or the solar panel is not generating adequate current. Keep the solar panel lens clean — algae or sunscreen residue on the panel surface significantly reduces power output.