What Do The Copper Electrodes Do? What Do The Titanium Electrodes Do?

In the Electrode Chamber of the ECOsmarte Pool, Spa, and City Home Water Treatment Systems, there are two types of electrodes to include a Copper Electrode and a Titanium Electrode. The Copper and Titanium Electrodes operate in the system in pairs, while facing each other on their designated side of the Electrode Chamber. One side has a pair of two Copper Electrodes, while the other side has a pair of two Titanium Electrodes; this equals four electrodes total. See the image below for an example.

(Pictured below is a city water point-of-entry chamber) 

The Copper Electrode begins wearing away as they create ions "This wearing away process is completely 
normal," with a replacement rate of one to three years, which is dependent upon (1) water balance, 
(2) length of the swimming season, and (3) care of the pool. However, in ECOsmarte Spa, and City Home Water 
Treatment Systems the Copper Electrodes may last up to seven years. When new, the Copper Electrode 
is a pretty copper color, as seen in the example above. The electrode, when being used, will almost 
immediately start to turn various colors to include: blue and green, "This is also, a completely normal process."

The titanium electrodes are made of titanium with a precious metal coating on the surface of the"face" (the sides that face each other).  They produce dissolved oxygen through electrolysis.  They do not lose mass the way the copper electrodes do.  Their size and shape will never change.  The precious metal coating is delicate but with proper care they will last many years.  

The coating on the face of the titanium electrodes is a very dark, almost black, color.  (Pictured below are titanium electrodes.  The first picture is the side with the precious metal coating and the bottom picture is the back, which attaches to the chamber with screws.  The two pictures are meant to show the difference in coloration comparing the precious metal coating with the non-coated back of the electrodes)

FRONT/FACE - Dark Gray

BACK - Light Gray

If the face becomes the same light gray as the backs of the electrodes the precious metal coating has likely worn off.  They will not produce oxygen anymore and will no longer provide sanitation.  A dissolved oxygen meter is one of several ways to determine whether the titanium electrodes need to be replaced.  The quality of the water will deteriorate if the titanium electrode coating has worn off.  Call or send a picture to us if damage to the titanium electrodes is suspected.  (Poor water quality can have several causes.  Damaged or worn titanium electrodes is one of the less-than-likely causes of poor water quality because the electrodes tend to last a long time).

Electrode care and maintenance is necessary to get the most out of the ECOsmarte System.  Refer to the care articles in this knowledge base for maintenance instructions.

Note:  If you receive new titanium electrodes and they have darker spots or even some scratches on the surface, this will not impede their effectiveness.  If there is concern though please contact us and we will exchange them.  The manufacturing process causes variations.  Each electrode has an unique appearance.