Faq
Have Questions?
How Caribbean Clear Works
Caribbean Clear is a copper-silver ionization system for swimming pools. It releases controlled copper and silver ions into pool water — copper controls algae, silver controls bacteria. It’s built on NASA-developed water purification technology, adapted for pool and spa use since 1982. Lettradex Solution has been the official Malaysian distributor since 1996.
Copper-silver ionization uses a low electrical current to release copper and silver ions from a pair of electrodes into your pool water. The ions circulate continuously with your filtration system, working against algae and bacteria around the clock rather than only when chemicals are freshly dosed. It’s the same core science originally developed by NASA for purifying water on spacecraft.
Yes — a small amount. Swimmers bring in body oils, sweat, and other organic matter that dull pool water over time. Caribbean Clear still needs roughly 10% of the chlorine a standard pool uses to burn off that residue and keep water sparkling. It’s not a chlorine-free system — it’s a dramatically-reduced-chlorine system. Having said that, if you really want to avoid using chlorine completely, there is an alternative oxidizer that you can use called potassium monopersulfate (MPS), which is actually more powerful than chlorine as far as oxidizing function is concerned, although MPS is more expensive.
A standard chlorinated pool typically runs at 1–3 ppm chlorine. A pool fitted with Caribbean Clear can run at around 0.4 ppm — as low as up to 90% less than a conventional pool — while still controlling algae and bacteria. Actual reduction depends on bather load, pool size, and how well the system is maintained.
Copper is the active agent against algae, including stubborn black algae that plain chlorine struggles with. Silver is the active agent against bacteria. Caribbean Clear’s electrodes use a 93% copper / 7% silver ratio, engineered specifically for pool water rather than off-the-shelf metal stock.
The Caribbean Clear system begins releasing ions whenever powered with the circulation system, but the whole pool must circulate and the copper level must build into the manufacturer’s target range. The time therefore varies with pool volume, pump runtime, starting water chemistry and controller setting. Test the copper level rather than relying on a fixed number of days. Keep normal sanitation in place during
commissioning and reduce it only under the supplied operating instructions and applicable rules.
Use measurements, not appearance alone. Confirm that the controller is operating when the pump runs; inspect the electrode and wiring; and measure copper with the recommended test kit at the interval in the manual. Also track free chlorine or the chosen oxidizer, pH and water clarity. A low reading can result from insufficient runtime, a low setting, scale on the electrode, depleted electrodes or testing error; a high reading raises staining risk.
Safety & Health
Yes. Caribbean Clear operates at ion levels well below EPA drinking-water guidelines for copper and silver. NASA’s own 1988 Spinoff publication, “Pool Purification,” documented water treated this way as comparable to drinking-water standards — the same space-age science Caribbean Clear has applied to pools since 1982.
Many of the reactions people describe as a “chlorine allergy” — itchy skin, red eyes, that sharp pool smell — are actually caused by chloramines, which build up as more chlorine is used, not by chlorine alone. Because Caribbean Clear needs far less chlorine to keep a pool clear, fewer chloramines form, which many swimmers find noticeably gentler on skin, eyes, and hair. It won’t remove sensitivity entirely, since some chlorine remains necessary, but lower dosing generally means a gentler pool.
Yes. Because chlorine levels run far lower than a standard pool — around 0.4 ppm versus the usual 1–3 ppm — there’s less irritation for young or sensitive skin. As with any pool, normal supervision and water safety practices still apply.
No. Ongoing algae and bacteria control comes from the continuous copper and silver ion dose, not from chlorine alone. The small remaining amount of chlorine handles organic residue from swimmers, while ionization handles the day-to-day sanitation work.
Cost, Installation & Maintenance
Because chemical dosing needs drop sharply, ongoing chemical costs are usually significantly lower than a fully chlorine-dosed pool over time. Exact savings depend on your pool’s size, usage, and current maintenance costs — contact Lettradex Solution for a quote specific to your pool.
No. The electrode chamber is plumbed into an existing section of your pool’s circulation line, and the controller draws power from the same circuit running your pump. It works alongside your current filtration system — there’s no need to replace it.
Yes, Caribbean Clear is designed to work alongside your existing filtration system rather than replace it. If you already have a saltwater chlorinator or another system installed, it’s worth a quick conversation with Lettradex Solution to confirm the best setup for your pool.
Electrodes typically last around a year, though this varies with pool usage, the setting on the Caribbean Clear unit, and how many hours a day it runs.
Day to day, Caribbean Clear needs a weekly copper test to confirm ion levels are in range, plus your normal filter care. That’s a lighter routine than manually testing and dosing chlorine every few days.
As a general rule, backwash about once a week or in line with your maintenance schedule — or whenever your filter’s pressure gauge reads 8–10 PSI above its clean starting pressure.
A pool running on chlorine alone can lose water quality within hours once dosing stops. Because copper and silver ions stay active in the water after the system is off, a pool fitted with Caribbean Clear typically stays protected for several days — useful over a power cut or a short holiday.
Yes. Lettradex Solution provides a 10-year warranty on the Caribbean Clear unit itself. Electrodes are a wear part, like any ionization or chlorination system, and aren’t covered under the warranty.
There is no single responsible price because the correct Caribbean Clear model depends on pool volume, bather load, plumbing, voltage and site conditions. Total cost should include the controller, electrode chamber, installation, copper test kit, replacement electrodes and the continuing – though potentially reduced – use of chlorine or another approved oxidizer. Ask Lettradex Solution, the Malaysian distributor, for a written, pool-specific quotation. This document cannot confirm a current Malaysian retail price.
It may reduce algae treatment and chemical handling, but it does not remove the work: testing, brushing, vacuuming, filter care, equipment inspection and corrective action are still required. A capable owner can perform many residential tasks after training. Commercial pools, complex equipment and electrical repairs should remain with qualified personnel, and regulated facilities may require trained operators.
Comparing Pool Treatment Options
A saltwater chlorinator still produces chlorine — typically in the same 1–3 ppm range as a standard pool — it just generates it on-site from salt instead of adding tablets. Caribbean Clear runs at around 0.4 ppm because algae and bacteria control comes mainly from copper and silver ions, with only a small supplementary dose of chlorine. Salt systems can also be harder on metal pool fixtures and heaters over time.
Compared to a fully chlorine-dosed pool, Caribbean Clear generally means: less manual testing and dosing, far less chlorine in the water, more resilience if maintenance lapses for a few days, a gentler experience for eyes and skin, and less chemical wear on pool equipment over time.
Yes – when correctly sized, installed, calibrated and used correctly. Caribbean Clear uses an electrically powered 93% copper/7% silver electrode. Copper ions primarily help control algae, while silver contributes antimicrobial activity. The unit does not filter debris or oxidize swimmer waste, so circulation, filtration and an oxidizer/residual disinfectant are still required for crystal-clear water, although the water is still safe to swim in without filtration and use of oxidizer.
Caribbean Clear can be integrated with many existing pool systems, including conventional chlorine and salt-chlorinated pools, but compatibility is not automatic. The manufacturer identifies chemical biguanides as a rare exception. Have the distributor check vinyl, fibreglass, tiled, plaster, saltwater and specialty systems individually before installation.
Troubleshooting
Usually one of two causes. Algae — from a filter that isn’t keeping up, or chlorine that’s run too low — will tint water green and often cloudy at the same time. Excess dissolved copper will also tint water green, but the water usually stays clear rather than cloudy. A quick water test will tell you which one you’re dealing with.
Common causes include poor filtration or circulation, high pH, calcium precipitation, suspended debris, heavy bather load, inadequate oxidation, an incorrect copper level or an emerging algae bloom. Test free chlorine, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, stabilizer and copper; clean/backwash the filter; verify pump flow; and oxidize as needed. Do not simply turn the ionizer to maximum, because excess copper can stain surfaces.
Yes. They intentionally add copper and silver ions, and their behaviour depends strongly on pH and other water conditions. High pH can encourage metal precipitation and staining; poorly balanced water can also scale the electrode or damage pool surfaces and equipment. Ionization does not remove the need to monitor pH, alkalinity, hardness, stabilizer and disinfectant. Rain, top-up water, backwashing, swimmers, sunlight and chemical additions still change pH, alkalinity, hardness, stabilizer and chlorine demand. A pH 7.0-7.8 is recommended for home pools; use the narrower target in the Caribbean Clear instructions when applicable.
For JMB, MC & Commercial Properties
Yes. Shared pools carry heavier bather loads and tighter maintenance budgets than private pools, and Caribbean Clear’s lower chemical draw and lighter testing routine can help committees manage both. It works alongside your existing filtration system, so it’s an upgrade rather than a rebuild.
Reduced chlorine dosing generally means lower recurring chemical costs — a meaningful line item for a committee managing a shared pool budget. Savings vary by pool size and current usage; Lettradex Solution can provide a specific estimate for your development.
Yes. Caribbean Clear also suits boutique hotels and resorts, where consistent water quality and lower chemical odor directly affect guest experience.
About Caribbean Clear in Malaysia
Lettradex Solution (formerly Lettradex Corporation) has been the official Malaysian distributor of the Caribbean Clear Pool Treatment System since 1996.