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WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN CHOOSING A WATER IONIZER
Introduction
As alkaline water becomes a household name because of its inherent health properties we see many vendors jumping on the band wagons to introduce various makes and brands of water ionizers in to the market. As a consumer it is important to identify key buying criteria and arrive at an informed purchase decision.
KEY CRITERIA
1. Water Cell/Electrodes
The most important and expensive component of the water ionizer filter system is the water cell which consists of the electrode plates. The “gold standard” for the material used for the electrode plates is pure titanium coated with platinum and it should have a minimum of 5 plates. As titanium/platinum are expensive some manufacturers use alloy (such as iridium) or amalgam (silver with other metals) rather than pure titanium and platinum.
Why titanium and platinum?
Titanium is one of the hardest and most inert metal, hence it’s durable and does not rust nor react with water (titanium is used for making artificial body parts) and is very safe. Platinum is a good conductor and is the most effective and stable element for water ionization. Alloys or other materials may results in leaching or radiation into the drinking water.
Baked or Coated?
Some manufacturers claim baking is better than coating, however there is no scientific evidence to confirm such claims. Most Taiwanese-made water ionizers use baked electrodes with iridium instead. The health risk, as mentioned, is leaching and radioactivity using iridium. Iridium are not allowed to be use in Japan and Korea. The biggest manufacturer of water ionizer in the world, Jupiter, use pure titanium coated with platinum electrodes together with a patented matted mesh surface. The mesh surface reduces mineral deposits build-up. Hence their electrodes are more durable, get better ionization results and have higher safety standard
Health Certifications?
Adhering to above safety standard for manufacturing process (ISO 9001 certifications) and material use (pure titanium coated platinum) Toyo and Jupiter water ionizers are approved and certified as medical device by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Japan (Cert No 1285), Japan Factory Medical Approval (59B) No 897 and Ministry of Health & Welfare, S. Korea (Cert No 39381), Korea Factory Medical Approval (No. 610) respectively.
2. Self-Cleaning Mechanism
Jupiter/ Toyo water ionizer uses MICOM digital technology that automatically clean the electrodes plates in the water cells whenever there is a mineral deposits build-up on the plates. Together with its patented mesh matting design which is resistance to mineral build-up will help to extend the life of the electrodes and hence the life of the water ionizer.
3. Internal Filter
Many vendors assemble the internal filters locally. The internal filters sold at Alkalife are imported directly from our factory in Japan and Korea. Jupiter and Toyo water ionizers use the high-end biostone FIR (far infrared) filter with the following features:-
a) Ultra Fine 0.01 micron space fiber filtration - Filters out sediment and particulates through a 0.01 micron membrane which is as fine as that of the dialysis membrane giving you bacteria, chlorine and acid-free water. Micro organisms are oxidized by the acidic water with no need of multiple filters or boiling. Saves time and money
b) Silverised activated carbon - remove chlorine, odour, heavy metals, rust, organic wastes and kills bacteria
c) Coral Calcium – It slightly increases the alkaline mineral content in the water. It improves water tastes and odor. You get coral calcium on tap!
d) Toumaline – Emits Far Infra Red (FIR). FIR produces well documented health benefits and it also has an amazing effect on water. The biostone contains the semi-precious gemstone tourmaline in ceramic form, so you get FIR on tap. Toumaline also increases the anti-oxidant property of the water.
Both Coral Calcium and Toumaline are expensive and the cheaper makes water ionizer do not come with these two natural mineral stones.
Note : The Jupiter/Toyo water ionizer do not require UV filter because the alkaline pH water kills all types of bacteria (Germs and viruses are single-cell microorganisms which are extremely sensitve to pH change)
4. Why Jupiter/Toyo
Jupiter (and its joint venture partner Toyo) is the world’s largest manufacturer of water ionizer. The company has been manufacturing water ionizer for 26 years and their product is sold in 35 countries. Jupiter sets the “gold standard” for manufacturing quality and has numerous international certifications ( ISO9001, UL, JIS,CE) with over 20 registered patents. Jupiter & Toyo water ionizers are also certified by their respective countries’ ministry of health and welfare (see above under Health Certifications). If you own a Jupiter and Toyo water ionizer you are guaranteed of consistent quality, safety and parts and support. Jupiter has the lowest return rate in the industry.