...

Buying a water ionizer is a serious investment that will change your life. Unfortunately, for many this is a difficult process. There are so many alternatives. So much head-to-head information, and so much exaggerated publicity.

To all this is now added another option that you need to consider: the hydrogen generator. Unfortunately, there is already misinformation and over-advertising around these devices. This makes your task, which was already difficult, even more difficult.

Because Alkaviva imports and offers both water ionizers and hydrogen generators, we can compare the two technologies objectively. This article will help clarify the benefits of both types of devices, dismantle some of the exaggerated or erroneous information, and make it easier for you to make the right decision.

Hydrogen generators (H2)

A hydrogen generator (H2) produces and dissolves molecular hydrogen in an electrolysis chamber, just like a water ionizer. The difference between them is the membrane. New technologies in hydrogen generators use special proton exchange membranes (PEMs), as opposed to ion exchange membranes used in water ionizers. This is the technical part.

Proponents of hydrogen generators make everything sound complex and new, but this type of membrane has been around for some time. It is widely used by researchers in the automotive industry who want to obtain electricity from hydrogen. Hydrogen generators work the other way around: they use electricity to create hydrogen. Leaving aside the technical terms, things are pretty simple.

One difference of the new technology is that it does not depend on the alkaline mineral content of tap water to create hydrogen. Another difference is that the new generators create hydrogen without increasing the pH, which means that the device creates water with hydrogen but without creating alkaline water.

Unfortunately, some of the promoters of hydrogen generators exaggerate a lot when they claim the superiority of hydrogen generators over water ionizers. They are very critical of water ionizers, which in the end were the first to give us the opportunity to drink hydrogen water, while hydrogen generators had not yet been invented.

Are hydrogen generators โ€œfar superiorโ€ to water ionizers? All water ionizers? We donโ€™t believe that.

Even though our Ionpia H2 hydrogen generator consistently produces high concentrations of molecular hydrogen (H2) on a variety of water sources, on many water sources and a traditional water ionizer (especially the new advanced H2 series from Alkaviva) it performs just as well. In addition, water ionizers give you other benefits in addition to producing hydrogen water.

First of all, the water must be clean

The increased number of contaminants in tap water is not new. Alkaviva has spent years perfecting its patented US-made UltraWater filtration technology. UltraWater filters reduce most contaminants in mains water, including those that are most difficult to remove, by 99.9%, as evidenced by tests performed in independent laboratories certified by the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency).

Some hydrogen generators, such as the Ionpia H2 model from Alkaviva, have a dual filtration system consisting of a block-type carbon filter and a 0.01 micron membrane filter. This filtration system provides a good removal of chlorine and other contaminants that activated carbon removes, a good reduction of microorganisms due to the 0.10 micron membrane, but will remove little of other types of contaminants.

You can order the Ionpia H2 hydrogen generator together with an optional external UltraWater filter. That means you can have the purest hydrogen water. Other hydrogen generators do not provide satisfactory solutions for this important aspect of health and safety which is water filtration.

An interesting benefit of the water ionizer is that during the ionization process, the levels of fluorine and chemical compounds such as nitrates, phosphates and cyanides are much lower because they are attracted to acidic water. Alkaviva has results from tests done at the University of Nevada in Reno that prove this benefit.

Are minerals deposited or not?

A justified reproach to some models of water ionizers is that in areas with hard water on the electrodes minerals can be deposited, which quickly reduces the concentration of hydrogen (H2) generated close to zero. This is especially true for older technology ionizers that clean the electrodes only at certain intervals, or require manual cleaning with citric acid at short intervals.

AlkaViva introduced the patented DARC authorization technology in 2006. It cleans the electrodes each time the device is used while it is operating. Over the years, it has been proven repeatedly that our ionizers do NOT accumulate mineral deposits in the electrolysis chamber. Equally important is the fact that we have created for the first time a range of technologies that prevent the accumulation of salt deposition before and after the electrolysis chamber, even in areas with very hard water.

The promoters of the new hydrogen generators claim that mineral deposits never appear in their devices due to the nano-filtration membrane (placed after the first two filters) which would remove the minerals that can be deposited. We believe that nano-filtering is effective. They describe an unclear process in which the minerals that can be deposited are removed from the water, then reintroduced into the water again in another part of the process.

Based on the data we have and our expertise, we wonder how the concept of โ€œreturning minerals to waterโ€ will work after years of operation. You can expect to deposit in the device anyway, before and after the nano-filtration membrane. Thatโ€™s why we recommend solutions to prevent mineral deposition to protect your hydrogen generator. Simply put, if you use hard water in any appliance, mineral deposits will appear. You want to protect your device against damage caused by it.

How much molecular hydrogen (H2) does it produce?

The vast majority of research done over the past 30 years on the benefits of ionized alkaline water has been done on water produced by an electric water ionizer.

Millions of people who have been drinking ionized alkaline water for the past 35-40 years have reported a variety of positive health effects, and researchers have certified many of them. These proven beneficial results have also led to the classification of water ionizers as medical devices in Japan and Korea.

We now know that most ionizers produce molecular hydrogen (H2), which is dissolved in different concentrations in alkaline water. Since the publication of the first research on the health benefits of molecular hydrogen in 2007 (1), many researchers are now convinced that molecular hydrogen (H2) is probably the main cause of the health benefits of ionized alkaline water. (2,3)

Some research suggests that elevated levels of dissolved H2 in water have greater therapeutic effects in certain diseases. Different models of water ionizers differ greatly in their ability to produce H2. Some produce negligible amounts (0.1 โ€“ 0.2 ppm), while others (such as those in the Alkaviva H2 series) produce molecular hydrogen to near saturation (around 1.2 ppm).

Important: Even a less efficient water ionizer produces much more molecular hydrogen (H2) dissolved in water than that found in sources with recognized therapeutic properties commonly referred to on the Internet: Nordenau (Germany), Lourdes (France), Tlacote (Mexico), Nadana (India).

In water ionizers, high concentrations of H2 usually occur in water with high pH, โ€‹โ€‹which some people do not like. If this happens to you, add a little lemon juice.

Vesta H2 is perhaps the only ionizer on the market that offers you the best of both worlds: an excellent level of molecular hydrogen (H2), at a lower pH level, where the water tastes good.

We appreciate the fact that hydrogen generators do a good job (at least in the beginning) in producing very good concentrations of molecular hydrogen. But there are new devices. They still donโ€™t have a 35-year history of consumer use. In addition, there is still no direct comparison made by researchers to show whether the effects of water with hydrogen that has a neutral pH are as good as those of ionized alkaline water.

Alkaline or neutral?

Molecular hydrogen generators cannot change the pH of water. Water ionizers can increase or decrease the pH of the water and thus create modified water in several ways, such as:

In some circles the notion of structured water is now considered pseudo-science even by those who promoted it in the past. They are based only on the interpretation of a single authority in hydrogen water which denies the possibility that research has not yet proven or unanimously and definitively refuted the claims regarding the structure of water.

In connection with this, we prefer to accept that, in the evolution of all sciences, many new things can and will be discovered. For example, 5 years ago Dr. Gerald Pollackโ€™s theory of water exclusion was an assumption and had not yet been proven. Now it is a proven fact. Therefore, we consider that no definitive conclusion has been reached in the research on water structure.

Published research on alkaline mineral waters and the pH balance in the human body is promising (4,5) and supports the hypothesis that needs further research that the pH of ionized alkaline water may have the same effects. The benefits of hydroxyl ion for alkalizing the body have not yet been fully determined, as the correct questions have not yet been asked in research.

Even so, millions of people believe that alkaline ionized water has helped them improve a wide range of health problems, brought them increased energy, mental clarity and endurance, helped them maintain a proper pH in the body and improved well-being in general. Is it just a placebo effect? The results reported are too many, too consistent and stretch for too long, so we believe it is not the placebo effect.

Different types of water, multiple uses

Water ionizers do more than produce molecular hydrogen (H2) water for drinking. They create different types of water, with different functions. They also produce alkaline water but also acidic water. Many users use only strongly acidic or strongly alkaline water for cleaning and disinfecting the house, saving substantial amounts and reducing the amount of chemicals used.

You deserve to be calm

Hydrogen generators are new in technology. The companies that sell them are just as new. So far. Only Alkaviva gives you the certainty of a 13-year history of sales and service of the most advanced and advanced water ionizers, which in turn have a history of 35 years.

Now we also offer you the premium hydrogen generator Ionpia H2. Both our ionizers and our generators give you the safety and certainty of UltraWater filtering.

Only AlkaViva recommends and can offer you tested and proven solutions for testing water quality and treating it before ionization, plus filtration that removes 99% of contaminants. These things are very important. Unfortunately, our industry is full of online stores that claim that their product is the best, but offer nothing more than carbon filters. More unpleasantly, some of these providers disappear leaving customers without exchange or service filters.

Whether you choose the new Ionpia H2 hydrogen generator or one of the Alkaviva H2 series water ionizers, you will get a contaminant-free water, with a very good taste, with an excellent level of dissolved molecular hydrogen (H2).

Which of the two options you choose โ€“ hydrogen generator from Alkaviva or water ionizer from Alkaviva โ€“ you canโ€™t go wrong, both are excellent options. In addition, you have the peace of mind that you can rely on a company with a solid history behind it.

References:

1. Nature Medicine 13, 688 โ€“ 694 (2007) โ€œHydrogen acts as a therapeutic antioxidant by selectively reducing cytotoxic oxygen radicals.โ€ Ikuroh Ohsawa 1, Masahiro Ishikawa 1, Kumiko Takahashi 1, Megumi Watanabe 1,2, Kiyomi Nishimaki 1, Kumi Yamagata], Ken-ichiro Katsura 2, Yasuo Katayama 2, Sadamitsu Asoh 1 & Shigeo Ohtaย 

2. Medical Gas Research, 2013. 3 (1): p. 10. โ€œThe evolution of molecular hydrogen: a noteworthy potential therapy with clinical significance.โ€ Brandon J Dixon, Jiping Tang and John H Zhang

3. BMC Proc 5 Suppl 8, P69. โ€œThe neuroprotective effects of electrolyzed reduced water and its model water containing molecular hydrogen and Pt nanoparticles.โ€ Yan H1, Kashiwaki T2, Hamasaki T2, Kinjo T1, Teruya K3, Kabayama S4, Shirahata S3.

4. J Int. Shock. Sports. Nutr. 2010 Sep 13; 7:29. doi: 10.1186 / 1550- 2783-7-29. โ€œAcid-base balance and hydration status following consumption of mineral-based alkaline bottled water.โ€ Heil DP1.

5. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2012 Jul; 121 (7): 431-4. โ€œPotential benefits of pH 8.8 alkaline drinking water as an adjunct in the treatment of reflux disease.โ€ Koufman JA1, Johnston N.

Source: http://alkavivanews.com/water-ionizer-h2-generator-decide

Today I will talk about water and its importance for detoxifying the body and your health. And I will give you a simple method to detoxify your body every day.

You have one simple but very important thing to do:

Drink enough water and good quality.

Sufficient water means drinking about 30 ml of water per kg of body every day, ie if you weigh:

These amounts are recommended under normal conditions of temperature and activity. If it is very hot and / or you do sports and sweat, the amount of water required can even be double.

Good quality water is what I call โ€œliving water,โ€ or biologically active water. We chose this term โ€œliving waterโ€ to emphasize that water from different sources is not the same.

Water from different sources has different characteristics: different salts dissolved in varying concentrations, different pH, different ionization (electric charge).

Also, compared to spring water, drinking tap water has added various disinfectants, which are harmful to the body.

There are several areas in the world known for the special longevity of the locals. Some such areas are: the islands of Okinawa, the Hunza area of โ€‹โ€‹Pakistan, some areas of Georgia, Venezuela and Peru. The inhabitants of these areas not only reach much older ages than the average in civilized countries, but almost do not know degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, tooth decay, etc.

Studies have shown that in all these areas water has special qualities compared to other areas around the world. Alkaline and negatively ionized water is one of the essential factors that help the people there to be healthy and long-lived.

Why is water so important?

Science gives us the answer: Our body is made up of 70% water.

Our blood is 92% water, our cells are 85% water, our brain is 75% water. Also, our cells โ€œswimโ€ in a fluid (interstitial fluid).

Our body is like an aquarium and all the processes that take place in it depend on the quality of the fluid inside. If the water in the โ€œaquariumโ€ is clean (has the right characteristics), the cells feel good and work perfectly. If the water is โ€œdirtyโ€, the functioning of the cells is much more difficult, which leads to lack of energy, depletion of the bodyโ€™s resources and disease.

The water you drink must have the characteristics of your internal fluids (interstitial fluid, blood, lymph, saliva, etc.) to nourish your cells and eliminate metabolic waste and dead cells.

Why is it so important?

The internal fluids that ensure the functioning of the body (blood, lymph, interstitial fluid, saliva) have a slightly alkaline pH. The functioning of the body produces waste (urine, perspiration, expiration) which is acidic.

American scientist Robert Young says, โ€œThere is one disease called acidification and one treatment called alkalization.โ€ Absolutely all physiological processes in the body such as absorption, assimilation, transport of substances, elimination, muscle contractions, heartbeat, etc., all occur when the pH of internal media is weakly alkaline.

pH of biological fluids:ย 

Acidification of the body leads to a decrease in the bodyโ€™s functioning efficiency, this being the cause of the appearance of over 150 diseases.

If you want to keep your body in excellent shape and prevent the accumulation of toxins in the body, the first thing you need to do is respect the needs of the body. That is, to help him stay mostly alkaline. How can you do that? Taking care of what you put in your body: air, water, food.

If your diet is not mostly based on raw foods, then there is a very good chance that it will be mostly acidic. If you live in a polluted area, the air you breathe creates even more acidity in your body.

You need something to neutralize all this acidity and give you the right internal alkalinity.

The most effective solution is to drink alkaline water. Being 70% water, when you drink enough alkaline water, you will very quickly restore the right environment in the body.

What else can water do?

Water can greatly contribute to the process of cell feeding and can be the most powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and increase your immunity. This means that the nutrients you eat actually end up nourishing each cell. And it also means that you are very resistant to diseases and you will not age prematurely.

Not all water can do this, but only negatively ionized water.

A proper interstitial environment, which allows cells to be nourished and neutralizes free radicals, is an alkaline environment with a negative electrical charge.

The sources of negative ions are again air, water and food. If you do not live in the mountains or near a forest, if you do not eat a large dose of raw food and if you drink tap water or even bottled then you are subject to a strong oxidation process. This pollutes your internal environment, decreases your vitality and makes you more vulnerable to disease and prone to premature aging.

Negatively ionized water drunk daily, walks in the mountains or through the forest, an air ionizer installed at home are the solutions you have at hand to avoid these dangers.

So, for me, โ€œliving waterโ€ means alkaline water (preferably with a pH around 9.5) and negatively ionized (preferably with a negative electric charge between -200 and -1000 mV).

If the water you drink is usually not alkaline and negatively ionized, in the free guide โ€œ7 Methods by which you can get alkaline waterโ€ you will find some solutions by which you can get such water.

You can download the free โ€œ7 Methods by which you can get alkaline waterโ€ by subscribing to the Wellnessist newsletter. In addition, you will receive useful information about detoxifying the body as soon as we publish them on the site. You can unsubscribe whenever you want, and in the meantime your email it will be safe because we donโ€™t like spam as Iโ€™m sure you donโ€™t like it either.

How often should I drink alkaline and ionized water?

I recommend drinking alkaline and ionized water every day. To start, do an experiment of at least 6 months in which to drink the recommended amount of โ€œliving waterโ€ daily. You will feel the difference. Then you will be able to make an informed choice about what kind of water you want to drink next.

What do I get if I drink biologically active water?

You will thus have more energy, a stronger immunity, you will prevent most diseases and you will slow down the aging process.

I want to know what you think about the information you just found out. I invite you to share with me your ideas on this topic by leaving a comment. You can also ask me questions and I will answer them as soon as possible.

Take care of your body and it will take care of you!

Do you want to choose the best water ionizer for you? One that gives you the best performance at the right price? Then you must distinguish the truths about water ionizers from the โ€œmythsโ€ that surround them.

As in any other field, there are certain โ€œmythsโ€ in the field of water ionizers. Some misinformation is presented often enough by certain sellers to be considered real. This can put you in two unwanted situations:

In both cases, the lack of information or even misinformation can lead you to make less successful choices, the result of which in time is not the expected one.

Buying a water ionizer is an important investment, through the benefits it has for your health and that of your family. Thatโ€™s why we offer you well-documented information to help you make the best choice, with an optimal quality-price ratio.

Myths about water ionizers and the truth about them

1. Myth: Bigger means better

You will often hear the statement: the โ€œXโ€ ionizer has larger electrodes than the โ€œYโ€ ionizer, which means it is better. See below why this statement is FALSE.

Truth: Bigger just means bigger

2. Myth: Higher power means better ionizer performance

Electric water ionizers produce ionized alkaline water through an electrolysis process. In the electrolysis chamber there are several electrodes on which a current of a certain power is applied, which leads to obtaining an alkaline water with a certain pH (alkalinity) and ORP (redox potential).

The voltage and intensity of the current applied to the electrodes are one of the factors that influence the pH and ORP of the water obtained. But high power is not enough to get the best pH and ORP. On the contrary, a higher power applied to the electrodes has certain disadvantages.

Truth: The performance of the ionizer depends on the quality of the electrodes

The pH and ORP of ionized alkaline water produced by an ionizer depend on:

Ionizers that have more technologically advanced electrodes produce water with high pH and ORP, using a lower electrical voltage, so they need less power.

Higher power applied to the electrodes wears them out faster. More power means more heat, which causes the platinum layer on the surface of the electrodes to deteriorate faster. This leads to poorer performance over time and a shorter ionization chamber life.

3. Myth: There are several kinds of ionized alkaline water

You may find at some point that there are several types of ionized alkaline water, and that one type is superior to others. Is it true or not?

Truth: All electric water ionizers produce ionized alkaline water. Ionized alkaline water, regardless of its trade name, is water with a pH between 8-12 and ORP between -1mV and -900 mV.

Alkaline ionized water has 3 measurable parameters that distinguish it from normal tap water, or even from a spring: higher pH, negative ORP and hydrogen concentration.

There are therefore three ways in which the quality of ionized alkaline water can be measured:

We can compare two alkaline waters according to these parameters and we can find differences, but both waters are ionized alkaline waters, only the values โ€‹โ€‹of some parameters differ.

For a water produced by an ionizer to be anything other than ionized alkaline water it should have something in addition to the three parameters above, another measurable parameter to differentiate it.

4. Myth: X ionizers cost more than Y ionizers because they are better

Truth: Not always more expensive means better

There are certainly differences in quality between water ionizers. There are better models and less efficient models. Models in premium ranges with high performance and high reliability are always more expensive than models with lower performance and / or reliability.

Make sure the ionizers you are comparing are in the same quality category. It is not relevant to compare, for example, an ionizer with iridium electrodes with one with platinum-plated titanium electrodes.

When comparing models of ionizers in the same quality category (eg premium range), it is useful to know what to look for so you can differentiate them.

The criteria you need to take into account when choosing an ionizer with an optimal quality / price ratio are discussed in detail in the article How to choose an ionizer.

Filtration performance

It is just as important that the water you drink be both alkaline and ionized, but also as pure as possible. Its purity depends on how efficient the ionizer filters are.

Electrode performance

Note: We refer here only to platinum-plated titanium electrodes. There are still ionizers on the market that use iridium electrodes, but

The more efficient the electrodes, the more water you will be able to obtain with a higher pH and higher negative ORP, with a lower current consumption.

Self-cleaning system performance

An efficient self-cleaning system makes the ionizer to maintain its pH and ORP parameters over time, between two cleanings. Also, the more efficient the self-cleaning system, the less often you have to clean it manually, so your maintenance costs are lower.

Credible certifications and documentation

It is preferable that the information about the filtration or ionization performance you receive can be confirmed with data from independent sources.

A strong company and a solid guarantee

An extended warranty is a good indication of the reliability of the devices, and gives you the certainty that the manufacturer really believes in its products and will support you when needed.

The opinion of the dealerโ€™s customers where you want to buy can also help you find out if the after-sales services are of good quality.

Now you are better informed to choose a quality water ionizer for you. If you have any questions about water ionizers, see also the article How to choose an ionizer.

Need more information? Ask a question using the contact form on the site, write to us at [email protected] or call one of the phone numbers displayed on the site. We will be happy to answer you.

This article is the first in a series in which you will find several ways to clean your ionizer. The first method, the one in this article, is the cheapest for you, so I recommend it to you before the others. It is easy to do and below you have detailed instructions.

Why do I have to clean the ionizer?

Alkaviva ionizers have the best electrode self-cleaning systems. However, no matter how efficient the self-cleaning system is, small mineral deposits can appear in the electrolysis chamber over time. If these deposits exceed a certain threshold, the performance of your ionizer will decrease.

In order for your ionizer to maintain its pH, ORP and Hydrogen performance over time, it needs from time to time a single maintenance operation on your part: periodic cleaning.

Also in any ionizer there are other areas where mineral deposits can appear over time. These accumulations of minerals can reduce the flow of alkaline water or even completely clog the inner pipes of the ionizer, which can cause the appliance to block.

How often should I clean the ionizer?

Depending on the level of hardness of your water source, accumulation usually does not become a problem for at least 8-24 months of use.

In Romania, on average, a cleaning of the ionizer once every 12 months is sufficient.

If you live in an area with extremely hard water, you may need to clean the ionizer every 6 months.

How do I know when to clean the ionizer?

Ideally, clean your ionizer once a year, best when changing filters. If you prefer to clean it more often or less often, see below how you can tell that the ionizer needs cleaning.

Caution: if you choose to clean the ionizer less than once every 12 months, there is a risk of losing the warranty if the appliance fails due to mineral deposits.

The ionizer should be cleaned when mineral deposits become visible and exceed certain limits, or when the flow of alkaline water decreases.

Check the mineral deposits in your ionizer

1. Ionizers mounted above the kitchen worktop: Vesta H2, Athena H2, Melody II, Vesta GL 988, Athena JS 205, Orion JP 109, Melody / Isis JP104, Venus JP 107, Microlite, Neptune, or any other type of ionizer mounted on the countertop.

Remove the stainless steel hose and inspect both ends for signs of any white residue that may have accumulated inside the hose. This residue appears as a white crust on the inside of the hose. The appearance of this white ring is a clear sign of excessive mineral accumulation. If the white ring is thicker than 2 mm, the appliance needs cleaning.

Flexible stainless hose, the end of which is screwed into the appliance. No mineral deposits.
Flexible stainless hose, the end of which is screwed into the appliance. With mineral deposits โ€“ 3 examples.

Most of the time, it is enough to check the flexible stainless hose to see if the ionizer needs to be cleaned. There are other areas that you can check, and that you can find in the article Does my ionizer have mineral deposits?

Note: If your ionizer is mounted under the countertop and you use a control valve (Undersink Kit), check for mineral deposits where the hose through which the alkaline water passes connects to the ionizer. Mineral deposits are not always visible at the tap.

2. Ionizers mounted under the countertop: Delphi or UltraDelphi

Inspect the end of the faucet through which the alkaline water flows. If you notice mineral deposits on the tip of the tap, it means that there are mineral deposits in the whole ionizer. Delphi has a 5/16 โ€hose that runs from the ionizer to the computerized control valve. Disconnect the 5/16 โ€hose and put it in vinegar overnight to soften and remove salt deposits.

For more details on how to check if the ionizer has mineral deposits, see also the article Does my ionizer have mineral deposits ?

Cleaning procedure

The safest way to clean the appliance is to circulate vinegar through the ionizer, using a small aquarium pump or a small garden pump.

The best time to clean the ionizer is when you are ready to replace the filter or filters of your ionizer. If you intend to clean the ionizer before the next change of filters, it is good to keep a set of spent filters for re-use at the next cleaning.

If you have any questions, problems or concerns while cleaning, call +40724 333 909 or +40757 661 693. We are here for you.

1. Prepare the necessary tools

To clean the ionizer you need:

What I call the aquarium pump below you will find at pet supply stores under the name of aquarium filter.

Buy 2 liters of vinegar, preferably white vinegar, obtained by distillation, with 9 degrees.

You will use the bowl to put the vinegar and the aquarium pump in it. It can be any vessel: saucepan, glass or plastic bowl, a PET container, etc.

You can clean the ionizer without old filters, but itโ€™s easier that way.

2. Put the stainless steel flexible hose in the vinegar overnight (optional)

Remove the stainless steel flexible hose from the ionizer. On most models, the stainless hose is removed by unscrewing. At the Vesta GL988 ionizer, the stainless hose is removed by pulling on it, without rotating it.

Put it in a bowl with vinegar, preferably in an upright or oblique position. If you put it lying horizontally, the time required for cleaning will be much longer. A 2-2.5L PET with a cut top is a perfect container. You will need to give the flexible stainless hose a spiral shape to fit.

Washing and preparing the stainless hose will speed up the cleaning process, but if it does not have very large salt deposits in it, you can skip this step.

3. Prepare the ionizer for cleaning

3.1. Unplug the ionizer

3.2 If you do not have a set of old filters in the device, remove the filters from the device and cover with a sponge or silicone plug the hole where the top of the filters is connected to the device (for models in the JP and Vesta GL range), or the holes in the ionizer where the filters are connected (to Melody II, Athena H2 and Vesta H2).

If you have old filters in your device, skip this step.

The area where the plug is to be placed, at the JP range ionizers or at the Vesta GL. The plug is placed on both sides, at the ionizers with two filters.

4. Connect the gray acid water hose of the ionizer to the pump

The gray acid water hose of your ionizer must be connected to the outlet of the aquarium pump. Depending on the type of aquarium pump you bought, you will need to find the best way to connect the hose to the pump.

Most of the time, the acid water hose is a little thicker than the outlet of the aquarium pump, and it is enough to thin it a little with a cutter or knife, after which it will enter a little forced into the outlet nozzle of the pump.

Below you can see how I prepared the gray acid water hose for connection to an aquarium pump.

If your hose is thinner than the pump outlet nozzle, you can find a way to increase the diameter of the hose, either by putting a few layers of insulating tape on the hose or finding a small piece of a thicker hose, with which wear the end of the acid water hose.

Whatever your situation, when connecting the hose to the pump the connection must be tight/tight enough so that the pump pushes the vinegar through the hose and not next to it.

Aquarium pump with acid water hose connected

You can use the filter for the whole aquarium, or you can just take the pump out of it and use it only. Usually the pump is at the top of the filter and comes off the filter body very easily. In the image above I only used the pump, without the rest of the aquarium filter body.

5. Put the pump in the vinegar bowl and create the circuit

5.1. Bring the bowl of white vinegar to the ionizer

5.2. Place the aquarium pump with the ionic acid water hose connected to it in the vinegar bowl. The vinegar must completely cover the pump.

5.3. Install the flexible stainless hose to the ionizer. If you have already cleaned the flexible stainless hose, now install it in its place.

5.4. Position the end of the flexible stainless hose over the vinegar bowl. You should now have a circuit like the one below.

Ionizer ready to clean!

6. Start the pump and activate the cleaning process

Plug the aquarium pump plug. The pump will start and start pumping the vinegar into the ionizer through the gray hose of acidic water.

Soon, the vinegar should flow through the stainless hose back into the vessel where the pump is located. If this does not happen, sometimes you will need to put your mouth in the end of the stainless hose and draw air from it until the pump starts and the vinegar starts to flow into the vessel.

If the level of vinegar in the bowl drops a lot, top it up.

As the vinegar passes through the ionizer, it will dissolve the mineral deposits in the appliance. Smaller or larger pieces of white salts will begin to flow into the bowl, which shows that the cleaning process is working.

Allow the pump to run and the vinegar to flow through the appliance for about 2.5 hours.

If the flow of vinegar stops along the way, it is possible that certain pieces of salt detached from the appliance have blocked some narrower areas. Unplug the pump, blow through the stainless hose to unlock the circuit, and then plug the pump back in. The circuit will start again.

7. Stop the pump and reconnect the ionizer to the water source

7.1. After 2.5 hours of non-stop operation of the aquarium pump, prepare 2-3 liters of tap water.

7.2. With the pump running, move the end of the stainless steel hose over another bowl or over the sink. The pump will push the vinegar out of the ionizer without it returning to the vessel. When there is almost no vinegar in the vessel in which the pump is, add to the vessel the 2-3 liters of water you have prepared and let the pump push the water through the ionizer and clear it of vinegar.

7.3. When the pump has run out of water from the vessel, stop the pump and remove it from the vessel. Disconnect the acid water hose from the pump and put its end back in the sink.

7.4. If you removed the filters and put plugs in, remove the plugs and put the filters back in place. Be careful not to insert the filters without removing the plugs! You can clog the appliance.

7.5. Place the end of the stainless hose over the sink

7.6. If you have disconnected the ionizer from the water mains, reconnect it. Let the water flow through the ionizer for 10 minutes, without plugging it in.

7.7. Remove the old filters and install the new filters

7.8. Rinse the aquarium pump thoroughly under running water and then dry it before storing it until the next use. Rinsing and drying the pump before storage is important, because otherwise you risk that the pump will only work after a few cleanings and then break down.

7.9. Connect the ionizer to the outlet and start using it again. You have successfully completed the ionizer cleaning procedure. Congratulations!

Note only for Delphi or UltraDelphi ionizer owners:

For Delphi or UltraDelphi countertop ionizers, both the ionizer itself, the control valve, and the hoses that carry alkaline and acidic water from the ionizer body to the control valve must be cleaned:

The ionizer is cleaned by following the steps in this guide.

The control valve must be cleaned separately. One way to clean the faucet is to remove it from the countertop by unscrewing the retaining nut, and then filling the inner hoses of the faucet with white vinegar with a syringe. After filling the inner hoses with white vinegar, allow the vinegar to act for at least 3 hours.

Cleaning the hoses between the ionizer and the control valve by disconnecting them and inserting vinegar inside them. After making sure that the hoses are full of vinegar, let the vinegar work for at least 3 hours.

The cleaning process on the Delphi ionizer has a few steps in addition to cleaning the countertop ionizers. Until we produce a detailed guide for cleaning the Delphi / UltraDelphi model, use the information in this guide. If you have any questions, call us at +40724 333 909 or +40757 661 693.

Want to know how Alkaviva ionizers compare to other ionizers? Below you will find a comparative table between some models of ionizers from Alkavviaโ€™s portfolio, and a video in which an independent laboratory certified by the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) tests several models of ionizers.

When you see comparisons between ionizers on the Internet or demonstrations that show that a particular ionizer model produces a certain level of pH and ORP, here are some important things to know:

You can only really compare two ionizers if you measure their performance on the same water source, at the same time, and at the same flow rate. The qualities of the water source greatly influence the performance of any ionizer, no matter how efficient it is. Thatโ€™s why you canโ€™t compare two ionizers by measuring the performance of one on one water source and the other on another water source. Then, the water from the same source changes its parameters over time. Therefore, you must make the measurements at the same time for both devices.

Because we want to be as objective as possible, in our comparisons we use either information from tests made by independent laboratories, or information from measurements made by AlkaViva, or measurements made by us, the Wellnessist. Where we have no other information we use information from the manufacturersโ€™ specifications. If we do not have any reliable information, we display the value of N.A. (Non-Available), which means that we do not have credible information at this time about that parameter.

In the table below we have compared the latest generation of Alkaviva ionizers.

ProducerAlkaVivaAlkaVivaAlkaViva
Ionizer modelMelody IIAthena H2Vesta H2
Number of electrodes579
Type of electrodesSmartDesign electrodes of platinum-plated titanium block typeSmartDesign electrodes of platinum-plated titanium block typeSmartDesign electrodes of platinum-plated titanium block type
The highest pH value10.8 pH11.4 pH11.5 pH
The lowest pH value3.9 pH3.5 pH3.5 pH
The highest ORP value-760 mV-800 mV-880 mV
H2 concentration at a pH of 90,8 ppm1,0 ppm1,5 ppm
Filtration performance2 high-performance internal filters + pre-filtering options. The most efficient filtration in an ionizer2 high-performance internal filters + pre-filtering options. The most efficient filtration in an ionizer2 high-performance internal filters + pre-filtering options. The most efficient filtration in an ionizer
Self-cleaning performanceThe ultimate generation of DARC self-cleaning system. Cleans the electrodes during operation. You donโ€™t have to wait. The appliance must be cleaned manually less often.The ultimate generation of DARC self-cleaning system. Cleans the electrodes during operation. You donโ€™t have to wait. The appliance must be cleaned manually less often.The ultimate generation of DARC self-cleaning system. Cleans the electrodes during operation. You donโ€™t have to wait. The appliance must be cleaned manually less often.
Power supply typeThe ultimate generation of ย MPS sourceThe ultimate generation of MPS sourceThe ultimate generation of MPS source
Power consumed150W150W150W
Warranty5 years5 years5 years
Producing countryUSA / KoreaUSA / KoreaUSA / Korea
Dimensions32cm x 37cm x 14cm32cm x 37cm x 14cm32cm x 37cm x 14cm
Weight5.7 kg5.7 kg5.7 kg
Manufacturing year201620162016
Price1695 $2395 $2995 $

In the video below you can see a test done in an independent laboratory certified by the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency), in which several models of ionizers are compared. The comparison was made with the previous generation of AlkaViva ionizers. As soon as we have a comparison that includes the latest AlkaViva models, we will publish it here.

Comparing water ionizers

If you have a hard water source, mineral deposits will appear over time in the tubes and flexible hose of your ionizer. Below we have prepared a series of images that show you the main components you need to check to assess the condition of your ionizer.

Where to check for deposits on an ionizer mounted above the countertop

Stainless flexible hose

You can quickly check if your ionizer has salt deposits by looking at the screwed end in the device of the flexible stainless hose through which the alkaline water comes out.

Unscrew the hose and look at its end from the appliance. If you see a thinner or thicker white ring on the inside, your ionizer has mineral deposits. Below are some pictures: one with a stainless steel hose without deposits, and some examples of stainless hoses with deposits. As you can see, the deposits can be in a very thin layer, or they can even clog the hose.

Flexible stainless hose, the end of which is screwed into the appliance. No mineral deposits.
Flexible stainless hose, the end of which is screwed into the appliance. With mineral deposits โ€“ 3 examples.

Upper nozzle

Most of the time, it is enough to check the flexible stainless hose to see if the ionizer needs to be cleaned. Optionally, you can also check the upper nozzle, the part in which it is screwed.

You have two examples below: an upper nozzle with no deposits inside, and one with mineral deposits inside. Do you see how much the diameter through which the alkaline water flows has decreased in the second case?

You do not need to remove the upper nozzle to examine it, just unscrew the flexible stainless hose from it and you can see inside the nozzle.

Upper nozzle after removing the flexible stainless hose. No mineral deposits.
Upper nozzle after removing the flexible stainless hose. With mineral deposits.

Where to check for deposits on an ionizer mounted under the countertop

Upper nozzle

Upper nozzle used for ionizers mounted under the sink, after removing the hose adapter. No mineral deposits.
Upper nozzle used for ionizers mounted under the sink, after removing the hose adapter. With mineral deposits.

Alkaline water hose adapter

Alkaline water hose adapter normally mounted in the upper nozzle.
Alkaline water hose adapter normally mounted in the upper nozzle. With mineral deposits.

Alkaline water coming out of the ionizer

Mineral deposits will appear in the hole marked with the red arrow and will look the same as in the previous pictures.

Alkaline water outlet with 5/16 โ€hose.
Alkaline water outlet with 5/16 โ€hose disconnected.
Alkaline water outlet connection plug.
Alkaline water outlet connection plug with 5/16 โ€hose disconnected.

Mineral deposits will appear inside the tube and will look like in the previous pictures.

If you have hard water, we recommend using one or more of the following solutions:

Use of cartridges to prevent mineral deposits.

How to choose a water ionizer.

Do you want to enjoy the benefits of alkaline and ionized water but find it difficult to decide which model to choose?

Below we have prepared a small guide for you to help you make the decision.

5 Important criteria when purchasing an ionizer:

1. The best filtration

Ionizers are designed to give you two things: pure and healthy water. First of all, healthy water should be free of contaminants.

Your ionizer connects to the water network and filters the water before ionizing it. Even if the mains water is filtered and treated, it is not completely free of contaminants such as chlorine, arsenic, lead, other heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, pharmaceuticals, etc. Thatโ€™s why high-performance filtering is critical to you.

Although all ionizers use a filter to purify water, not all filters are equally effective. Most ionizer filters available on the market have between three and five filtration stages and use only granulated activated carbon together with calcium in various forms.

If you care about your health and the health of your family, you want to drink water that is as pure as possible, with as few contaminants as possible. Before buying an ionizer, always check how well it filters the water before ionizing it. You donโ€™t just want alkaline and ionized water, you want pure, alkaline and ionized water.

2. The most advanced technology

An ionizer is a long-term investment for your health and that of your family. It is important that your ionizer produces alkaline and ionized water with the highest possible ORP parameters (negative ionization as high as possible) and infused Hydrogen concentration as high as possible, at optimal pH values โ€‹โ€‹(pH between 8.5 โ€“ 10).

The performance of the ionizer depends on:

Electrode quality

Electrodes are for the ionizer what is the heart for our body. We drink alkaline and ionized water for the benefits it brings to our health. Electrodes cause ionization which gives us these benefits.

What matters to the electrodes is their efficiency, ie the level of pH, ORP and Hydrogen they produce. It doesnโ€™t matter the number of electrodes or their size. It matters how advanced the electrodes are and what ionization parameters they are able to produce.

You will find a lot of exaggerated information on the internet about more electrodes and more power (more current applied to the electrodes). Some companies claim that higher electrodes mean higher performance, which makes no sense. As technology advances, it gets smaller and stronger, not bigger!

In reality, ionizers that need to apply more power to the electrodes actually use outdated or inefficient technology. More power applied to the electrodes produces more heat and demands more of the platinum layer on them, which can lead to their faster degradation, and, ultimately, to poorer ionizer performance over time.

Rather than choosing an ionizer just because you were told it has the largest electrodes, find out what ionization performance that ionizer has, and what power it consumes. The better the ionizer performs and consumes less power, the more advanced and efficient electrodes it has. The more power it needs to achieve good ionization performance, the less efficient it is.

Always, the most relevant are the performance tests performed in independent laboratories. If you can find such a comparison, it is the best source of information for you. But donโ€™t confuse any presentation you find on the internet, made by a representative of a company selling ionizers, with a test done in an independent laboratory.

3. Maximum performance with a minimum of maintenance operations

A quality water ionizer is an important investment, so you need to consider something in addition to its performance: how to maintain its performance over time and how many maintenance operations you will have to do for it.

As you saw above, the less power an ionizer puts on the electrodes, the longer the electrodes will last. But the most important aspect that influences the performance of the ionizer over time is the performance of the ionizer self-cleaning system, which we talk about below.

Self-cleaning system

Alkaline and ionized water has major benefits that occur due to ionization. However, the ability of the ionizer to change water in this way may decrease over time.

Electrodes are the component of the ionizer that changes water qualities. Water contains minerals. Minerals are deposited on electrodes by their repeated exposure to water, so that mineral deposits gradually cover the electrodes. A mineral-coated electrode has a limited ability to transform water efficiently, which leads to a decrease in water quality and a decrease in its benefits.

To prevent mineral deposits on the electrodes, ionizers have self-cleaning systems.

All ionizers have self-cleaning systems, but not all systems are equally efficient. Before buying an ionizer it is essential to understand the type of cleaning cycle it uses. In fact, it is one of the most important considerations because it determines the long-term performance of your ionizer.

In addition to maintaining the long-term performance of the ionizer, the self-cleaning system depends on how often you have to manually clean the ionizer, or send it to the service for cleaning. Any ionizer needs maintenance, but some ionizers need much more frequent maintenance than others. It is good to know from the beginning how much time, effort, and possibly money will cost you to maintain the ionizer. And that depends on the type of self-cleaning system that the ionizer has.

If you want an ionizer that will maintain its performance for as long as possible, with a minimum of maintenance operations on your part, choose one that has a self-cleaning system that is as efficient as possible. The most commonly used such systems are briefly explained below.

There are three types of self-cleaning systems.

Automatic system for periodic cleaning of electrodes

This system monitors the use of the ionizer and triggers periodic cleaning of the electrodes at certain periods of time or after a certain number of liters of water processed by the device. During the cleaning period, the ionizer stops for 20-30 seconds to clean the electrodes.

It is the least efficient system. Itโ€™s like doing a short cleaning after using the kitchen 15-30 times.

Appliances with such self-cleaning systems need manual cleaning much more often than models with more advanced systems. Some manufacturers recommend manual cleaning of these models once a month.

Motor Automatic Reverse Cleaning System (MARC)

Some ionizer models have a reversible ionization chamber that allows automatic adjustment of the water flow so that you can enjoy alkaline water even when your ionizer is cleaning. This means that the ionizer will never stop for cleaning, as cleaning is done while the ionizer is running.

DARC (Double Automatic Reverse Cleaning System)

This system is the most advanced. It almost completely removes mineral deposits from the electrodes, increasing the life of your ionizer. You never have to wait for a cleaning cycle to complete before you can drink water.

The revolutionary new patented DARC self-cleaning system eliminates mineral deposits from the electrodes โ€“ protecting your investment and providing you with many years of healthy water from your ionizer. This cleaning system is 100% efficient.

The DARC system continuously cleans the electrodes throughout the operation of the ionizer, each time you use it. This is done by changing the polarity every 20 seconds. So if you use the ionizer for 40 seconds it will work for 20 seconds with a polarity and then the next 20 seconds will change the polarity of the electrodes. You will never have to wait or think about a cleaning cycle.

Of the three systems above, the most efficient is the DARC system, followed by the MARC system and finally the periodic cleaning system.

Always choose the ionizer with the best self-cleaning system. You will be sure to drink water with the same pH and ORP parameters as at the beginning, and you will only have to clean the appliance by hand very rarely, on average every 1 year.

4. Credible certifications and documentation

Always research what the information you receive about a water ionizer is based on. It is just marketing information, or there are credible documents, such as manufacturerโ€™s certifications or tests in independent laboratories that confirm either the quality of the filtration or the ionization performance.

5. A strong company and a solid guarantee behind the product

Your health and well-being are the essential considerations when choosing a water ionizer. The manufacturer behind that ionizer is also very important. Find out everything you can about the history, experience and know-how of the manufacturer.

The stronger the manufacturer, the more you can guarantee that it will be on the market in a few years. It is not uncommon for some new companies in the market not to last more than a few years. You donโ€™t want to run out of supplies or service after making such an important investment.

See what guarantee the ionizer you buy has. An extended warranty shows you that the ionizers are reliable and do not break down over time and give you the peace of mind that whenever you have a problem, it will be solved.

If youโ€™ve read this far, Iโ€™m sure you want to buy an ionizer. You now have the necessary information based on which you can choose the most suitable ionizer for you and your family. Use them, research carefully and you will make the best investment.

Are you ready to move on? Find out how Alkaviva ionizers meet all the important criteria above in the article Why buy an Alkaviva ionizer.

Are you looking for the best water ionizer for you? Alkaviva ionizers are an excellent choice that you canโ€™t go wrong with. Find out why, below.

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. I didnโ€™t prepare an image for you, but a whole movie! Itโ€™s only 5 minutes long, but it contains everything you need to know when choosing an ionizer. In the rest of the film you will find all the information in it and in written format.

5 key elements for the intelligent purchase of an ionizer:

If you have read the article How to choose a water ionizer, you already know the criteria that matter when choosing an ionizer. Below we will see how the Alkaviva ionizers meet these criteria.

1. The best filtration

Healthy water should be free of contaminants.

We all know how important it is to drink enough water every day. We also hear quite often about the dangers hidden in tap or bottled water. Standard treated water still contains urban, agricultural or industrial waste such as pharmaceuticals, heavy metals and even chemicals used to treat water.

Toxins and chemical pollutants destroy our health. Alkaline ionized water rebuilds us. But if we drink water that is not well cleaned of toxic chemical pollutants, then we are back where we left off.

That is why you owe it to your family to know what is in the water you drink, and to find a way to drink pure water.

Most ionizer filters are made in Asia and contain almost only cheap activated carbon, which does not remove the most dangerous contaminants from the water.

In contrast, UltraWater filters in Alkaviva ionizers create the cleanest possible alkaline ionized water, with the most harmful substances removed, to the level that they can no longer be detected by laboratory tests. The performance of our filtration systems is tested in independent certified laboratories.

Only UltraWater filters produced in the US have been rigorously tested by a government-accredited laboratory, certified by the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) and have been shown to remove 99.9% of contaminants from water. No other filter in an ionizer compares.

Here you can see a certificate of analysis made in an independent laboratory, which demonstrates the efficiency of UltraWater filters produced by Alkaviva.

Learn more about the importance of water filtration and the performance of UltraWater filters in the movie below (subtitled in Romanian):

2. The most advanced technology

We drink alkaline ionized water for its health benefits. Electrodes are the ones that ionize water and give you these benefits. The performance of your ionizer depends primarily on the efficiency of its electrodes.

Some ionizer sellers claim that higher electrodes mean better performance, which makes no sense. As technology advances, it gets smaller and stronger, not bigger! Phones, laptops, are getting smaller and more efficient, TVs are getting flatter. Why would it be different in the case of ionizers?

There is also a lot of exaggerated information on the internet that claims that an ionizer is more efficient the more electrodes it has and / or uses more power.

The number of electrodes is not as relevant as the performance of the electrodes. There are models that have 5 high-performance electrodes and produce ionization results at least as good as other models that have 7 lower-performance electrodes.

As for the current that reaches the electrodes, the power applied to the electrodes, things are quite the opposite of what many sellers present.

More power applied to the electrodes produces more heat and requires more platinum on the electrodes. This leads to their faster degradation and poorer ionizer performance over time.

Many ionizer manufacturers use high voltage as a solution for better ionization because they use outdated or inefficient technology.

All these are myths about ionizers. In fact, larger or more Watts electrodes do not matter. What matters is efficiency.

AlkaViva was the first company to introduce mesh technology to electrodes. Now, the new patented SmartElectrode ionization technology in AlkaViva ionizers sets a new industry standard.

In terms of electrode life, our devices have electrodes with an advanced design and very good quality, with a voltage of 150 watts.

3. Maximum performance with a minimum of maintenance operations

A water ionizer is a very important investment, so you need to consider what performance the ionizer has, and especially how to maintain performance over time. Here you must also add how much it costs you in time, energy or money to maintain the ionizer.

Apart from the voltage applied to the electrodes, an important point when it comes to maintaining the performance of ionizers over time is the electrode cleaning system.

In order to obtain ionized water with the best parameters, the electrodes must be cleaned, which makes the cleaning system of the ionizer a vital element. You can test with a new ionizer, but if you have hard water and the ionizer does not have a high-performance cleaning system after a while, calcium and magnesium deposits will form on the electrodes and the performance will decrease significantly.

AlkaViva has tests performed in EPA-certified independent laboratories, which have shown that AlkaViva ionizers are more efficient, and that they produce greater water transformations than other larger ionizers. See the comparison between ionizers.

For example, a range of very popular and very expensive Japanese ionizers have an outdated cleaning system. They work for about 15 minutes, then clean for only 30 seconds, making optimal performance impossible. Itโ€™s like doing a short cleaning after using the kitchen 15-30 times. In addition, you have to wait for it to clean before you can drink water.

Then you have to use a cleaning cartridge for 4 hours every month, and then you have to send the appliance to the service annually for a general cleaning, if you do not want to lose the warranty.

Our new series of H2 ionizers overcomes the problems presented above. They include the improved DARC cleaning system, which has been the best cleaning system in the ionizer industry for 9 years.

Advanced AlkaViva models clean the electrodes every time you use them, while using them, ensuring the best ORP and hydrogen performance over time. You never have to think about it, do anything extra or wait. An efficient, comfortable and hassle-free cleaning every time you use the ionizer!

Because they have such a high-performance self-cleaning system, Alkaviva ionizers require very little maintenance on your part. An Alkaviva ionizer maintains its optimum performance even with only one clean country per year. Oh, and you can do the cleaning yourself, at home, to save money. We give you all the instructions you need.

4. Credible certifications and documentation

AlkaViva has been in this business since 2003 and has an A + rating from the Business Bureau. Their manufacturer is the largest in the world and has all the necessary certifications.

Alkaviva is the oldest importer of ionizers in the United States. The two founding business partners together have over 24 years of experience in the US water ionizer industry.

We have helped launch all types of products in the field, from state-of-the-art ionization technologies to commercial applications.

You can trust that our history, experience and know-how allow us to produce the best ionization technology, so that you can be sure that you have made the right choice.

5. A strong company and a solid guarantee behind the product

Alkaviva sells ionizers in the United States and more than 30 other countries.

In Romania, we offer a 5-year warranty on any electric ionizer because we trust in their reliability. That way, you can rest assured that no matter what happens, youโ€™re covered.

We have customers in Romania who have had appliances since 2007, and whose ionizers still work.

The repair rate of AlkaViva ionizers is very low and the repair costs are very affordable, we always keep a stock of spare parts for the most used parts, so that your ionizer stays with us as little as possible. In most cases, an ionizer does not stay in our service for more than 48 hours.