Can I use a sequestering (stain & scale) chemical with a pool ionizer?

You should not use a sequestering agent (also known as a stain and scale preventer) with a pool ionizer. Although these are designed to remove contaminants from the water, they will also remove the ionized minerals that are working hard to control bacteria and algae.

Sequestering agents are typically recommended if your source water has high calcium, manganese, iron, sulfur, etc., which is often found in well water. If this is the case, it is better to filter the water at the source by using a hose filter that attaches to your hose. This will prevent contaminants from getting into the pool in the first place.

If you have already added a sequestering agent to your pool or spa, it will neutralize all new minerals for up to 6 weeks. Withe a ClearBlue Ionizer, It is best to set the Maintain (Ion/Action) setting to 00 to turn off the Ionizing function so you are not wasting the cell. During the 6 week period, maintain 1ppm – 3ppm chlorine. After 6 weeks, you can ramp up the minerals again and reduce the chlorine down to 0.5ppm – 1ppm.