This buoy uses solar technology and ionization to reduce the use of chlorine and chemicals, and to eliminate algae and microorganisms in the pool as much as possible. It is 100% sustainable! The device floats in the pool and generates copper ions while being exposed to sunlight. Within about a week, the ion generator effectively regulates the level of copper ions in the pool water, making maintenance very easy and saving time, energy, and money. It is important to note that your pool will still require chlorine and chemicals, but the amount needed is much less than without using this ion generator. The copper electrodes will last for about two years (depending on water hardness and chemical composition).