Water Ionizer FAQ
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Alkaline Water Basics
Alkaline water is generally defined as water with a pH level higher than 7. Water produced through an alkaline water ionizer is more accurately called alkaline ionized water. It is created through a process called electrolysis, which separates minerals in the water and results in water that is naturally alkaline, mineral-rich, and known for its antioxidant properties.
Filtered or purified water—especially water that has passed through a reverse osmosis (RO) system—is designed to remove contaminants. However, this process also removes naturally occurring minerals such as calcium and magnesium that are beneficial to the body. Alkaline ionized water, on the other hand, does not remove these minerals. Instead, it preserves them, resulting in mineral-rich water while still improving overall water quality. This is one of the key differences between alkaline ionized water and heavily purified water.
An alkaline water ionizer uses platinum-coated electrodes to electrolyze water. During this process, mineral ions such as calcium and magnesium—along with other naturally occurring minerals like sulfur and phosphorus—are separated, producing two types of water: Alkaline ionized waterAcidic ionized waterOne unique characteristic of alkaline ionized water is that its water clusters are reduced to about one-third the size of regular water. This allows the water to be absorbed more easily by the body. In addition, alkaline ionized water has antioxidant effects similar to vitamin C, which regular water does not have.
Most bottled alkaline water sold commercially is made alkaline by simply adjusting the pH level. Alkaline ionized water, however, is produced through electrolysis and typically ranges from pH 8.5 to 10. Beyond pH level, it has characteristics that bottled alkaline water does not offer—such as smaller water clusters and antioxidant properties. This means alkaline ionized water is not just alkaline by number, but also different in structure and function.
Alkaline ionized water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which give it a distinct mineral taste.
People who have been drinking purified or mineral-free water for a long time may initially notice unfamiliar characteristics, such as a slightly soapy, bitter, or unusual taste or texture. This is not uncommon when switching water types.
Taste is largely influenced by habit. The water you’ve consumed the longest tends to taste the most “normal” to you. Many people who drink alkaline ionized water regularly later describe purified water as tasting flat.
Health, Safety & Who Should Drink It
Alkaline ionized water supports the body’s natural balance by providing mineral-rich hydration rather than mineral-depleted water. Just as eating alkaline foods like vegetables is generally considered healthier than eating acidic foods such as meat or flour-based products, drinking alkaline water is considered more beneficial for your overall health.
Alkaline ionized water is rich in minerals and antioxidant power and has smaller water clusters, which allows it to be absorbed faster and more easily by the body and helps flush out wastes more effectively. In simple terms, this means water can perform its role in the body more efficiently, allowing you to receive more of the natural health benefits that proper hydration provides.
For healthy individuals, there are no known side effects. However, people with sensitive stomachs or intestines—especially those who have been drinking mineral-free purified water—may experience mild stomach discomfort or diarrhea when switching suddenly to alkaline ionized water. This is similar to what can happen when traveling and drinking unfamiliar water. Starting with a small amount at a lower level and gradually increasing over several days allows the body time to adjust.
In general, alkaline ionized water is safe for most people. However, individuals with achlorhydria, potassium excretion disorders, kidney failure, or kidney disease should not drink alkaline ionized water and should consult a doctor. If you have a medical condition or are under medical care, it’s best to check with a healthcare professional before changing your drinking water
Babies before starting solid foods should drink water from the purifier (filtered) setting. Children under 10 years old should drink Level 1 alkaline ionized water.
Because alkaline ionized water has smaller water clusters and is absorbed more quickly, it may reduce the effectiveness of certain medications.For this reason, it is recommended to take medication using the purifier (filtered) setting instead of alkaline ionized water
Alkaline Water Ionizer Common Questions
The Ivyel alkaline water ionizer produces four levels of alkaline ionized water:
- Level 1: pH 8.5
- Level 2: pH 9.0
- Level 3: pH 9.5
- Level 4: pH 9.8
Recommended usage:
- Babies before starting solid foods: Purified Water (Neutral)
- Children under 10: Level 1
- Adults and Children 10+: Level 2
- Individuals with conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or excess stomach acid: Level 4
If you have specific medical conditions, it’s always a good idea to start gradually from Alkaline 1 and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
Alkaline ionized water does not filter out calcium that is naturally present in tap water. When dissolved calcium comes into contact with carbon dioxide in the air, it hardens into calcium carbonate. This creates a white scale known as calcium scale. While calcium scale is not ideal for the machine, it is beneficial for the human body as a source of calcium. Similar to calcium supplements, it dissolves in stomach acid and is reabsorbed by the body, making it safe to consume.
Yes! A home alkaline water ionizer provides mineral-rich, antioxidant water that supports your body’s natural balance and hydration. Unlike bottled alkaline water, you have convenient access to fresh ionized water anytime—for drinking, cooking, washing fruits and vegetables, and even skincare. Over time, this makes it a versatile and cost-effective addition to your daily routine, helping you enjoy the full benefits of healthy, mineral-rich water while reducing reliance on bottled options.
The core component of an ionizer—the electrolysis chamber and electrodes—is generally considered to last about 10 years. After that point, much like an aging car engine, the characteristics of the ionized water may gradually diminish. Other parts of the machine may require replacement sooner, depending on usage and water conditions.
To provide peace of mind, Ivyel offers a competitive warranty, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected issues during normal use. Learn More about Ivyel's Warranty
Yes, instructions on adjusting the volume can be found in your user manual.
Installation, Maintenance & Water Conditions
No—most customers install it themselves without a plumber.
You can install the unit in two easy ways:
- Directly to your sink faucet using an adapter (no drilling required)
- Under the sink using an adapter on the cold-water line
If you choose to install under the sink and don't have a sink hole, creating the hole is probably the most challenging part. Other than that, installation is very straightforward.
We provide step-by-step video instructions, and if you need help, our team is available to guide you—even by video call. Contact us
Maintenance is simple.
The machine alerts you every 6 months when it’s time to replace the filter, and filter replacement is easy. In hard water areas, scale cleaning is recommended about once a year using our cleaning kit to prevent calcium build-up on the electrode plates.
Based on an average usage of 5.4 gallons per day (including both alkaline and acidic water), the filter replacement alert appears after 6 months.
Even with lower usage, the alert is time-based. After 6 months, contaminants trapped in the filter can create hygiene concerns, so timely replacement is recommended.
Yes, it works normally with standard tap water in hard water areas.
In fact, higher mineral content can provide greater health benefits. However, calcium scales form more easily, so regular scale cleaning is required. Ivyel’s scale cleaning kit is recommended.
Water softeners replace calcium in tap water with sodium to prevent scale buildup in pipes.
This reduces calcium and increases sodium in alkaline ionized water, which is not recommended. Salt-based water softeners are also restricted in some cities due to environmental concerns.
Yes, the machine has a voice alert and the filter replacement sign will show on your machine's screen when it is time to replace the filter.
Everyday Uses: Cooking, Cleaning & Storage
An alkaline water ionizer always produces two types of water at the same time:
- Alkaline ionized water from the top spout
- Acidic ionized water from the bottom hose
Both types of water are intentionally produced through the electrolysis process.
Acidic ionized water is not waste water. It is beneficial for skin-related uses and has an astringent effect.
It can also be helpful for certain skin conditions in pets. The effects of acidic ionized water typically last for 2–3 days, so instead of discarding it, you can collect and use it for washing your face, brushing your teeth, and other skincare purposes
Definitely!
For washing fruits and vegetables or cooking, Alkaline 4 is recommended. It removes surface residues more effectively and extracts more from ingredients, enhancing flavor and depth.
Brewing coffee or tea with alkaline ionized water often results in a richer flavor using the same amount of ingredients. Use according to personal preference.
Yes. Alkaline ionized water removes surface residues far more effectively than regular water. This use is highly recommended.
The effects of alkaline ionized water come from minerals and hydrogen. Hydrogen is a gas, and like carbonation escaping from soda, it gradually dissipates over time—even in a sealed container—reducing effectiveness.
For best results, it’s recommended to drink alkaline ionized water the same day it is drawn. If you prefer cold water, adding ice to freshly drawn water is a better option than refrigeration.
Yes. Alkaline water is safe to boil and is commonly used for cooking, tea, and coffee.
Boiling does not remove the minerals in the water. However, it does affect the antioxidants and hydrogen in the water to decrease.
Troubleshoot
If there is no power in your machine, it is likely the fuse that has to be replaced. The fuse is located on the back of the water ionizer.
Opening the machine will void your warranty. If you are having trouble with your water ionizer, please contact our customer support team by calling 714-232-2215 or emailing us at info@ivyelshop.com
No, we do not recommend placing the water ionizer in a locations where there may be direct sunlight as this may damage the machine.
This means it is time for a cleaning service. Sometimes, the machine requires a deep cleaning service which requires for us to open the machine. Please try doing the cleaning service at home with our cleaning kit first. If the pressure is still low, it may require a deep cleaning service.
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