Abstract: A water purifier has a buoyant housing for supporting a purification cell below the water's surface and for supporting a solar cell array for providing power for the purification cell. The purification cell preferably has a solid cylindrical anode and a coiled wire cathode. The water purification cell operation includes electrolytic processes, electrocution and oxidation to destroy bacteria and algae in the water.

Abstract: A portable self-contained solar powered water purifier for swimming pools, spas, and other bodies of water is disclosed. The purifier includes a buoyant housing for supporting a solar cell array above the surface of water to be treated and a purification cell below the surface of water to be treated. Suitable electrical connections, between the solar cell array and purification cell, are sealed to prevent the entry of water therebetween which could result in electrical shorts and corrosion. The purification cell includes a sacrificial anode, having a metal alloy essentially composed of copper and silver and a cathode which is preferably constructed of stainless steel so as to not react adversely with the sacrificial anode. Metallic copper and silver ions are released by the sacrificial anode to prevent algae and bacterial growth.