[stephen s]

ionics systems are the same as any other they all do the same job. you are paying way over the odds just for the name.

says the man with a crocodile on his t-shirt 

[Sapphire Window Cleaning]

Basically it is down to these factors
What budget do you have?
How high is safety on you list of priorities?
there is nothing wrong with a DIY system, the end product is the same as the expensive companies, they still produce water with a TDS reading of 000.
if you have a proper cage for the tank and have it fitted by a professional, it will be safe.
Why not follow a couple of guys around from off here and use their kit for a day or half a day and then make your own mind up.

[windowswashed]

Ionics sell good systems, shame they aren't value for money.

[easycleaner]

Hi got two fitted buy pure freedom they are engineers, I had the frist one checked over buy a local lorry body building company and they said it was over engineered, well pleased! Ionics have only tested it on one van! what about the other 20 vans that are on the road? as mattinlester says add ploy. I recon the people who all that dosh out may be a case of 'the kings new clothes' ( a fool and his money easily parted)
Mart

[leapstallbuildings]

The "best" is a subjective term really.  I have a system that is strapped around the chassis, has no electronic flow controller as it uses a "return to tank" valve, has no port on the outside of the van (I prefer it that way), and, although professionally fitted by people who know what they are doing, does not have the glitzy looks of an Ionics system.  It is the right (best) system for me because I can self maintain it easily, I can attach a patch piece of hose to a connector under the van bumper allowing me to position the hosereel anywhere within 10 metres of the van (very useful if I need to park near obstructions), I can whip the leisure battery out very quickly and easily to change it over (I alternate two leisure batteries on a split charger as they are a bit run down now and I don't like to throw batteries until they are totally knackered).
This is the best system for me.  I prefer practicality to looks.  I don't care what the customer thinks of my system.  I'm the one who has to use it - not them.  It suits my pocket too.  In spite of what I've said, it does look reasonably pro too.

[wire1078]

thanks to everyone for there posts on this subject,it sounds like if you want to pay the name then go with ionics,but if you are a business person you will get a system alot cheaper that does the same job

[leapstallbuildings]

thanks to everyone for there posts on this subject,it sounds like if you want to pay the name then go with ionics,but if you are a business person you will get a system alot cheaper that does the same job

Nothing actually wrong with Ionics if you are happy to pay top price.  The systems look good and work well.  Personally I would cut out the colour change resin and use a refillable vessel though.
At the moment, I'm sticking with what I have as my priority is to reduce my debts.

[niceandclean]

I have an Ionics Thermopure system and i have a hot water system from waterfed pole in Grantham.
Whats the difference?
Well the most obvious to someone that knows what an ionics system looks like, is the thatcham tested clamps. Another is the shiney bended frame at the back that the fancy cover sits in.
That is the only difference between the two systems, oh and of course my newer system was half the cost. I also got to design how i wanted the system, ionics were not interested in what i wanted, well they were to a degree, but the attitude is this is our system and thats it. I could not change to have the ports under the vehicle, i had to have a hole cut in the side of the van, which on an expensive van i did not want doing. They were, last year anyway, not offering frost protection or a timer, i have both on my new system and an added blower for the cab, they only had the summer/winter switch. The heater is a webasto, the same as ionics install, i went for the 9kw so enough hot water for 2 poles not 1. They were also not interested in fitting a couple of fixed reels, had to be portable.  Was i happy with Ionics, yes at the begining, when i had a lovely new system installed. But the after sales was not any good, and last year the sales was not much cop either. I then joined CIU, looking at alot of posts regarding pure water, different poles on the market ect, i have saved hundreds and hundreds pounds, if not a thousands. I bought a 4040 RO and resin and produced water from home and pumped it to the van instead of using the Ionics filtration, did i notice any difference in the clean, no. Does my new system not clean as well as my Ionics system, er no. Does my system not look as fancy as my Ionics one, maybe just a little, does my newer system have crash test clamps, no but its still bolted through the chassis and IMO is still as safe. But in the main, i have got a system now that i wanted, i work from my van how i want to, not working how someone wants you to work.
I was probably a little brainwashed when i first got into window cleaning, Ionics marketing is brilliant, and they can afford to market very heavilly. But all in all, as long as your system is fitted well to the van, has a tank of pure water, a pump and some hose, it will do exactly the same job as a very expensive nice looking Ionics system.
Obviously my opinion on owning an Ionics sytem and an other.

[drwindows]

if you say to anyone "cash is no object, what system would you get?" everyone would go for ionics whether they admit it on here or not.

Nuff said.

[Sapphire Window Cleaning]

But in business cash is the object, why spend several times more than you need to.
People who over spend in a business WONT have a business for very long, mark my words.
Most part about running a business is being responsible with money!
I dont't mean cutting corners. I mean shop around and be a shrewd businessman.

[drwindows]

But in business cash is the object, why spend several times more than you need to.
People who over spend in a business WONT have a business for very long, mark my words.
Most part about running a business is being responsible with money!
I dont't mean cutting corners. I mean shop around and be a shrewd businessman.

The question was "Who makes the best WFP systems"

NOT "who makes the best WFP systems with cash as the object"

And by that measure, it is Ionics.

That is all.

[leapstallbuildings]

if you say to anyone "cash is no object, what system would you get?" everyone would go for ionics whether they admit it on here or not.

Nuff said.

No I wouldn't - and that is honest.  That's not intended to slate Ionics systems.  It's just that when it comes to the finer points of working a certain way, I like be able to make those decisions myself.  Just minor details really but, over time, I have developed a way of working that feels right for me but would be a bit trickier with an Ionics systems (and many other systems for that matter).

[Sapphire Window Cleaning]

drwindows that question was put to businessmen, i.e. you and I.
So its a business related question.
If he meant "cash was no object" he would of said when asking the question.

[leapstallbuildings]

To clarify, if I had unlimited money, the system I would want would not be exactly like any manufacturer's system.  This is because I have a way of working and would build the system to accommodate that way.  As things currently stand, manufacturers have their various systems and we have to work around anything that isn't exactly in accordance with the way we work.
So, back to my original assertion that the best system (for everybody) does not exist because each person likes to work a little differently.
My system would have a built in kettle as standard and a toilet that can make pure water from human waste    .

[Sapphire Window Cleaning]

yeeeew.
I wouldnt want to be the person changing the filter on that system. 

[AuRavelling79]

If I had unlimited money I wouldn't be cleaning windows but in the spirit of the discussion I would: (In red is what I actually have and am using now.)

Buy a top of the range VW transporter with five seats and a lifting tailgate. (Fiat Doblo)
Have a custom built insulated 500L tank in it fitted by an engineering company. (400L fitted and insulated by me)
Another custom 150L tank and heater for "hot" work. (Which could also be a cold reserve)(I don't have this yet)
An SLX 35ft pole (already got one!)
A 100m reel of microbore GOT
A varistream GOTA 100PSI pump GOT

I would make my water at home with an RO that would be capable of filling a 1000IBC tank overnight to store it in. (600L IBC)

That's it!

[mlscontractcleaner]

I have a 400l system; an original OTT system; two blue round 200l tanks. Old probably but it's never let me down

[Dan French]

I know who id chose from the names mentioned here, good bunch of guys at Purfreedom, plenty of no nonsense advice, they do hot systems too but dont push it onto you. They listen to what you want, offer a few sugestions and leave it to you to make up your mind. nothing seams to much trouble to them.

[sparklebright]

if you say to anyone "cash is no object, what system would you get?" everyone would go for ionics whether they admit it on here or not.

Nuff said.

Actually I'm led to believe the Tucker Pole fit out is of a v high standard.

DIY all the way. The money belongs in MY pocket thank you.

[lee k]

Omnipole systems are very good and excellent hot water add on