Alternative To Chlorine In Pool

Chlorine Alternatives For Sanitizing Your Pool

However, as science continues to advance, more and more chlorine alternatives for your pool are appearing on the consumer market. For example, ozone pool systems work by blending electricity with oxygen, which removes calcium, iron, and other metals from the water. Another popular chlorine alternative is a UV pool system, which uses ultraviolet light which is completely invisible to the human eye to fatally damage the DNA contained within viruses and parasites.

With this in mind, its important to understand that many chlorine alternatives ultimately require you to add chlorine separately in order to ensure thorough cleaning. For instance, if you use an ultraviolet light system or ozone system to sanitize your swimming pool, you will also need to add a certain amount of chlorine in order to ensure the destruction of harmful bacteria.

Ultraviolet Pool Sanitizing Light

Ultraviolet sanitation is a powerful disinfection method that uses short-wavelength UV light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by disrupting their DNA. UV light destroys cysts, algae, viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, and even kills pathogens that are chlorine-resistant, such as E. Coli, Giardia, Cyclospora, and Cryptosporidium.

Alternatives To Chlorine You Could Consider

Chlorine, nowadays, does have several alternatives that fulfill at least the basic criteria of safety. There are tried and tested alternatives to chlorine and research is still being continued to this day. Other aspects one needs to consider are cost, maintenance, and suitability to your requirements. Here are nine alternatives you may want to consider:

Recommended Reading: Do It Yourself Pool Maintenance

Advantages To Saltwater Pools

In recent years, pool owners have become increasingly concerned about the use of harsh chemicals in their backyard pools. Because chlorine is known to burn eyes and dry out skin, many people are searching for a safe alternative for their pools. For this reason, saltwater pools are an excellent option for both indoor and outdoor pools.

Because saltwater eliminates the need for chlorine, there is no strong chlorine smell in saltwater pools. Furthermore, saltwater pools do not irritate the eyes or skin, which consequently improves your swimming experience.

Which Chlorine Alternative Is Right For You

With multiple options for a chlorine-free swimming pool, the choice can be confusing.

Every situation is different, so youll have to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each chlorine alternative system.

Salt system pools are very popular, and the most common non-chlorine option, but their high installation cost and potential to damage pool equipment may make you think twice.

A mineral or ionator option seems to be more of what most people are looking for when it comes to chlorine alternatives. The smooth and silky feeling they offer is a big plus, as no one wants to come out of a pool feeling like they just bathed in harsh chemicals.

Meanwhile, you cant really go wrong with the actual chlorine-free options: bromine and biguanide.

Bromine works just as well as chlorine , and biguanide does an impeccable job as well. The only downside to these is their price tags.

You May Like: How To Make Your Pool Clear

How To Open A Swimming Pool Without Chlorine

Opening a swimming pool without chlorine can be tough. What youll learn in this post makes it much easier

Maybe youre trying to create a more eco-friendly pool, or maybe youre just not a fan of chlorine. Sometimes the watery eyes and dry skin can be a bit of a drag, we get it. But whatever your reason may be, you came across this post for a purpose.

You want to run a pool without using chlorine.

Well, youll be happy to know that its very doable, it just may be a little different from what you had in mind. But dont worry, thats what were explaining in this post. From using chlorine alternatives to reducing your pools chlorine demand altogether were covering everything you need to know about opening your pool without chlorine.

If that sounds good to you, then keep reading. But before we jump into the depths of this guide, theres a bit of information youll benefit from knowing ahead of time.

Mineral Water Pool Systems:

These cartridge-based systems consist of minerals/alloys that deactivate algae and other microorganisms as water flows through its chamber. Two common brands are Pool FROG and Nature 2 and can reduce the need for chlorine up to 50%. They are easy to use and low on maintenance as you can refill the mineral cartridges. This system can be simply attached to the PVC pipes of pool systems. The drawback is that chlorine must be used and the replacement cartridges can be expensive and have to be replaced often on larger pools.

Read Also: Does Lowes Sell Above Ground Pools

How Uv Light Systems Maintain Pool Water:

Instead of chemicals, UV light uses a physical process to disrupt the DNA of dangerous pathogens, rendering them harmless. The sanitation takes place in an enclosed chamber inside the pool equipment, where water passes through and is sanitized by powerful rays of UV light. The treated water then circulates out into the pool, creating a fresh, healthy swimming environment.Benefits and considerations:UV light is currently used in medical sanitation and sterile work facilities. It is so safe that it is increasingly being used to sterilize drinking water around the world.The UV method works equally well in hot and cold climates, requires minimal maintenance, and is proven effective for eliminating a wide variety of pathogens. Like ozone, it has no harmful side effects and leaves no unwanted byproducts in the water. When combined with ozone, UV works synergistically for even better results, destroying 99.9% of all pathogens for optimal water quality.In summary, there is no need to rely on harsh chemical pool treatments to keep your swimming pool safe and clean. Protect your health, your family, and your future by choosing one of these 3 Ways to Sanitize Your PoolWithout the Typical Chlorine Risks.

Chlorine Alternative #: Copper And Silver

Copper is a naturally germicidal material that some experts believe can prevent the spread of COVID-19, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Copper is introduced into pools via electrolysis, so its similar to the way saltwater pools turn salt into chlorine. And silver has many of the same propertiesits even used in the alloys of many copper pool treatment systems.

Related Story

• 6 Best Pool Liners to Keep Your Pool Safe

According to IntecAmerica, copper ionization is plumbed into your pools return line, where electricity passes through electrodes in order to release metallic ions into the water. The resulting copper ions wont harm your pool equipment or surface, and youll only need to balance the pool for pH using baking soda or hydrochloric acid. Theres an up-front cost for the copper ionization equipment and installation.

Read Also: Does Big Lots Have Kiddie Pools

Reduction In Water Temperature:

Reducing your water temperature to colder than normal will help slow bacterial and algal growth. Most of these microorganisms thrive and proliferate in warm to hot environments. Also, it reduces the speed of chemicals reacting with each other or human skin. So, while reducing temperature is not an independent solution, it can definitely reduce the quantity of chlorine you would have to use otherwise. The drawback here is that it is difficult for some people to swim comfortably in cold water. The method you adopt to reduce the water temperature would largely depend on the outside weather. If the climate is warm and pleasant, you can go for a pool chiller. If the outside weather is cold, you can opt for aeration or oxygenation through fountains. If you have a water heater installed, lower the thermostat level. Heaters and chillers are very expensive in comparison to other pool equipment options. Chlorine, or other sanitation systems, still must be used. However, the amount required is reduced. Probably not enough to justify the expense.

Finding The Best Alternatives To Chlorine For Swimming Pools

Now that you know about the best chlorine-alternative options around, what should you do next? Here at GPS Pools, we suggest giving our team a call. Weve spent years optimizing pools for supreme cost-efficiency and effectiveness. Whether youre remodeling your pool area or need a pool system upgradewe have you covered.

Sometimes, the best pool chlorine alternative is right around the corner. Still, its a good idea to get a professionals opinion before deciding on an installation. If youre ready to revamp your swimming pool with some of todays leading technology, give our Lutz location a call at 948-9091. Or, contact our Land OLakes location at 345-8596.

Read Also: What Does Fiberglass Pool Look Like

What Does Chlorine Do

Chlorine is known to keep the pool clean, but it has three jobs. The first is to kill bacteria and germs chlorine acts as a sanitizer.

Next, chlorine must oxidize the water. This is better known as clearing up body oils and organic debris left behind in the swimming pool.

Lastly, chlorine must create an environment where algae does not want to grow. When looking for a chlorine replacement, you must make sure you are taking care of these three things.

Pool Chlorine Alternatives Worth Considering

Most pool owners have a love-hate relationship with chlorine. It does the job to keep your swimming pool swimmable and safe, but it has some side effects that make it challenging to work with. This leaves many wondering if there are any suitable alternatives to chlorine?

We have come up with five ways for you to lower or deplete your chlorine use. Some options are quite costly, and some are not a complete solution, but if you are looking to move away from chlorine, you are in the right place.

You May Like: What Is Pool Filter Sand

Advantages To Mineral Systems

Operating a mineral system is extremely easy. Once a mineral system is installed, very little maintenance is necessary for keeping pool water sanitized. Although you will need to add chemicals, you will use far less chlorine than a traditional chlorine setup.

Mineral systems are effective at not only keeping pools clean but also softening the water. Many mineral systems combine minerals and salt to improve water quality. Moreover, mineral systems control bacteria and algae growth and thus eliminate the need to use harsh chemicals.

Alternatives To Chlorine For Treating Collective Pool Water22 August 2022

Thanks to its undeniable advantages, chlorine is the most commonly used product in the world for treating the water in private and public pools. However, some may decide to choose a solution more in line with their specific needs. Do you? Below is a list of alternatives to chlorine. Each has specific benefits.

Don’t Miss: How To Get An Above Ground Pool Ready For Summer

Pool Mineral System Pros

• The water will feel softer
• Swimming will be a gentler experience overall. Its milder on the skin, hair, and swimwear
• Pool equipment will benefit from the reduced chlorine content in the water.
• You will only need around 0.5ppm of chlorine to keep your pool water sanitized, allowing for those that are sensitive to chlorine to enjoy the pool without breaking into hives
• Less chlorine smell

Chlorine Alternatives For Pool Owners To Consider

Saltwater Pools

Salt is a widely used alternative to sanitize swimming pools, and for good reason. Saltwater pools use salt to produce chlorine. This process does not dry out your skin or irritate your eyes.

When saltwater passes through a salt cell, an electric charge is introduced thereby breaking down the salt into chlorine. This process runs continuously to keep free chlorine at a high level and chloramines low. Free chlorine allows the water in your pool to be clean and clear.

It is not chlorine but large quantities of chloramine that produce chlorine smell and irritate the skin. This makes saltwater pools an ideal chlorine alternative. Low quantities of chloramine with a balanced level of salinity in saltwater pools provide clean, healthy water that does not smell or cause irritation.

Further, salt is cheaper compared to chemicals you use in sanitizing your pool. However, salt chlorinators have cells that require occasional cleaning. You also have to replace the cells every 5 years.

Bromine

Bromine is an effective water sanitizer and is often used in spas. Water that is sanitized by this naturally occurring element doesnt need much testing. Compared to chlorine, bromine is a more convenient and more stable water sanitizer.

Bromine has a chemical property that is exactly the same as chlorine and is one of the most common alternatives in pool sanitation. While it sanitizes water quite well, it is not an ideal option since it is more expensive than chlorine.

Ozonation

You May Like: How To Get My Pool Clear

Pros And Cons Of Using A Mineral Sanitizer System

Pros:

• Eliminates both algae and bacteria.
• You can lower the chlorine use up to 50%.
• It helps keep the pH balanced.

Cons:

• Electric mineral ionizers usually have a higher upfront cost.
• Mineral pool systems cant neutralize organic substances, thus you have to add some chlorine and test the water on a weekly basis.
• Electric mineral ionizers can stain the surfaces of the pool when used improperly .

The 6 Best Pool Chlorine Alternatives

Pools attract all kinds of pathogens and while most of them are harmless to humans, some are potentially hazardous and can cause really serious health issues. Chlorine is a very popular and inexpensive chemical used all over the world to kill germs in pools. Its popularity is not surprising: it really does a great job.

While chlorine is a really effective chemical, using it to keep your pool clean comes at a price. In certain cases, it has a strong smell and can irritate your skin and eyes. It also requires that you regularly check and adjust your pools pH level, otherwise it becomes less effective.

If you want to keep your pool clean without chlorine, youre not alone. Theres an increasing demand for products that can serve as a reliable and safe alternative to chlorine.

In this article, Ill show you the pros and cons of the most popular chlorine-free and low chlorine pool systems to help you find the one that suits your needs best. You can choose from quite a few pool chlorine alternatives, so its advisable to learn about the possibilities before making a decision and investing in a new system.

Also Check: How To Keep Mosquitoes Away From Pool

Youre Allergic To Chlorine

False.You cant be allergic to chlorine. But you can be sensitive to it.

Chlorine sensitivity presents as a irritant dermatitis, which can be sort of like a chemical burn. And if you already have dermatitis, chlorine can aggravate it and worsen the symptoms.

If you suffer from asthma or another type of respiratory condition, chlorine may also irritate your lungs and exacerbate the condition.

While you may not actually be allergic to it, chlorine can still be a highly irritating chemical you need to avoid.

Why Is Chlorine In Short Supply

The price of chlorine has shot up since 2020 to about twice what it cost pre-pandemic. Chlorine in tablet form, especially, is hard to find and expensive. There are several reasons for this:

• Pandemic problems. Supply chain interruptions and staff shortages mean less product on the market. Stewart Vernon, COO and founder of Americas Swimming Pool Co., says these shortages dont just involve the chlorine itself. Not only is chlorine in short supply, he says, but also plastic buckets, lids and packaging products that we would typically fit chlorine tablets in.
• Increased demand. As COVID concerns curtailed vacations, more American homeowners put their money in their backyards. Swimming pool construction surged during the pandemic, with many contractors reporting order backlogs well into 2022. More pools mean more demand for chlorine.
• Chemical plant fire. Perhaps the biggest cause of the chlorine shortage is also the most surprising. In 2020, Hurricane Laura caused a huge fire at a major chemical plant in Louisiana, destroying much of the inventory and putting the production line out of commission. A new plant is expected to open sometime this year.

Recommended Reading: How To Fix Low Ph In Pool

Chlorine Alternative #: Ozone

Ozone-treated pools use plain water that continuously circulates through an ozone generator, making a safe, non-caustic environment thats still free of germs and gunk. Theres a larger initial investment because of the extra equipment, but experts say ozone pools are safer in many ways and cost less to maintain, according to Green Garage.

Ozone generators are installed outdoors and in the pools circulation system, per Poolonomics. They work by passing the water continuously through a produced supply of ozone gas, where ozone molecules bond with contaminants and strip them from the water.

Ozone wont damage your pool or alter its pH, but it only works for pools with PVC or stainless steel pipes, as ozone is corrosive to other metals. You may also opt to keep using a small amount of chlorine as a backup in the event of a power outage or other maintenance on the generator.

Pool Chlorine Alternatives To Consider

Chlorine is popular because it takes control of the three main jobs of keeping a swimming pool clean: Sanitizes , oxidizes , and prevents algae. Conversely, the chemical is known to cause a strong odor, red eyes, and allergic reactions to some bathers. However, there are some very interesting pool chlorine alternatives that are worth a shot.

You May Like: What Chemicals To Use When Opening An Above Ground Pool

Chlorine Alternatives To Sanitize Your Swimming Pool

To keep your swimming pool clean and safe, its important to sanitize the water on a regular basis. Thoroughly sanitizing the pool will protect your family, while also extending your swimming pools lifespan, giving you better comfort and value. Safeguard your investment and the health of your loved ones by learning how to sanitize and clean your pool correctly.

So what should you do, and where should you start? We have the answers to help you get going. This simple guide to pool sanitation will teach you which products you can use in place of, or in addition to, chlorine and finally, how some common sanitization systems compare to one another. Whether your pool is vinyl, fiberglass or concrete, these tips will help you keep it clean and safe for maximum enjoyment.