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What Can I Use Instead Of Chlorine In My Pool

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Summary: Pool Chlorine Alternatives In A Nutshell

What Can I Use Instead Of Chlorine Sanitizer In My Swimming Pool?

As you can see, there are many pool chlorine alternatives you can choose from if you want to invest in a new pool system. Its important to always keep in mind your own priorities and the individual characteristics of your pool. Do you need a completely chlorine free pool or just want to reduce the amount of chlorine? Is easy maintenance crucial? Do you want to use the least amount of chemicals possible? Do you have an indoor or an outdoor pool? Whats your budget? There are many questions you should answer before you choose the solution thats the most suitable for you.

In the last few years, mineral pool systems are getting more and more popular and if you dont need a completely chlorine free pool , they can be a great solution to keep your pool clean.

On the other hand, if your goal is a non-chlorine pool, you should consider PHMB, ozone purification or bromine to substitute chlorine. Anyway, every pool is different, so when in doubt, dont hesitate to ask for professional help.

As a side note, if you live in a climate where alligators are a real concern and want to know how you can keep them out of your pool , dont miss our comprehensive article.

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Chlorine Is Harsh On Your Skin And Hair

True. Even at the appropriate level in pool water, chlorine can dry your skin and make your hair brittle. And if theres copper in the water, chlorine can oxidize it, which is why blond hair turns green in the pool.

Chlorine can also bleach your swimwear, and weaken the fibers. This is why you must shower and thoroughly rinse your swimwear after swimming.

How To Get A Chlorine Free Pool

Is there even such a thing as a chlorine free pool?! How can that be?! Doesnt that mean youre swimming in dirty, swampy water? Not at all. Chlorine may be the most widely used sanitizer, but it isnt the end all, be all of pool water sanitization.

Whether youre new to pool ownership or you just havent explored any other options, knowing about pool chlorine alternatives can allow you to make better decisions about the chemicals you use in your pool.

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Pool Chlorine Vs Shock: Whats The Difference

  • |December 5, 2020

Learning about all the disinfecting chemicals that go into pool water, and the balancing of them, can be confusing.

When it comes time to understand the difference between pool chlorine vs shock, they might seem like the same thing.

But are they?

Yes, and no. We lay it all out for you in this article.

What Is Pool Chlorine?

Pool chlorine is a sanitizer and oxidizer that keeps your pool water free from germs, bacteria, viruses, and organic pollutants.

Breaking it down, chlorine releases two chemicals into the water: hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion . They attack the enzymes and structures inside the cells of pollutants, destroying them.

The result is water thats clean and safe to swim in.

When talking about chlorine and how it relates to swimming pools, theres three terms that are used to describe the different states.

Free available chlorine , often shortened to free chlorine or available chlorine. Its what most people think of when chlorine is mentioned, because its chlorine in its purest state unused and ready to sanitize your pool water.

Combined chlorine , often referred to as chloramine, is chlorine that has been used up in your pool after attacking pollutants, making it ineffective at keeping your pool water sanitized.

Are There Different Types of Chlorine?

Chlorine comes in 2 categories: unstabilized and stabilized.

Unstabilized chlorine comes in 3 types: sodium hypochlorite , lithium hypochlorite, and calcium hypochlorite.

How Do You Increase Free Chlorine In A Pool

Should I Use Salt Water Instead Of Chlorine For My ...

One way to increase chlorine levels is to use chemicals to release the chlorine from these compounds and convert it back into FAC. Another option is to simply add more chlorine in one of the five ways you sell in stores. Credit: Gregory Butler. Chlorine breaks down in the sun, so it’s best to add it at night.

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Why Use Saline Electrolysis In Your Swimming Pool

Appearances can be deceptive. Water that looks immaculately pure and clear is not necessarily one hundred percent clean. It could still contain bacteria. You will need to disinfect the water to stymie algae and bacteria and filter the swimming pool water. Swimming pool salt sees you preserve the quality of the water in two ways:

Alternatives To Chlorine For Swimming Pools

Chlorine tends to be a go-to sanitation chemical for many pool-owners. Not only does it kill germs and bacteria, but it also oxidizes pool watereliminating organic debris like body oil, perspiration, and hair. By deterring algae, a chlorine system can assure your pools water, floor, walls, and tile are clean around the year.

Still, some homeowners opt for alternatives to chlorine. Chlorine has a rather strong odor, and it can aggravate the eyes and skin due to allergic reactions. Fortunately, several alternatives to chlorine exist. While some alternatives technically still utilize chlorine, albeit naturally creating it, others sidestep the issues caused by chlorine altogether.

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How To Lower Combined Chlorine

  • Wait for the chlorine level to drop on its own if you are not in a hurry. The chlorine content naturally decreases over time.
  • Replace some of the spa water to dilute the chlorine for faster dissolution.
  • Use a chlorine neutralizer to reduce chlorine levels without changing the water.
  • Check the water again before using the spa.

Can You Use Bleach Instead Of Chlorine

What If I Can’t Find Chlorine Tabs for My Pool?

Short answer: yes.

Longer answer: it depends on the formulation.

The label on every bleach bottle should tell you the ratio of sodium hypochlorite in the bottle to everything else. A higher percentage is generally better, as youll need to use less bleach to treat your pool.

Youll also want a formulation with no fragrances or other chemicals. You shouldnt be dyeing your pool water or making it smell like a summer breeze.

Many online retailers include label information for chemical products like bleach, so you can check both the chlorine concentration and for the presence of any other chemicals and/or additives before buying.

If you want to keep extra bleach around for future treatments, make sure you store it in a cool, dry place indoors. Dont leave your bleach jugs outside!

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Can You Use Clorox Bleach In Your Pool

Cloroxusetheyour pooldoes ayour pool

Thereâs a protocol when using Clorox®Regular Bleach2 for swimming pool disinfection. bleach per 10,000 gallons of water, in addition to regular chlorination, algae growth can be prevented. However, it depends on several factors including how much the pool is used, sun exposure, and water quality.

Similarly, how long after putting bleach in Pool Can you swim? It is recommended to wait at least 20 minutes to an hour after adding water balancing chemicals. You should wait 2-4 hours to swim from the moment you use calcium chloride in your pool. It is safe to swim once your chlorine levels are around 5 ppm or after 24 hours.

Also, how much bleach do I put in my pool?

If you need to calculate how much bleach or Clorox you need to shock your pool, you will have to use 1/2 gallon of bleach per 10,000 gallons of water to raise the chlorine levels by 5 ppm.

Is there bleach in pool water?

Typically liquid chlorine is 10-12% Sodium Hypochlorite where bleach is about 5-6% Sodium Hypochlorite. Adding Sodium Hypochlorite to the pool water makes HOCI which is the disease and organism destroying element in chlorine. So in fact bleach is the same as liquid chlorine only weaker.

Using Chlorine To Disinfect Your Swimming Pool

Let us start with what is typically used by pool owners chlorine.

This is considered to be the most effective and inexpensive way to sanitize the water in your pool. It will protect you from any contaminants that ended up in your swimming pool. This chemical is mixed into the water and since it is a reactive element, it will neutralize any harmful organisms that might breed in it. To be specific, the chlorine will bind with the elements in the pool to eliminate its harmfulness. As long as you have enough level of chlorine in your swimming pool, it will continue to disinfect the water effectively. This is why you need to make sure you test the water regularly to ensure that you have enough chlorine in it.

While this is quite effective and also the cheapest way to keep your swimming pool sanitized, it does have some drawbacks. The most prominent is how human skin reacts to it. This chemical can be very harsh on the skin, hair, and eyes. This is why some people end up with red and irritated eyes after swimming for some time in chlorine-infused water. It is also why you need to shower and clean yourself thoroughly to remove all traces of chlorine.

Not only that, but chlorine also has to be constantly added. Since this chemical is harsh to your skin, you should also consider proper storage. You do not want this to be left lying around where moisture can compromise its effectiveness.

Also Check: Chlorine Tablets For Pool Costco

Chlorine Vs Bleach For Pools: Whats The Difference

  • |May 19, 2020

Maintaining a clean, clear, and sparkling pool all summer long is every pool owners dream. However, it can sometimes seem like an unwinnable battle between the elements and the sanitizer in your pool.

The two most commons cleansers of choice are bleach and chlorine to keep your pool free of bacteria and other organic invaders. But which is the best option? Before you add another chemical into your pool water, lets take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Ready to dive in?

How Do I Make My Pool Salt Water

Can I Use Bleach Instead of Chlorine to Clean My Swimming ...

Heres how it works: You add pool-grade salt to your pool and wait until it dissolves. Power is applied to the chlorine generator to convert the dissolved salt into chlorine. Fresh, pure chlorine treated water is returned to the pool for complete sanitization and swimming comfort. Its as simple as that!

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Is Chlorine Bad For Swimming Pools

Chlorine can be used to disinfect the pool and maintain sufficient bathing water. However, if the chlorine level gets too high, swimming in the pool can be dangerous. High chlorine levels can even damage your pool equipment. From time to time, you may need to reduce the amount of chlorine in your pool water.

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.

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Which To Choose: Bromine Vs Chlorine

Ultimately, both chemicals are very effective sanitizers for pools and spas. Whether you choose bromine instead of chlorine or the other way around, it all comes down to each unique situation and personal preferences.

Whether you decide to use chlorine or bromine, do NOT do any of the following:

  • Mix the chemicals in water this can cause a dangerous reaction. If switching from one to the other, youll need to do a full drain, clean and line flush
  • Mix compounds together in dry state, which can also cause a reaction
  • Store them next to each other, as fumes can become combustible
  • Use the same feeder for both compounds, even if cleaned thoroughly

Using Liquid Chlorine Vs Tablets In Swimming Pool

Can I Use Household Bleach Instead of Pool Chlorinating Liquid?

Keepingyour swimming pool clean is no laughing matter. A pool suffering from neglectcan easily harbor organisms that can make swimming an unpleasant â not tomention unhealthy â affair. Algae can bloom in stagnant pool water whileconstant use can attract a variety of harmful microorganisms and viruses thatyou donât want to be anywhere near your skin. It is thus imperative that youregularly sanitize your pool, and the good news is that this task is not whatyou would figuratively call rocket science. Often, this simply involvesdissolving tablets in your pipes or using liquid chlorine. In pool maintenance,these two options are the go-to solutions for sanitizations which begs thequestion: is liquid chlorine better than chlorine tablets, or is it the otherway around?

How DoesLiquid Chlorine and Chlorine Tablets Differ?

Firstoff, though, let us tackle the differences between liquid chlorine and swimmingpool chlorine tablets. Unsurprisingly, the differences go beyond the state ofmatter that these chemicals are in. Each has its own unique chemicalcomposition, methods of application, advantages, disadvantages, and so on andso forth.

LiquidChlorine

Using an Automatic Liquid Chlorine Feeder by HASA can remedy this problem. It will supply a steady flow of liquidchlorine to your pool water.

PoolChlorine Tablets

So Whichof the Two is the Better Pool Sanitizer?

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Why Have A Chlorine Free Pool

Wanting to reduce your exposure to chlorine is a smart idea, and many advancements in swimming pool water sanitization have helped pool owners do just that.

But theres a reason why chlorine has been the pool sanitizer of choice since forever.

Its highly effective, safe, budget-friendly, and the best all-round sanitizer due to its ability to totally eliminate dangerous microorganisms and organic debris floating around in your pools water.

But some people report allergic reactions to chlorine after a swim namely itchy skin, burning eyes, and brittle hair.

These instances are most likely a result of too little chlorine in the water. This results when chlorine gets used up by contaminants, and also because the suns UV rays gobble up chlorine over time.

When the pool doesnt have enough chlorine in it, chloramines start to build up. Chloramines are a gaseous irritant which causes that infamous chlorine pool smell, red eyes, itchy skin, and respiratory issues.

If you want to switch over to chlorine free, theres 2 choices you have to keep your pool clean:

1. Swap out chlorine for another all-round sanitizer

2. Pair a different sanitizing system with low levels of chlorine taking a backup/residual cleaning role

How To Shock A Pool With Liquid Chlorine

Shocking your pool with Chlorine is surprisingly easy if you know a few facts. However, before you go with the procedure, you need to do some preparations.

Here Ill mention these requirements in detail. Just have a check on the preparation list first.

Preparations before pool shock treatment:

  • Firstly, you must know the exact amount of water in your pool. According to the water measurement, you have to pour the Chlorine. Pouring an excessive amount of Chlorine will affect your pool water. An approximate measurement of water can help you with the further shocking steps.
  • Next, you must check the pool chlorine level. Experts suggest checking the chlorine level every 3 / 4 days. This will lead you to decide how much Chlorine you need to pour.
  • The next important thing is maintaining water PH balance. Before you go for the shocks, do a test of the water current PH balance.

Here you can use a professional PH checker kit/ mobile app. The mobile app named pool calculator is available both for android and iOS. So, install the application on your phone and give a check with that.

Your pool water should be somewhere between 7.2 and 7.8. Anything excess than this can affect your pool.

These are the basic pool preparations before you move with the shock procedure. People mostly like liquid Chlorine as these are affordable and easy to use.

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Biguanide Pool Treatment : A Safe Pool Chlorine Alternative

If you want to make your pool completely chlorine free, you should definitely have a closer look at PHMB . Its an effective disinfectant and the only EPA-registered non-halogen sanitizer for pools. It does require no chlorine at all to work. Baquacil was the first trade name under PHMB was sold, however, after the patent expired newer products appeared on the market .

Biguanides are easy to use and safe alternatives to chlorine. They dont cause skin or eye irritation and do not damage pool equipment. Theyre stable molecules and arent affected by sunlight and changes in temperature or pH levels.

One of the biggest disadvantages of PHMB is that its not an oxidizer, that is to say, it cant break down contaminants , thus you have to add hydrogen peroxide to the water to do the job. Its recommended that you use algaecide as well to keep the water clear. Eventually, you also have to shock your pool with hydrogen peroxide.

Another disadvantage of biguanides is the maintenance cost: theyre more expensive than chlorine and you also have to buy additional chemicals to ensure a safe environment for pool users.

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