What Can Be Used Instead of Chlorine in Pools?
Chlorine has been used as an antimicrobial agent for well over a century. It’s highly effective and relatively cheap. However, some homeowners might not be thrilled about using this chemical in their pool, even with its benefits.
Chlorine can irritate the skin and eyes, and some people can have a more severe reaction than others. Maintaining the correct chlorine concentration in the pool can be an arduous task and time-consuming as well.
Here are some of the best chlorine replacements for pools.
Bromine
Bromine is a chemical that’s similar to chlorine in efficacy and sanitation power. It’s relatively uncommon compared to chlorine but can offer the same results when used correctly. Hot tubs use bromine since it tolerates heat much better. Additionally, bromine reacts with organic compounds to create bromamines, which keep most of their sanitizing effects, unlike chloramines which have to be removed.
However, one significant downside to using bromine is its high reactivity to UV rays and sunlight. While chlorine uses cyanuric acid to balance the pool and prevent early decay, there’s no such alternative for bromine sanitizers. Additionally, bromine is often more expensive to obtain.
Salt systems
While saltwater pools have become more common for modern pools, they don’t completely alleviate chlorine use. Unlike regular pools, salt pools use electrolysis to make chlorine from the salt in the water. However, saltwater pools have much lower chlorine levels, and their saltiness is more akin to tears than seawater.
Salt system pools can be more expensive to install but are generally cheaper to maintain. They require electricity to operate the salt generator, increasing electricity usage and limiting their use for pools disconnected from the power grid. Saltwater may also harm nearby plants, interfering with landscaping efforts.
Ozone
Ozone is a poisonous gas that works much better to sanitize water than chlorine. An ozone generator injects the gas into the water in the filtration system before it is redistributed back into the pool.
While ozone will work wonders to clean the pool, it still requires a long-term sanitizer in the pool, so it’s not a complete solution. Additionally, ozone generators can be costly and challenging to install in existing pools.
Biguanide
Polyhexamethylene biguanide, also known as PHMB, is a sanitizing liquid that behaves similarly to bromine and doesn’t require an additional sanitizer to clean the pool year-round. It’s gentler on skin and eyes than chlorine, and the installation process makes it relatively easy to keep the chemical levels in check.
One of the significant downsides to using biguanide is the steep price tag for a complete installation and maintenance. If the biguanide levels are not maintained, it will lose some of its sanitizing power and cause cloudy pool water.
Ionization
Copper ionizers are one of the most effective chlorine replacements. They use copper ions to sanitize the water directly. The machine doesn’t require additional cartridges and can be a cost-effective solution to reduce chlorine use.
Ionization doesn’t wholly eliminate pool contaminants, and some amount of chlorine will still be needed. As such, it’s not an entirely chlorine-free alternative.
Natural pools
While somewhat unorthodox, it’s entirely possible to construct a pool that uses various plants and filters to clean the pool naturally. Some aquatic plants are natural sanitizers to an extent, keeping the water free from contaminants.
Natural pools often feel dirtier and can be more unpleasant to swim in to those who prefer a cleaner environment. They require a wholly different maintenance suite than chlorinated pools and need constant water circulation to maintain the ecosystem.
If your pool needs a new sanitation system or merely a regular cleaning to ensure it’s working correctly, contact your local pool service company for advice.
Flawless Image Pool Service is a veteran-owned and operated residential pool maintenance team for Hillsborough County. Our Certified Pool Operators provide top-notch pool maintenance, 20 years of experience and reliable service. Call 813-536-3941 today!