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Guide to Using Fewer Pool Chemicals

pool chemicals

Many people are becoming more cautious when it comes to using pool chemicals, whether that’s because chlorine gives them rashes or makes their eyes feel itchy. Luckily, there are ways in which you can reduce the amount of chemicals you use in your pool. 

Why do we need to use chemicals in pool water?

There are many different types of pool chemicals that are used to balance your pool, but the one that always comes to mind is chlorine. Chlorine is great for killing germs that cause viruses like diarrhea as well as harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E.coli. These are germs and bacteria that cannot be removed by simply vacuuming and cleaning your pool on a regular basis. In order to get rid of them, sanitizers like chlorine have to be used. Chlorine therefore ensures that your pool remains safe to swim in. It also ensures sure that your water doesn’t turn green and murky — and full of algae. 

However, many people are wary of chlorine because they’re either sensitive to the smell, don’t want their swimsuits to fade in colour, or they’ve noticed skin and eye irritation after swimming in chlorinated water. Another general worry is whether or not the pool owner is storing and handling their chlorine properly. Luckily, there are ways in which you can reduce the amount of chlorine you use while still keeping your pool water clean and safe.

Ozonator system

Ozonator systems for pools are quickly gaining traction in both the United States and Canada. When thinking of “ozone”, the first thing that likely comes to mind is the ozone in our atmosphere. But what exactly is an ozonator system and how does it work for your pool?

Just as you thought, ozone is a gas. An ozonator system for pools — an ozone generator— will produce ozone gas through a high-voltage ionization process. But how does this help keep your pool clean? Ozone helps keep your pool clean because, like chlorine, it’s a strong oxidizer that helps to eliminate grease and pathogens in your pool. Keep in mind that ozonator systems do not completely eliminate the need for pool chemicals, but does greatly reduce it. Ozone gas enhances the effectiveness of your sanitizers, so that you won’t have to use as many. You’ll therefore find yourself not using as many of your pool chemicals, not having to balance your pool’s pH as often, and shocking your pool a lot less. 

Bromine

Bromine works in a similar fashion to chlorine. Both eliminate bacteria and germs, allowing you to swim in clean waters. However, those that have chlorine sensitivities will find that bromine works much better for them as it’s not as harsh on the skin, eyes, and clothes. So what are their key differences?

While chlorine gets rid of contaminants very quickly, bromine is a little slower to work — but it works for a longer period of time. When chlorine is added to a swimming pool, it eliminates contaminants through oxidization. After it’s done eliminating those contaminants, it leaves behind chloramines. This is the stuff that causes all of those “negative side-effects” people say they feel after using chlorine. Bromine, on the other hand, works through ionization and stays in the water, keeping it sanitized for a longer period of time. It also has a lower pH than chlorine, so you’ll find yourself not having to balance your water chemistry as often. Bromine also works very well in higher temperatures, making it ideal for hot-tubs. It is, however, very likely to degrade faster than chlorine if subjected to a high level of ultraviolet rays. 

Saltwater pool system

Saltwater pool systems are perhaps the most popular choice in this list. That’s because they allow you to swim in softer waters, leaving your skin feeling less dry than with chlorinated pools. There’s also no harsh chlorine smell, it’s gentler on the body and clothing, and they generally cost less to maintain. 

Although saltwater does reduce the amount of chlorine used in one’s pool, it’s important to keep in mind that it doesn’t eliminate it entirely. In fact, the wonderful thing about saltwater pools is that they use salt in order to generate chlorine. So there will still be a small amount of chlorine in your pool, but not to the extent that you’ll feel it or smell it. Because it uses salt to generate chlorine, you’ll no longer have the need to store chlorine at home. 

Whether you’d like to use less pool chemicals due to sensitivities or due to the current chlorine shortage, contact a pool professional to help you. Your pool professional will give you the perfect solution to your personal situation. They can also provide you with a weekly pool maintenance service, or train you so that you become an expert yourself. The one thing your pool expert strives for is to ensure that you are comfortable and happy, so that you can enjoy your pool all summer long.

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