Getting a chlorine-free swimming pool can certainly help to fulfill your eco-friendly lifestyle. Though chlorine is the popular chemical to sanitize swimming pools, yet it has some problematic conditions.
A swimming pool does not require much chlorine, and most pool owners will not like the idea of adding chlorine to their pool.
There is a long debate about the usage of chlorine. This article discusses some negative effects of the chemical chlorine and how to get a chlorine-free pool.
What is the necessity of a chlorine-free pool?
In the given points, we have discussed why you should have a chlorine-free pool.
Eco friendly
Removing any toxic chemical from daily usage makes Mother Nature happier. In a world full of industrialization, some people still like to live in an eco-friendly approach. Using less or no chlorine in the swimming pool certainly helps in making it more eco-friendly.
Allergic to Chlorine
Chloramines cause an allergic reaction to some people. Some dislike the smell, some feel problems in the eyes, and some face skin irritation.
Vulnerable to Sunlight
Chlorine is vulnerable to ultraviolet light. It decomposes the chlorine, and for that, sometimes chlorine is less able to sanitize the water. To prevent the problem, you can set up a cyanuric acid-based stabilizer. But when you apply two kinds of chemicals, it will increase your pool maintenance expenses. Eliminating chlorine from your swimming pool can save your cost.
Low in cost
Using less or no chemicals can save the pool chemical bill. Besides, it will also cut down the maintenance cost.
How do I make my pool chlorine free?
Transforming the entire pool chlorine-free isn’t an overnight process. It will take time and effort to eliminate all the chlorine from your pool. You may check out various options, here we have shortlisted the top five procedures, and the following are those.
Using UV water treatment systems
In UV water treatment, you need to use a steel cylinder that contains a UV lamp. It will pass the pumped water of the pool. In this process, you can reduce the chlorine level by almost 2/3 down to 0.5ppm because it does not contain microorganisms. It is also at the same level as your drinking water. The UV radiation is sufficient to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold fungus by damaging their DNA. And if you desire a swimming pool without chlorine, you can create it with a combination of UV treatment and hydrogen peroxide. For a chlorine-free swimming pool, you need about 30-40ppm of hydrogen peroxide. So, you can use UV technology in a swimming pool. It is safe, and it will cut down the heating cost also.
Eco-friendly mineral sanitizer
If you want to use a natural alternative to pool chlorine, then a pool mineral system is an option to consider. The mineral sanitizer will kill bacteria and other germs by dropping silver and copper ions. It is an eco-friendly process as these metals are naturally present in the environment. But it cannot sanitize your entire pool alone. To get the oxidation benefits, you have to arrange the system with chlorine.
Chlorine-Free Shock and Algaecide
For sanitization, you can use a chlorine-free shock from the very beginning. As prevention is better than cure, it is better to clean water before algae attacks. For maintenance, use a good algaecide. Follow the instruction of non-chlorine shock products.
Sanitizing the pool with Bromine
You can use Bromine instead of chlorine to sanitize your pool. Bromine removes contaminants by ionizing them or forcing them apart at the molecular level. Though it will work slower than chlorine, bromines also produce bromamines. Bromamines are less toxic chemicals than chlorine.
PHMB
A polyhexamethylene biguanide or PHMB can replace chlorine, but it doesn’t oxidize the way chlorine does. If you want to use PHMB, you have to use a separate oxidizer. Only PHMB does not kill bacteria, algae, and other contaminants.
Opening a new swimming pool without chlorine
If you are going to start a new swimming pool, it will be easier for you to create a new pool without chlorine. First, you have to install a solid safety cover (without drain panels). It will keep the water fresh. Then, you have to set an oversized D.E. filter or Cartridge filter with Micro ban cartridges. Then, for circulating water get a variable speed pool pump. Do not forget to shock the pool weekly with a non-chlorine shock. Maintaining your pool with a precise water balance is essential as you have not added chlorine. Use Enzymes, Clarifiers, Algaecides if needed.
Disadvantages of having a Chlorine Free Pool
Chlorine is the most powerful and studied sanitizer for swimming pools. If you use another sanitizer like hydrogen peroxide, you will need a relatively higher dosage of 30-40 ppm hydrogen peroxide than chlorine. But it has only 30% of the disinfecting power of chlorine. Again, if you use ultraviolet disinfection, then one drop of chlorine in every 26 gallons of water is needed. So, ultimately avoiding chlorine full seems hard at times.
Whatever way you choose to treat your swimming pool, always read the label, and follow the instructions. Keep your non-chlorine pool clean and maintain it regularly to avoid debris. And, this article is a definitive guide to get a chlorine free pool. However, you may do your research too and make your approach.