Last year’s chlorine shortage had forced many homeowners to rethink their pool sanitation strategies. Chlorine suppliers had difficulty getting more, and even pool companies found the low supply difficult. At the same time, the costs were rising, and a lot of the existing chlorine supply was being routed to water treatment plants for safe drinking water.
The situation brought up alternatives to using these chemicals for pool sanitation. Poolsmith Technologies has also felt the brunt of the shortage considered some alternative options. This is done to benefit our existing and potential clients who are looking at non-chlorine-focused sanitation or more organic solutions.
Options with Less or No Chlorine
Temperature reduction
One solution to keep germs from breeding in your pool is to lower the pool’s temperature. When the water is colder for a few degrees than average for your environment, microorganisms and algal growth can slow down. While pool chemicals are still necessary, you need less chlorine to keep the pool clean.
Remember that the water temperature needs to adjust to the weather outside. If you live in a typically very hot area, a pool chiller can lower the temperature. If your pool has a heater installed, lower the thermostat slightly.
Bromine
Pool supply experts may recommend bromine as an alternative to lessen the amount of chlorine used in a pool. While it has very similar properties to chlorine, it’s less harmful, mainly because it can be used as a substitute by people with chlorine allergies. It may, however, be more expensive than chlorine.
Like other pool chemicals, bromine requires careful measurement and handling for it to work correctly in your pool. Homeowners might use BCDMH tablets, mostly comprised of bromine and has a much lower percentage of chlorine. But pool care specialists can professionally apply bromine if you’re unsure how to do so.
Saltwater
Saltwater pools have once been a specialty offered in resorts or spas, but now they’ve become so popular that over 1.8 million saltwater pools, private and commercial, are found nationwide. Saltwater pools aren’t filled with seawater—a saltwater pool has only 12% of the salt levels in the ocean.
A salt-chlorine generator is attached to the pool, and it converts the salt into chlorine through electrolysis. So your pool remains chlorinated, but not to the same potent degree as using actual chlorine, and with far less harmful effects. You won’t need as many pool chemicals, and you reduce the risk of exposure to chlorine and chloramine.
Mineral system
This system halves the chlorine requirement to clean a pool. A mineral system uses a mineral purifier cartridge containing sodium chloride (salt), borates, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, and silver and copper ions.
The blend of mineral composition in the pool water keeps the water clean, while the silver and copper ions disinfect the water. However, this type of system can’t remove organic matter. This is why half the chlorine is still necessary.
Consult with Pool Specialists for Your Options
There are even more alternatives to chlorine out in the market, so consult with pool specialists to find the type that suits your pool and your needs. They’ll be able to look into the environment and climate around your pool, perform pH tests, and determine which chlorine-alternative will be effective in keeping your pool safe.
Poolsmith Technologies takes pride in using organic solutions in keeping pools’ pH balance and cleanliness without excessive chemical use. Our specialists have years of experience servicing and maintaining pools throughout Arizona. Contact us today for a consultation or learn more about our organic solutions.
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