The chlorine in your pool will ensure that the pool is safe to swim in. But what happens if you do not want chlorination in the pool?
Are there other options to consider? What do they cost to operate?
Finding alternative to chlorine for pools will give you healthier swimming. Whether it’s saltwater or UV, ozone, as well as minerals, they provide distinct benefits. The choice you make is based on your requirements and budget and will pave the way for a cleaner and more secure swimming pool.
But how do you determine which pool chlorine alternative to choose? We’ll look at these options, including their monthly and installment cost, as well as the pros and cons.
Let’s dive in.
Alternative To Chlorine For Pools
1. Bromine
What it is
The most obvious alternative to Chlorine for swimming could be Bromine. Bromine is in the same category of chemicals like Chlorine. They kill in the same way, but it has its own form of chloramines known as bromamines.
Bromamines aren’t too bad. They do not have the same smell as chloramines, but they’re disinfectants in themselves. So even though we’d rather not use them, they do kill bacteria. Bromine has also proven to be resistant to high temperatures and pH.
How it works
Bromine is a great choice as a sanitizer. Many homeowners choose to use a mix of BCDMH tablets, which typically contain 66% bromine with 27% chlorine to take on the task.
Many people choose a two-step procedure of combining bromine salt from seawater and potassium peroxymonosulfate (aka oxygen shock) in the pool to provide the same sanitizing power.
Pros
- Perfect for indoor pools, spas, and hot tubs.
- Gentler on hair, skin, and the eyes.
- Resistance to UV radiation
- Bromamines don’t produce odor
- Bromine is not as likely to alter chemical composition.
Cons
- It’s expensive
- Bromine isn’t the same as chlorine in its efficacy.
Cost
It is more costly to run an area with bromine. It’s an estimated expense of $13 a week and $50 a month.
2. Ozonators
What it is
An ozonator machine is one that is connected to the plumbing line that filters water. It introduces the gas ozone into the water to cause a reaction in a way with the impure substances in the water.
An ozone generator is located in the circulation system of the pool that is designed and constructed to create blue-colored gasses known as ozone through the corona discharge or by ultraviolet light.
Pros
- Water sanitation with power
- Water is soft and supple
- Reducing the use of chemicals
- Stops calcium scaling from occurring on equipment and surfaces.
- A high initial investment
- Use in combination with an ointment sanitizer residual
Cons
- Expensive installation cost
- Ineffective cleaning of pools
Cost
Ozone generators are priced between $600 to $2500 for installation. It is estimated that the cost of labor per hour is typically less than $150, while the Venturi injector is about $100. Therefore, you should expect to spend around $1000 to install the unit.
3. Ionizers
What it is
Ionizers are devices that make use of a low-voltage DC current to release the two metallic elements into the water. The positive charge draws in bacteria and algae, as well as germs, as the newly formed larger compounds they produce are used in the filtering system. Overall Ionizers will be an effective alternative to chlorine for pools.
How it works
The ionizer generates silver and copper Ions in real time and can be used infinitum. The cartridges that are prefilled with the mineral system have to be changed every few months.
Similar to minerals, even low levels of chlorine are still required to be used in conjunction with an ionizer. Since it is only necessary to buy the ionizer one time, it is the cheapest option in the long term.
Pros
- Water is softer-feeling
- Reduced consumption of chlorine
- Reduces the wear and tear of equipment used in the pool
Cons
- Chlorine still required
- The monthly electricity bill could increase
- Might require a metal sequestrant to prevent metals from staining or oxidizing
Cost
Around 300 dollars for an Ionizer which can handle up to 40,000 gallons of water. The homeowners may have changed the elements in the ionizer as frequently as once during a swimming season begins, for an average price of $129.
4. PHMB
What it is
PHMB can be an ideal alternative to chlorine because its stability and durability are superior to widely used chlorine. Using PHMB can also give you the benefit of not needing to use chlorine to clean up. It causes irritation to the skin and eyes less than chlorine and isn’t as rough on vinyl liners or pool walls. It also does not harm pool flooring.
How it works
PHMB disinfects by penetrating the bacteria cell walls, which causes them to explode from inside. Then, it wraps the particles in an extremely thick gel that will sink to the base of the swimming pool from where the vacuum system draws it up.
Pros
- PHMB is gentler on the hair and skin of swimmers
- Vinyl pool liner is easy to install
- Doesn’t need as much care as other chemicals to stay in equilibrium
Cons
- This option is more costly than chlorine, and the maintenance cost is also higher.
Cost
It is among the most expensive chlorine pool alternatives, costing about $800 for a 10,000-gallon pool in the summer.
5. Salt Water
What it is
Swimming in saltwater has become very popular in recent times. In actual fact, more than 50% of in-ground pools make use of salt-generated chlorine. It’s efficient, reliable, and much less expensive than conventional chlorine. Since it’s natural, it’s gentler on your eyes, hair, and the skin.
Saltwater pools provide a simple interface control. With instant access to monitor and regulate the amount of chlorine in your pool, water flow, and the power level of your pool system, The simple interface will allow you to keep track of the chemical balance of your pool at any time.
How it works
Salt systems analyze the water in your pool and determine the ideal water balance that will maintain the proper balance of clean and balanced depths. Once you’ve established the sanitary requirements of your pool in relation to its volume, then you can put in your salt system so that it operates efficiently.
Pros
- Keep your water sparkling, clear, and sanitized.
- Water sanitation with power
- Soft-feeling water
- Don’t waste any more buckets of chlorine
- Initial investment high, but low maintenance costs
Cons
- Installation can be expensive
- The cost of electricity will go up
- Salt water could cause damage to landscaping and pool features.
Cost
You can anticipate spending around $600 for the installation of a salt system in small pools and around $1000 in larger pools.
6. Mineral Sanitizers
What it is
Another of the best alternatives to chlorine for pools is the mineral-sanitizer. A mineral sanitizer improves the pool’s cleanliness by injecting tiny quantities of copper as well as ionic Silver into the swimming pool’s waters, which greatly reduces the presence of algae and bacteria.
Mineral sanitizers can keep your pool spotless for up to 6 months before needing to be replaced. They are also extremely efficient when they are used alongside chlorine systems since they do not interfere with chlorine’s own.
How it works
Mineral systems provide a variety of minerals to pool water. These include sodium chloride (aka salt) as well as magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, and Borates. The minerals are kept in the cartridge before being released to the swimming pool.
Pros
- Very low maintenance
- Water that is soft and supple
- Reduces the use of chlorine up to 50%
- Eliminates bacteria and algae
Cons
- The replacement of mineral system cartridges is expensive
- Mineral systems will need to be paired with the use of a chemical for pools.
Cost
The cost of installment of minerals is divided across the price of the equipment and minerals required.
The mineral system is priced at less than $250 and has everything you require.
7. Non-Chlorine Shock
What it is
The non-chlorine treatment can be an excellent chlorine solution to oxidize organic pollutants, including body oils and sunscreen, sweat, and urine.
A non-chlorine shock is one of the best alternatives for swimming pools. It’s just not typically used to clean pools frequently. Non-chlorine shock is generally reserved for situations where the pool is undergoing a heavy number of bathers and a build-up of Chloramine.
Another option that doesn’t require chlorine is the chlorine-free shock. It’s a quick and inexpensive alternative. Chlorine-free shock is a great alternative to chlorine to treat water. It takes around 15 minutes for your pool to be safe for swimming, or you may add it into the pool’s water anytime.
How it works
Non-chlorine shock is based in the same way as some of these alternatives in that it functions as an oxidizer, allowing chlorine to concentrate on cleaning the water. It isn’t an all-purpose sanitation solution.
Pros
- Perfect for hot tubs as well as indoor pools.
- It is safe to swim for 15 minutes following application
- Requires the use of a residual cleanser
- Price higher than a shock to chlorine
- It is safe to use with bromine, chlorine, and mineral systems
Cons
- It’s not a device that can be used by itself. With the cost of running it is a major drawback.
- Not so effective as chlorine shock
Cost
Non-chlorine shocks typically cost from $15 to $50 based on the brand and the size. The non-chlorine shock of 6 pounds from Clorox is priced at around $50.
8. UV Systems
What it is
UV systems are an excellent alternative to chlorine for pools. They work by using ultraviolet radiation that kills pathogens and other kinds of bacteria while the water moves throughout the process.
While the need to use chlorine is significantly less, you’ll still have to make use of it to stop algae development. If you maintain your pool properly and conduct regular chemical tests, the UV system will help to keep your pool spotless.
How it works
UV converts oxygen into Ozone by splitting oxygen molecules into individual atoms. The atoms are split recombined with oxygen molecules to make ozone. It’s a process that takes place immediately and then injects the gas produced into the system’s drain line.
Pros
- UV systems can kill a range of microorganisms.
- Can dramatically decrease your use of chemicals required to maintain your pool’s cleanliness.
- UV systems eliminate microscopic organisms in the water flowing by the chamber
Cons
- They don’t stop algae from growing on floors or walls of the pool.
- UV systems can be costly to install, and UV bulbs have to be replaced on a regular basis.
Cost
If you have a pool at home, the costs of UV pool sanitizers can vary. They could cost as low as $350 or as much as $2,000. On average, you’ll pay about $500-$600 for a device that will perform the task well and last for a long time.
9. Biguanide
What it is
Biguanide is the only option that can provide you with a non chlorine-free pool.
Biguanide by itself is a sanitizer. With these systems for pool maintenance, you can get oxidizers (to eliminate organic matter) as well as algae control devices and clarifiers to ensure that your water is crystal and clear.
Many owners of pools who’ve made the switch declare that they’ll never go back to chlorine. However, the cost of the biguanide-based cleaning system might be a major drawback.
How it works
If you switch from ordinary sanitizers such as chlorine, you don’t need to empty your area in an effort to switch the Sanitizer. It will take one or two weeks for Biguanides effects to start to kick in once you’ve begun the process.
The first step is to take a first sample of your water and test it for any metals that could cause staining in this process. If you’re not certain what to look for, consult your local pool expert. For starters, you can introduce a reducing agent into the water to remove bromine or chlorine.
Continue to run the pool for 8-12 hours, then test the sanitizer levels and add additional neutralizer when required. Do not add the biguanide before the level gets to zero.
If you’re thinking of switching to the chemical biguanide in your spa, then the simplest method of procedure is to take the tub out of the drain, wash it, and begin with clean water.
Pros
- Eliminates chloramines and chlorine.
- Soft on hair, skin, and eyes
- It still works well in higher temperatures.
Cons
- More expensive than chlorine
- The effects of sanitizing may decrease with time.
10. Pool Hydrogen Peroxide
What it is
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective oxidizer that is 30% more potent than chlorine. This powerful oxidizer can be used in conjunction with UV light to clean the water in swimming pools.
If hydrogen peroxide in pools reacts with UV light or artificial light, it is broken into oxygen radicals. These reactive oxygen radicals can destroy pathogens, cleaning your swimming pool water.
Peroxide converts any contaminant into a solid particle, which your filtration system will capture.
A concentration of 35% hydrogen peroxide (HPO) is commonly utilized in swimming pools. However, certain pool managers prefer to use a 50% concentration.
How it works
Hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet light create reactive oxygen radicals that can also be oxidized and disinfected. They are powerful oxidizers and have the ability to kill pathogens. Ultraviolet disinfection alone kills more than 99.5% of pathogens that enter the chamber.
Pros
- Natural
- Fast-reacting
- Effective and tested
- Oxidizes better than chlorine.
- Provides a safe, clean environment
- Ideal for swimmers who are sensitive to common pool chemicals
Cons
- It isn’t as effective at disinfecting as chlorine.
- This product is not suitable on its own. requires to be paired with UV disinfection
- A substantial quantity of material needs to be added
- Inhaling hydrogen peroxide that is not dilute could cause health problems
Cost
Hydrogen Peroxide could cost anywhere from $10 to 14 dollars for a gallon of 77% peroxide solution.
Why Seek Alternatives to Chlorine?
You might be thinking, “Why should I look for alternatives to chlorine?” At the final point, chlorine for swimming pools has been the most used cleaner for pools for a long time.
But as you delve deeper into the realm of maintaining your swimming pool, you discover that there are numerous arguments to think about alternatives to chlorine.
Health Risks of Chlorine
First, let’s discuss your health. The chemical chlorine is efficient in killing algae and bacteria; however, it isn’t always good for your body. You may experience dry, itchy eyes and dry skin that may occur following an extended swim in a chlorinated swimming pool. These aren’t simply minor issues.
Chlorine exposure over an extended period of time may result in more severe health problems like asthma and respiratory problems.
Environmental Impact of Chlorine
Then, think about the environment. Chlorine won’t disappear when the pool has been cleaned. It is able to release gas into the air, contributing to the pollution of the air. If you flush from your swimming pool, chlorine-infused water may harm plants as well as wildlife.
The bottom line is that while chlorination keeps your swimming pool in good condition, it’s not doing any favors to Mother Nature.
Common Complaints About Chlorine
Let’s take a look at the most frequent complaints from homeowners of pools about chlorine. For example, it can be quite unpleasant. This strong chemical odor is a clear indication of the presence of chlorinated water. There’s also the ongoing balance.
Making sure your pool’s chlorine levels are in control. Otherwise you’re at risk of algae and bacterial growth. If you’re too much, you’ll be returning to the health risks previously mentioned.
You’re conscious of the possible negative effects of chlorine. But don’t be concerned; this isn’t the finalization of your vision of an ideal swimming pool. Actually, it’s only the beginning.
When you look into ways to cleanse your swimming pool without chlorine, you’ll find a variety of efficient, eco-friendly options that can make your pool a cleaner and more enjoyable swimming spot.
Can a Chlorine Pool make you sick?
Yes, a chlorine pool can make you sick. Waterborne illnesses that are common in recreational pools can be very serious.
Chlorine might not be able to eradicate all of these bacteria, and should children consume pool water, they may get sick. In addition, exposure to the gas is linked to respiratory issues and an increased likelihood of cancer.
Alongside these dangers, Chlorinated pools can also cause irritation to the eyes and dry skin because of their high levels of alkalinity.
Is a Chlorine Pool Safe for Your Baby?
Yes, a chlorine pool is safe for your baby. But this does not mean that all pools are safe. You must ensure that your child is at the right age before being allowed to swim in the pool.
Also, you must consider a few things like how crowded the pool is as well as how warm the water is and if the pool is in an indoor setting or outside. The chlorine-free water is not a danger for the little one who swims in it.
The time spent in the pool can be enjoyable as long as the pool is well-balanced. Take an icy shower after you leave to prevent any dry skin. Your child will be thrilled to come back to the pool to splash and enjoy it!
Take note of the chemical content and risk present in the majority of swimming pools, indicating that your child should be at least 6 months old before swimming.
Which Chlorine Alternative Is Right For You?
With a variety of options for a chlorine-free pool, the selection can be a bit confusing.
Each situation is unique, so you’ll need to take your time weighing the advantages and disadvantages of every chlorine alternative.
Salt system pools are well-known and are the most popular “non-chlorine” option, but their cost of installation and the potential for damage to equipment in the pool could make you reconsider your choice.
Mineral or ionator options are more of what people seek when they think of alternatives to chlorine. The silky smooth feel it provides is a major advantage, considering that people don’t want to walk out of a pool feeling as if they’ve been bathed in harmful chemicals.
In the meantime, you can’t choose between the two chlorine-free alternatives: bromine as well as biguanide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are chlorine alternatives as effective as chlorine?
Yes, alternative chlorine sources like saltwater ultraviolet, ozone, and mineral systems are equally effective in sanitizing your pool.
Each alternative has its own method of eliminating bacteria and microorganisms, and certain systems might be more effective against certain kinds of contaminants than others.
Can I switch from a chlorine system to a chlorine alternative?
Absolutely! You can switch from a chlorine system to a chlorine alternative. Making the switch to a chlorine replacement could be an excellent option when you’re exhausted from having to deal with the scent, skin irritation, and other disadvantages of chlorine.
The process involves the initial set-up and possibly installation of equipment, but a lot of pool owners feel the benefits are worth the effort.
Do chlorine alternatives require more maintenance than chlorine?
Not necessarily. While certain systems, such as the ozone system, will require regular maintenance, other systems, such as saltwater and UV systems, may actually make it easier to manage the daily maintenance of your pool.
Are chlorine alternatives more expensive than chlorine?
Yes, chlorine alternatives are more expensive than chlorine. The initial costs for setting up an alternative chlorine system could be more costly than a traditional one. But the costs over time could be less, particularly for systems that use less costly consumables.
Be aware that the ideal solution for you will be based on your particular needs, budget, as well as preferences. When you look into these options for chlorine, you’re moving toward a healthier, more enjoyable, and relaxing swimming experience.
Summary
I hope that this article gave some insight into the alternative to chlorine for pools. Alternatives to Chlorine are more expensive and require more upkeep but we believe it’s worth it to improve your water quality.
When you weigh the advantages and cons of each option, you’ll figure out the one that is most suitable for your particular situation. Whatever option you pick, the main thing to keep in mind is that if it is effective to keep your pool clean and the water clean, then it’s worth it!
