Sanitation Systems That Don’t Require Chlorine

Many pool owners choose chlorine to sanitize their pool to keep contaminants from spreading in the water and to keep the water clean and clear. But is chlorine really the best option? If too much of this chemical is used, it can cause skin and eye irritation in swimmers. Use too little, though, and it won’t treat the water properly. Luckily, there are several options available to pool owners who want a different pool water treatment system. Because not all systems have the same features, it’s important to read up on the maintenance, water quality, cost and health benefits of each.

Are you looking for a pool sanitation system that does not require chlorine? The following information from a professional pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA can help you choose between popular chlorine alternatives.

Salt water systems

Salt is the most popular alternative to using straight chlorine for your pool’s sanitation. This type of system was introduced in the 1980s and gradually gained popularity in the pool industry before pool owners discovered that salt made the water feel soft. A great thing about saltwater swimming pools is that they actually use salt to generate chlorine in such a way that the solution does not irritate swimmers’ eyes, dry out skin or give off an unpleasant odor.

When compared to chlorine systems, salt systems require less maintenance and have less harmful effects. But keep in mind that, although it’s a more powerful sanitation system, it can be a pricy investment.

Ozone

Ozone generators are designed to aid in the breakdown of organic contaminants that find their way into swimming pool water. Taking this route may lower chemical usage by as much as 60 to 90 percent, but an ozone generator cannot sanitize a pool by itself. It does reduce the amount of chlorine that’s needed and can be 10 times stronger than traditional chlorine systems, but to provide continuous sanitation, it also requires a residual sanitizer—like chlorine—to be in the water all the time.

An ozone system is a good but often expensive investment. Get it and you’ll enjoy soft, clean water to swim in, and little to no calcium scaling.

Non-chlorine shock

If you want a pool water sanitation system that is great for oxidizing organic pollutants—like sunscreen, body oil and urine—then non-chlorine shock is for you. But like ozone generators, a non-chlorine shock system cannot sanitize a pool on its own. It too needs an additional sanitation method like chlorine to sanitize your swimming pool.

Because sunlight naturally oxidizes organic pollutants and there is little sunlight indoors, non-chlorine shock is a great option for indoor pools and spas. Also, you can swim in it immediately after application.

Choosing the best water sanitation system for your swimming pool doesn’t have to be hard or confusing. Call us at Avanti Pools, Inc. to speak with an experienced pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA. We offer a wide range of sanitation options—including ozone systems and salt systems—and will be more than happy to answer all your questions!