How To Sanitize Swimming Pool?

The important step in maintaining a swimming pool is properly sanitizing pool water. Sanitizers help kill bacteria and inhibit the growth of harmful viruses and algae that enter the pool water using wind, rain, or dust. One of the most effective sanitizers is chlorine which has been the choice for almost 100 years for pool owners. As no other chemical sanitizes better than chlorine, the stock of this chemical must be available at the pool to maintain the free chlorine range for your pool. Free available chlorine is the amount of chlorine that should be present in the pool water so that bacteria do not enter the pool. If you are a proud owner of a beautiful pool and are confused about sanitization, read this article to learn how to sanitize your swimming pool for more protection.

What Is Pool Sanitizer?

A pool sanitizer is a chemical that cleans and sanitizes water in the pool and makes it safe for swimmers. Sanitizers eliminate all the pathogens present in the pool. The pathogens can cause severe illness to swimmers using the pool. Of all the sanitizers available, chlorine is the best, and many methods are used to keep your pool free from pathogens and algae.

How To Sanitize Your Swimming Pool?

Even though chlorine is the most opted chemical for sanitization of pool water, some other sanitizers can be used to maintain the pool. Here are some of the sanitization methods that can be used to kill bacteria in pool water.

1. Pool Chlorine

Pool chlorine or hypochlorous acid helps kill bacteria, destroy algae, and make the water safe for swimmers. Pool chlorine is available in various forms like

• Tablets
• Powder
• Liquid
• Gas

Pros Of Using Pool Chlorine

• Readily available
• Effectively kills pathogens
• Available in multiple forms
• Destroys contaminations by process of oxidation
• Works for both indoor and outdoor pools

Cons Of Pool Chlorine

• It leaves a strong smell
• Chances of rashes on skin or eyes
• Chlorine systems can wear done vinyl or concrete pools
• Other ingredients present in pool chlorine can decrease the effectiveness

2. Pool Bromine

Pool Bromine acts as effective as Pool chlorine but is a bit more expensive than other sanitizers. The key difference is that Bromine does not have as much smell as pool chlorine and less eye irritation. Bromine is commonly used in spas and hot tubs as it is more stable than normal chlorine in hot water. Bromine is a liquid in its original state but is also available in granules and tablets.

Pros Of Bromine

• Does not give a strong smell
• Gentle on eyes
• Effective disinfectant and algicide
• Works on all types of pools
• Best for Spas and hot tubs

Cons Of Bromine

• More Expensive
• Less oxidation power than chlorine
• Not suitable for people with a chlorine allergy
• Less effective when exposed to sunlight

3. Ozone Pool Purification

The ozone purification method is the most effective method for sanitizing pool water and is approved by FDA. Ozone or O3 or Triatomic oxygen is considered one of the most powerful oxidants for killing bacteria and microorganisms and also stops the accumulation of deposits in pipes. Ozone is a naturally occurring substance and immediately converts to oxygen after the purification process is completed. Thus, there are no toxins released. In the process, an ozone generator, with the help of a UV bulb or corona discharge system, creates Ozone by adding a third atom to an Oxygen molecule with two atoms.

Pros

• Ozone is more powerful than Chlorine
• More gentle on swimmers
• Prevents the deposition of calcium
• No by-products are produced after usage

Cons

• Very Short Life span of 20 to 60 minutes
• Requires a small amount of chlorine for completing the process
• UV bulbs used in the process need special care and maintenance

4. Ultraviolet Pool Sanitization

The ultraviolet or UV sanitization method uses special UV rays to kill bacteria and other organisms in the pool water. In this process, UV light disrupts the DNA of pathogens. The process is carried out without chemicals; UV lights are also used to purify drinking water.

Pros

• Safer when compared to other methods
• No harmful effects
• Requires minimal maintenance
• Destroys about 99.99% of chemicals

5. Pool Hydrogen Peroxide

In place of oxygen, hydrogen peroxide can be used instead of salt. Hydrogen peroxide works well in sunlight, or artificial UV rays that are used to create chemical reactions are good for people who are allergic to chlorine chemicals.

Pros

• A good alternative to chlorine
• Reduces the usage of chemicals
• Works well in sunlight
• The best algicide

Cons

• Has less disinfecting power than chlorine
• A not good option for indoor pools as sunlight or UV rays are required
• Not compatible with DE Filters

6. Natural Pool System

If the chemical-free pool is your choice, you should opt for a natural pool system. This system adds plants, rocks, and sometimes wildlife to the pool. The pool relies on a biofilter of rocks and aquatic plants that help regenerate water.

Pros

• Chemical-free way of purification
• Eco-friendly
• Blends with the nature
• Pleasing to watch and use

Cons

• Requires more space than normal pools
• Requires working with plants
• The chance that wildlife is attracted

The Best Pool Sanitation System

As many pools use chlorine to sanitize and purify, there is no chance to say which one of the methods is the best sanitization method for your swimming pool. Chlorine is readily available, but the usage of chemicals depends on individual usage and needs. For each process, certain limitations require equipment, and some research is also needed. While using chemicals for your pool water, you must be careful not to use unwanted chemicals that might damage the pool structure. If you need chlorine for your pool, you need to take the help of a professional. Canada Salt Group Ltd supplies pure pool salt that can be used for any type of pool. Contact us for more information.