When most people think about pool chemicals, chlorine immediately jumps to mind. However, there are many options when it comes to pool sanitizers, and chlorine is just one of them. Pool sanitizers keep the water clear of parasites, algae and bacteria causing infections. This keeps the water clean and safe for swimming. Most pool owners are familiar with chlorine, but there are other options to sanitize a pool. With any of these options, water testing Pittsburgh is still necessary to check chemical and PH levels.
Pool Bromine
Bromine is in the same chemical family as chlorine, so it is not safe for people with chlorine allergies. Bromine is similar to chlorine in its effectiveness but does not smell as strong. It is also less irritating to swimmer’s skin and eyes. For this reason alone, it may be a more attractive option. Bromine is commonly used in hot tubs and does well in warm water. However, it is less stable in sunlight. This makes it a better option for indoor pools, where chlorine smells can be overpowering, or shaded pools.
UV Pool System
This system uses UV light to kill microorganisms and pathogens. The system pulls water out of the pool, past a specialized light, and then routes it back to the pool. The light is not inside the pool and is a safe distance from swimmers. The UV pool system is attractive to those who want to limit the chemicals present in their pool. However, some chemicals will still need to be used to keep the water clean between passes in front of the UV light. Using a UV light is a great low maintenance option since owners do not need to constantly purchase chemicals or clean filters. The only part that needs to be replaced is the UV light, which lasts between 4,000 and 9,000 hours.
Ozone System
Ozone systems work very much like UV light systems. But, instead of light doing the sanitizing, it uses ozone gas. An ozone generator is installed by the pool and generates ozone gas which kills pathogens and microorganisms as water runs through. The ozone gas does not stay in the pool water, which is why some chemicals are required to keep the water clean. This is a supplemental system used to reduce the amount of chemicals needed to keep a sanitized pool.
Pool Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide can be used in place of chlorine. It is extremely effective at killing algae and other bacteria. However, it is not as effective at sanitizing the water. Hydrogen Peroxide needs sunlight to work, so this system works best for outdoor pools. This is a great option for those allergic to chlorine.
