If there was ever a pool product that received an unfair bad rap, it is chlorine. First discovered in 1774, Chlorine has been used to sanitize pools since approximately 1910. While chlorine has continued to be a staple in pool sanitizing, as our world evolves, people are always looking to see if there is something better that has come along. As a result we often receive calls at our office from pool customers looking for chlorine alternatives. The reasons for their inquiries almost always are due to misinformation about Chlorine so here we are to debunk some of those myths.
1. Chlorine makes the pool smell of chemicals
Ever walk into a hotel pool area and think, "wow, I can smell the chlorine." Well, that isn't chlorine you are smelling. Ever heard the expression that if fish smells, it is bad? Well, it can be applied to chlorinated pools as well. That smell you are smelling is actually the smell of chloramines in the air. What are chloramines? To explMain what chloramines are, let's go back a few steps. Large pool places often have to super chlorinate pools in between swim sessions to ensure bacteria is killed but oftentimes they don't ensure regular chlorine balancing between shocking. This means that the pool is not adequately sanitized and when that happens, the chlorine breaks down and what is left are chloramines. Chloramines can cause rashes, red eyes, and even asthma events. This is why it is always important to ensure that your swimming pool maintains proper chlorine levels at all times.
2. A lot of people are allergic to chlorine
So you or maybe your child, spouse, or other family member has a rash after swimming. Before you deem you or someone else as having an allergy to chlorine, keep in mind that many thing issues can be the culprit of a reaction after swimming. While we know there are people out there that have chlorine sensitivity, oftentimes the rash is due to poor water treatment. In fact, when a customer calls about red eyes, my first question is always "what is your PH level" or when someone calls and says that their child has a rash, it is not that there is chlorine in the pool but what is the level of chlorine. Rashes are often caused by too much or too little chlorine in a pool.
3. We heard salt is better
This myth is always fascinating to us. Today, salt pools are the rage. Many people people are confused, however, about how salt works in your pool. The salt generator actually turns salt into chlorine of your pool which means a salt pool is not a chlorine free pool. In fact, a properly functioning salt pool will actually have the same chlorine level as a regular chlorine based pool Also, there is no better, faster way to get your pool sparkling blue than chlorine so even a salt pool will first run on chlorine until it clears in the spring. Additionally, it will still need regular dosages of chlorine (in addition to that generated by the sale) as the season goes.
4. Chlorine is expensive
Chlorine is actually one of the cheapest ways to sanitize your pool. Oftentimes, you will hear that salt saves you money on chlorine, but ask about how much the salt costs and you will likely be quite surprised by the cost. Other choices such as Baquacil are very expensive and not always as effective.
The simple of it is, whether it be sticks, pucks, or liquid, or used in conjunction with salt, chlorine is the best way that a homeowner can keep their pool looking blue and clear and their swimmers safe.
Have a wonderful weekend,
The Staff at Aquaknot Pools, Inc.
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