How To Reduce Your Chlorine Usage In Your Swimming Pool

Are you looking for an alternative to chlorine to help keep your swimming pool or hot tub clean and free from bacteria? Whether you are seeking a more environmentally friendly alternative or just want a solution that won’t irritate your skin, in this blog we’ll look at the best options for keeping your pool clean without using chlorine.

Bromine

Another chemical that is similar to chlorine in the way that it kills bacteria and harmful contaminants is bromine. Often used in hot tubs and spas because of its greater stability at higher temperatures, bromine does not smell as strongly as chlorine. And, because it is less harsh than chlorine, bromine is a better option for anyone with sensitive skin.

Active Oxygen

Our next option for a chemical alternative to chlorine is active oxygen which is a form of sanitation system that uses Hydrogen Peroxide or Potassium monopersulfate. Like bromine and chlorine, active oxygen kills bacteria and other contaminants leaving your pool water clean. Active oxygen dissipates quickly which means that it’s important to follow a regular maintenance program to ensure your pool or hot tub is kept clean and in the best condition.

One of the biggest advantages of active oxygen is that it is completely odour free and is a lot less harsh than other chemical cleaners.

Saltwater Pools

You may think that having a saltwater pool means you can do away with chlorine all together, but this isn’t the case. Saltwater pools use electrolysis to convert salt into chlorine and then back to salt again. This generally means that there are much lower levels of chlorine which is continuously generated by the electrolysis system. Unlike direct chlorination, the chlorine produced tends to be gentler on the skin and there is no need to top up the system or dose it with chemicals.

It must be remembered that salt is highly corrosive and even stainless steel is affected by its presence which quickly deteriorates the appearance of pool surrounds and damages equipment.

UV Systems

When you want to minimise the number of chemicals that you use, a UV system is a great option and one that kills off a wide range of bacteria, viruses, algae, and fungi that traditional chemicals alone won’t eliminate.

UV systems such as Elecro Engineering’s H.R. UV-C work by passing the swimming pool water through a tube where it is exposed to ultraviolet light. You will still need to use some form of sterilisation such as chlorine or hydrogen peroxide, but the levels needed will be much lower compared with traditional pool disinfection.

View the full range of H.R. UV-C systems

Photocatalytic Oxidisation

For applications that need the highest water quality, photocatalytic oxidisation uses nano-crystal technology to provide the highest levels of sterilisation. Systems such as Elecro Engineering’s Quantum uses photocatalytic oxidisation to destroy bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. It can be used to turn sewage into drinking water without the use of chemicals and turns contaminants such as suntan oil back into their original molecular form.

When it comes to chemical-free sterilisation, Quantum really does lead the way and can help eliminate side effects such as sore eyes, itchy skin, discoloured hair and strong odours. You’ll also benefit from crystal clear water and compatibility with sea and salt chlorinated water applications.

Take the Quantum leap