► Would Like To Be Chlorine-Free?

My has an extreme sensitivity to chlorine and/or the byproducts associated with its use in pools.  He breaks out, whenever he goes into any chlorine pool.  We would like to have an inground pool installed, but not without being able to avoid using chlorine.  Can you offer suggestions?

Henry K., Temecula, CA, 10/31/2009

The simple answer would be to use biguanide, as it is incompatible with chlorine.  However, the product does have its share of baggage.  Most users encounter problems with resistant microorganisms, after periods, as short as one season.  Try as they might, the only practical solution, at that point, is to permanently switch to another sanitizer.  It also impedes proper filtration and causes foaming.  It is not the long term solution that you are seeking.

Chorine acts as a disinfectant, sanitizer and oxidizer of organic wastes and byproducts.  Many products or devices claim to perform "chlorine-free", but may not be acting with the sanction and approval of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  This agency regulates the text that appears on a registered product's label.  It is easy to take liberties, with sales materials.   Bromine will meets these goals and, while closely related to chlorine chemically, in terms of being another member of the halogen family of elements, it has been found to be less irritating.  Ordinarily 3-5 PPM of bromine are required.  With some additional treatment products, you can get optimum results with a much lower 1-2 PPM level. 

As a first step, I would add a UltraViolet sanitizer.  It kills virtually every microorganism, including the worst offenders, as pool water passes through the cell and returns to the pool.  It will reduce the microbial population of the pool, but will not sanitize the water, in the pool, completely, nor will it eliminate algae, that might be growing on underwater surfaces or oxidize organic wastes and byproducts.  Still, it accomplishes much and adds no chemicals, but needs some help to do the complete job.  For more about UV go to:  www.deltauv.com  An Ozone Generator will help destroy many microorganisms, organic wastes and byproducts, without adding chemicals.  Ozone is a form of oxygen, that is a powerful oxidizer, but is short lived.  The ozone might only remain in the water for twenty minutes, after the unit is shut off.  Adding The Circulator, to each return will help it reach the far corners of the pool, as good circulation is very important in achieving your goal.  Operating the ozone generator, for periods spaced throughout the day, would be of great help.  Operating with a 2-speed pump on low 24/7, is something to consider.  For more about ozone generators go to:  www.waterquality.net.  At this point, you have greatly reduced microbial populations and controlled organic wastes, without adding chemicals.  What is missing is something to act as a persistent sanitizer.  The Pool Frog is a mineral sanitizer, that uses silver ions to kill microorganisms. It is normally used with chlorine or bromine and will help reduce the need for the higher 3-5 PPM level of bromine.  For more about the Pool Frog, go to:  www.kingtechnology.com  Because the ozonator is doing much of the oxidation, the amount of bromine required, to maintain any given level, will be greatly reduced.

At this point, you have a low level of bromine and the only other chemical being added is silver ions.  When the pool is filled, adjust the pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness, as required.  As mankind has learned, microorganisms are highly adaptable.  On a monthly basis or after periods of heavy bather usage, to help prevent the formation of resistant microorganisms and to assure peak performance of this triad approach to a reduced halogen pool, I would add enough potassium monopersulfate shock (non-chlorine) to boost the bromine level to 3-5 PPM.  You want 3-5 PPM present, for at least a few hours.  I suggest this last step, as assurance against developing a sanitizer resistant microorganism.  It may not be needed, but better safe than sorry.  However, if you ever feel slimy deposits on the underwater surface, it should be taken as a sign that something may not be performing properly or that this periodic bromine treatment needs to be done.  A high-efficiency filter can further assure optimum water quality, while remaining a low halogen pool.  I hope that this information will prove helpful.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 10/31/2009

► Won't Do Without One?

I live in Houston.  We are starting the process of getting quotes to build a new pool.  My sister in Chicago has a pool ionizer.  I have never seen anything as easy as this.  Every season they put a few bags of salt in the pool when they and the ionizer makes its own chlorine.  They rarely have to add anything.  Is it possible to have this system in the hot humid weather that we have here in Houston?  I do not want a pool that is not an ionizer.  Can you help me in finding a pool company in our area that will install this system with maintenance service? 

Becky A., 3/6/2004

Not a problem!  The product that you are referring to as an "ionizer" is more correctly described as a salt chlorine generator system.  That's why some salt is added yearly: in order to replenish the salt content, after the pool water level has been restored in the springtime.  An ionizer is something different:  it uses copper and silver ions, in conjunction with shock treatments, to maintain proper water quality.  An ionizer does not make chlorine!  A salt chlorine generator system can produce all of your pool's chlorine requirements, with a minimum of other chemicals.  It is like having a chlorine manufacturing plant.  Chlorine output is controlled by a setting on a dial and is making adding pool chlorine the old fashioned way obsolete.  It works in the humidity of Florida and the Arizona desert.  Having it installed in Houston is as simple as going to a manufacturer's website.  Using a dealer locator will help you find a local company.  You'll, also, find a lot of product information on their website.  Good luck with the pool.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 3/7/2004

► Salt Chlorinators & Mineral Sanitizers?

Your website is a great source of information that I found while doing research on alternate pool sanitizer solutions.  Thank you for your time in providing this service.  I hope this isn't a repeat, but I didn't find the specific info on the mineral sanitizers, and specifically not any comparison between the two in terms of effectiveness, cost and ease of use.  I would very much like to know your thoughts on the relative merits of the mineral sanitizers and salt water chlorine generators.

Gene G., Madison, AL, 7/7/2004

A salt chlorinator is a complete pool sanitizing system.  About all you'll need on a regular basis is some acid to lower the pH.  It is like maintaining a chlorine pool without the headaches or the handling of chlorine.  It is highly automated and controllable.  Need more chlorine - just dial it up.  A mineral sanitizer adds metallic ions to control algae and bacteria.  You will still have to add chlorine or non-chlorine shock on a regular basis, to perform the necessary oxidizing function.  In either case, the water chemistry must be maintained.  A salt chlorinator will cost more initially.  While I don't have specific figures, I suspect that over the life of the unit, the cost will be very competitive and possibly lower depending upon individual circumstances.  Some salt cells are rated to last 5 years or more, depending upon the location.  Mineral sanitizer cartridges have life expectancies that about 6 months, by comparison.  You can use both products together.  That will allow you to maintain a lower level of free chlorine and that will make control of the pH easier and extend the life of the salt cell.  I hope that the information proves to be helpful.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 7/7/2004

► Why Aren't Ozonators More Popular?

Ozonators sound like a good idea.  So why are they not very popular?  Is it good for a lazy pool owner?

John W., 6/24/2005

They may not be as popular as chlorine, but their popularity is increasing in all types of residential and commercial pools.  The use of ozone generators has been widespread in spas for many years.  Ozonators are not complete stand alone pool sanitizers.  A backup system, usually chlorine or bromine must be used.  A salt chlorine generator can be used in conjunction with an ozonator and will provide additional benefits.  Mineral sanitizers and ionizers can also be used in conjunction with ozone and chlorine, to provide backup sanitizing and reduce the chlorine usage.  In addition, all of the important water chemistry parameters must be maintained, as in a chlorine-maintained pool.   Yes, it is convenient.  Yes, it will reduce the overall requirements for sanitizer and will simplify chemical balancing.  Yes, it is good for "lazy" pool owners.  There are other choices that might be worthy of your consideration.  Salt chlorine generators can completely eliminate the need for any chlorine and there is no need for a backup.   Still the water chemistry must be maintained.  But isn't that what pool service companies are for?  I hope that I have been of assistance.

Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 6/24/2005