Types of Pool Water

Types of Pool Water

Chlorine: the Pool Water Standard

Chlorine has been incorporated into private and public pools for a long time now and it has never disappointed. It interacts with contaminants in the water such as sweat, dirt, urine, and lotion through a chemical reaction hence treating pool water. During the chemical reaction, chlorine is broken down in two compounds; hypochlorite ions and hypochlorous acid which oxidize bacteria.

• Pros

• • Chlorine is available in three different forms; liquid, tablets, and granular. Due to its ability to act like a residual sanitizer, chlorine can effectively and excellently sanitize the pool for a long time after adding it to the water. Most importantly, it can be stored for a long time meaning that you don’t have a reason to worry that it will not be effective the next time you use it.

• Cons

• • However, even though chlorine has been used as the most common form of pool sanitation for a long time now, it has its downside one of the most common one being the high risk of chlorine-related health issues. When chlorine interacts with contaminants in the pool, harmful disinfection byproducts are produced which can cause asthma, red eyes, dry skin., lifeguard lung, lung irritation and many other serious health issues. Apart from health risks, some people avoid chlorine as it can damage swimsuits and towels, leave lingering pool odor, is toxic to the environment, and requires manual handling and storage.

Salt Water: A Softer Pool Water

This type of pool water dates back to the 1980s and have found a place in many service providers, pool builders, and pool owner’s heart and are regarded as the best alternative for chlorine. There’s a misconception that saltwater pools have no chlorine and to clear this, saltwater pools contain ¼ chlorine level (0.5ppm) compared to chlorine pools (2.0ppm). A saltwater pool doesn’t pour chlorine into the pool but produces it through a process known as electrolysis when salt (NaCl) dissolves in water and breaks down into sodium ions and chloride ions. When a low voltage electrical current is passed through the water, the chloride is converted into chlorine in form of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and hypochlorous acid (HClO) and sodium is removed.

• Pros

• • Saltwater systems provide lower maintenance; harmful effects of disinfection byproducts are not highly noticeable; and they are perfect for any pool owner looking forward to the soft feel of the water.

• Cons

• • Saltwater systems produce chlorine though in low levels, meaning that there are disinfection byproducts in the saltwater pools. Also, they tend to corrode pool equipment and surfaces such as tiles and filters and require manual handling and storage.

Other types of pool water

• UV systems
• Ozone systems
• Mineral pool water

Bottom line

Whether you are remodeling your current pool or installing a new one, choosing the best type of pool water is an important. There are many types of pool water available but the most common ones are chlorine and saltwater systems and we have made things easier for you by explaining what they are. Weigh their options and decide which one to choose based on your household needs and keep your pool water clean and clear. Richard’s Total Backyard Solutions has skilled professionals, able to assist with pool inquiries.