What can you use instead of chlorine in a pool?

Quick Answers

There are several chlorine alternatives that can be used to keep pool water clean and safe instead of traditional chlorine:

• Bromine – Works similarly to chlorine and requires less frequent application.
• Ionizers – Use copper and silver ions to kill bacteria and algae.
• Ozone – Ozone generators can disinfect pool water without chemicals.
• UV systems – UV light disinfects microorganisms in pool water.
• Mineral systems – Minerals like magnesium and potassium monopersulfate provide sanitation.
• Salt chlorine generators – Use salt to generate a mild chlorine sanitizer.
• Hydrogen peroxide – Can be used to shock pool water and remove contaminants.
• Enzymes – Help break down organic matter in pools.

The most popular chlorine alternatives are bromine, ionizers, UV systems, and salt chlorine generators. Each has advantages and disadvantages compared to regular chlorine.

How Do Chlorine Alternatives Work?

Chlorine alternatives use different methods to kill bacteria, algae, and other contaminants that can pollute pool water:

Bromine

Bromine works very similarly to chlorine as a sanitizer. It kills bacteria and algae and oxidizes organic matter. The main advantages of bromine are that it requires less frequent application than chlorine and does not irritate eyes and skin as much. Bromine also produces lower chemical odors. However, it is more expensive than chlorine.

Ionizers

Pool ionizers use trace amounts of copper and silver ions to disrupt bacteria and algae at a cellular level. The ions bind to cell walls and damage the DNA, killing the organisms. Ionizers are very effective and only need occasional maintenance, but the ion levels must be checked regularly.

Ozone

Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that can kill bacteria, viruses, and cysts in pool water. An ozone generator produces ozone from oxygen in the air and injects it into the water. Ozone effectively sanitizes water without any residual chemical taste or odor. However, it requires a high upfront equipment cost.

UV Systems

Ultraviolet systems use UV radiation to damage the DNA of microorganisms in pool water. This prevents them from reproducing and spreading. UV only treats water that passes by the UV lamps, so good water circulation is needed. UV does not leave any chemical residue in the water.

Mineral Systems

Mineral systems use metals like magnesium, zinc, and copper combined with an oxidizer like potassium monopersulfate to sanitize pools. The metals help inhibit algae and bacteria growth while the oxidizer keeps mineral levels in balance. Mineral systems avoid the odors and irritation of traditional chlorine.

Salt Chlorine Generators

Salt chlorine generators convert sodium chloride salt into hypochlorous acid, a mild chlorine sanitizer. The system electrolyzes dissolved salt in the water to produce the sanitizer. This avoids having to manually add chlorine chemicals while still providing effective cleaning. However, salt buildup can be an issue.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to periodically shock pool water and remove contaminants. When added to water, hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen, helping oxidize organic compounds. However, hydrogen peroxide alone is not an effective ongoing sanitizer.

Enzymes

Enzyme water treatments contain enzymes that help break down oils, organic matter, and other contaminants in pool water. Using enzymes can reduce the amount of chlorine or other chemicals needed. But enzymes alone cannot fully sanitize a pool.

Pros and Cons of Chlorine Alternatives

Here is a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular chlorine alternative pool sanitizers:

Type	Pros	Cons
Bromine	Less frequent application needed Lower odors and irritation	More expensive than chlorine Still produces chemical smell/taste
Ionizers	Very effective sanitation Lower chemical levels needed	Higher upfront equipment cost Regular maintenance required
Ozone	Powerful oxidant No chemical smell or taste	High initial equipment cost Does not provide residual sanitation
UV	No chemical residue Effective at killing microorganisms	Only treats water passing UV light Moderate equipment cost
Mineral Systems	Avoids odors/irritation of chlorine Inhibits algae and bacteria growth	Requires monitoring of mineral levels Less potent than chlorine
Salt Chlorine	Avoids manually adding chlorine Provides effective sanitation	Produces chlorine byproduct Salt buildup over time

As shown, each chlorine alternative has advantages and downsides to consider before choosing the right system for your pool.

Additional Factors to Consider

When selecting a non-chlorine sanitizer, here are some additional factors to weigh:

Pool Size

Consider the size of your pool. Larger pools may need a more heavy-duty system like an ozone generator or strong ionizer to properly disinfect the volume of water. Smaller pools can get by with simpler bromine or mineral systems.

Usage Frequency

If your pool gets used frequently, especially by multiple people, a more potent sanitation system is needed to handle the higher bather load. Infrequently used pools may do fine with lighter bromine or enzyme treatments.

Local Regulations

Check if your local health codes have any regulations or restrictions regarding alternative pool disinfectants. Some non-chlorine options like ozone are not permitted in all areas.

Maintenance Requirements

Compare maintenance needs like checking chemical levels, changing filters, cleaning mineral cartridges, etc. Some alternatives like ionizers require more frequent monitoring and maintenance.

Climate Conditions

The local climate impacts sanitizer needs. Warm, sunny areas are more prone to algae growth. This may call for a stronger sanitizer than a cooler, overcast climate.

Budget

Alternative systems have varying upfront equipment and operational costs. Weigh installation expenses, chemical costs, energy use, and maintenance requirements when estimating costs.

Installation and Maintenance of Systems

Proper installation and maintenance is crucial to ensure chlorine alternative systems work effectively:

Follow Manufacturer Guidelines

Carefully follow all instructions for installation, use, and maintenance provided by the manufacturer. This ensures the system runs safely and optimally.

Consider an Expert Installation

It often wise to have a pool professional install more complex systems like ozone generators and ionizers to ensure proper setup.

Check Water Chemistry Frequently

Test water pH, alkalinity, and mineral levels per the manufacturer’s recommendations to keep the system balanced.

Change Filters Regularly

Replace filters like cartridges and sand as needed to maintain good water flow and filtration.

Watch for Scale Buildup

Mineral systems in hard water can lead to calcium and mineral scale buildup over time which requires removal.

Clean Per Manufacturers Instructions

Keep equipment and mineral cartridges clean by scrubbing and rinsing per instructions to maximize performance.

Shock Treat the Water Periodically

Use an oxidizer treatment or hydrogen peroxide to shock the water and remove contaminants, oils, etc. that build up over time.

Monitor Sanitizer Levels

Test sanitizer levels like copper ion concentration regularly to ensure the system is providing adequate disinfection.

Following proper installation, cleaning, monitoring, and maintenance procedures allows chlorine alternative systems to work effectively with minimal issues.

Conclusion

Pool owners interested in avoiding traditional chlorine have several effective sanitizing options to create a healthier, more enjoyable swimming environment. The most popular alternatives are bromine, mineral systems, ionizers, and ozone generators. Each has pros and cons to weigh regarding performance, costs, maintenance, etc. when choosing the optimal system based on pool size, usage, climate, and other factors. With proper installation and care, chlorine alternative sanitizers can provide great results but they do require more diligent monitoring and maintenance than basic chlorine. Consult with pool experts to select the right system and follow all manufacturer guidelines for care and testing. With the right pick and proper maintenance, you can safely enjoy the benefits of non-chlorine pool water.