Feedback Form

Plumbing/ Valves

Pool Chemistry

Pool Cleaners

Pool Electric

Pool Equipment

Pool Library

Pool Maintenance

Pool Repair

Pool Safety

Pool Structure

Pool Surface

Pool Terminology

Water Problems

Alternative Water Treatments

An Alternative Sanitizer is generally regarded as anything used to sanitize the pool water in lieu of the more traditional methods of halogen sanitation, i.e. chlorine and bromine. To sanitize means to remove harmful microorganisms or contaminants from the water with destruction on a molecular or cellular level. Sanitation is one necessity of three for clear water; the other two being filtration and circulation.

Halogen sanitizers are effective at killing bacteria, algae and disease-causing pathogens when added to the water in liquid, tablet or granular form. In fact, they are unmatched in their sanitizing properties in many areas, and until recently, had no real competition in the sanitizing market. Concerns about cost of halogens, environmental issues and swimmer comfort and safety have resulted in the chemical community producing alternatives to standard water treatment.

Alternative water treatments are products and processes which might be called Johnny come Latelys, although much of the technology has been around a very long time and is only now being applied to our "little" pool industry. European water treatment has made greater use of alternative methods than have pools in the U.S., which have relied primarily on chlorine for seventy five years. These "alternative" methods below can provide a variety of benefits. With the notable exception of Biguanides (Softswim or Baquacil), none of the following methods are designed to be Stand-Alone Sanitizers. Most are used in conjunction with some reduced amount of chlorine .  I hope we have provided enough information for you to make an informed choice for yourself.

Ionizers: Ionic Water Treatment

Nature 2: Catalytic Sanitation

Ozonators: Ozone Water Treatment

Baquacil/Softswim: Polymeric Biguanide Water Treatment

Enzyme Water Treatment

Magnetic Water Treatment

Sea Klear: Chitosan Water Treatment

Pro Team Supreme: Potassium Tetraborate Water Treatment

 

top