Recently, pool builders, watershape designers and aquatic consultants have been touting "chlorine free pools." A true chlorine free pool is a rarity.
NEWS FLASH - A salt water pool is not chlorine free!
Just because you don't ADD chlorine to a salt water pool does not mean that chlorine is not there. The addition of the chlorine is hidden back at the equipment pad - where a machine turns the salt into chlorine. Salt is sodium chloride - get it? So, a salt water pool is not chlorine free.
You're just not adding chlorine, instead you're making your own chlorine!
The worst part is that most salt chlorine generators have no sensors to monitor or prevent the over production of chlorine.
Ozone
Ozone is probably the only viable alternative that is truly capable of oxidizing and sanitizing the water. However, because ozone is a gas, it does not remain in the water for more than a few minutes. So it does not provide any residual sanitizing when the gas has dissipated.
In order to achieve a truly chlorine free pool it must be operated 24/7.
Ionizers & Minerals
Mineral canisters and electronic ionizers work on the same basic principal - they put heavy metals into the water.
Mineral canisters have metals in a compound that erodes as the water passes through the canister. Ionizers use electricity to dissolve metal ions into the water. Which ever delivery method is used, they both pollute the water with heavy metals.
These metals are usually nickle, manganese, silver or copper. Their sole purpose is to prevent algae formation - basically an algaecide.
Metals do nothing to sanitize the water (kill germs and bacteria) or oxidize bather waste (perspiration, urine, lotions).
They do not monitor the levels of these metals in the water, to prevent over dosing the pool. High levels of metals, in the presence of oxidizers (ozone, chlorine, bromine, etc.) will cause staining of the pool surfaces and green swimmer's hair.
Why Chlorine?
Chlorine is inexpensive. It can remain in the water for weeks. It is safe to handle and is stable.
The EPA standard for drinking water allows a chlorine level as high as 4 ppm. So chlorine is safe.
Contrary to popular usage in swimming pools of 3 - 5 ppm, chlorine can function at extremely low doses of less that 1 ppm.
How? By utilizing ozone in conjunction with chlorine, the chlorine levels can be maintained at extremely low levels. The chlorine keeps the water sanitized when the ozone system is off.
Or for a near zero chemical pool, if the ozone is ran 24/7, then the chlorine levels can be maintained at near undetectable levels.
You can achieve a virtually chlorine free pool.
Paolo Benedetti - Aquatic Artist www.aquatictechnology.com You may contact Paolo Benedetti at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220 ©Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa All rights reserved
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If you want to ask a question of Paolo Benedetti, you may email him at: info@aquatictechnology.com