Alternative Cleaners To Reduce The Amount Of Chlorine In Your Pool

Whether you're a serious swimmer or just love to splish and splash around, spending time in a crystal-clear pool on a hot day is one of life's greatest pleasures. But there's more to opening up a pool for the summer than buying a couple of trendy floats. The process can feel like a chemistry class, thanks to the complexities involved in getting your pool's pH and alkaline levels just right. Many of us associate the first cannonball of the season with a slight stinging sensation that comes from chlorine, that go-to pool chemical with a distinctive smell and disinfecting powers. But according to Jimmie Meece, president of America's Swimming Pool Company, if you or someone in your family is sensitive to the amount of chlorine in your pool, saltwater and ozone systems are alternative cleaners you should consider.

"When considering alternatives to pool chlorine, it's important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each option," Meece told House Digest during an exclusive interview. "Saltwater pools use a salt chlorine generator to convert salt into chlorine, which sanitizes the water," he explained. Algae is one icky result from not cleaning your pool that saltwater cleaners help to prevent. The pool care expert told us that salt chlorine generators "results in lower chlorine levels compared to traditional pools, making it gentler on the skin and eyes." While the benefits include no longer having to purchase and store chlorine, along with higher initial setup costs, saltwater systems don't eliminate the need to perform routine maintenance. 

Nothing stops summer fun in its tracks like one of your kids or a neighbor suddenly experiencing redness, itching, or a runny nose after spending all afternoon in a heavily chlorinated pool. Because the chemical is extremely strong, many people experience chlorine sensitivity. "For individuals with a chlorine allergy, saltwater pools are often the best alternative," pool expert Jimmie Meece said during his exclusive interview with House Digest. "They use a lower concentration of chlorine, which is generated through the salt chlorine generator, making the water gentler on the skin and reducing the likelihood of allergic reactions."

According to Meece, chlorine allergies aren't the only reason someone might want to switch from pool chlorine to a natural alternative. "Chlorine has a harsh chemical smell and can cause dryness, redness, and irritation of the skin and eyes," he said. "The chlorine produced by a salt system is free from the byproducts found in chlorine tablets, making it gentler on the skin and less likely to cause eye irritation compared to heavily chlorinated water," Meese explained. Switching to a saltwater system will also make your backyard pool more sustainable. Reducing the amount of chlorine tablets, algaecides, and shock treatments you use leads to less dangerous chemical runoff into your yard and surrounding areas. The eco-friendly option can also be less expensive in the long term, because traditional chlorine chemicals and frequent water testing costs can really add up over time.

In his exclusive interview with House Digest, Jimmie Meece told us there are several things to think about before deciding which natural alternative to pool chlorine is right for you and your pool. "You should consider factors such as health concerns, maintenance requirements, cost, and pool size and usage. If you or a loved one has allergies or sensitivities, options like a saltwater system might be best," he said. If your family plans to spend every waking minute in the pool, it makes good sense to consider the long-term health implications of chlorine versus saltwater. Unlike the irritating chlorine, some evidence suggests that softer water can actually help alleviate various skin conditions. It's also much less irritating to the respiratory system.

Pools are a considerable investment, and the underlying costs associated with your chemical system are another major factor you shouldn't overlook. "Initial setup and ongoing maintenance costs can vary, so it's important to evaluate both short-term and long-term expenses," Meece advised. You could also consider a third option. "Ozone-based sanitizing systems are often used in large commercial pools. This sanitation method can blast viruses and certain bacteria that are resistant to chlorine," Meece told us. "While supplemental chlorine may still be required, the ozone system handles the majority of the sanitizing work."