Pool Chemistry 101: Alternative Sanitizers
20 Nov Pool Chemistry 101: Alternative Sanitizers
Alternative Sanitizers – Ultraviolet vs. Ozone
There exists no shortage of confusion surrounding the use of chlorine in swimming pool treatment. While a very small amount of the poplulation has an actual chlorine allergy, most people confuse the irritation and foul smell supposedly caused by chlorine with their reaction to Chloramines, or combined chlorine. This has caused a growing movement towards the use of alternative sanitizers in an attempt to mitigate the use of chlorine in swimming pools. While these two options are effective in unique ways, they are by no means a substitute for the residual bacterial and virucidal aspects of halogens like Chlorine and Bromine. This post from Pool Supply Unlimited gives the pros and cons of the two most popular alternative sanitizers on the market.
Here is an excerpt from the post:
Both Ozone and UV systems have been in regular use for decades sanitizing drinking water and swimming pools. Both are more natural, environmentally friendly alternatives to chemicals and their resulting bi-products. They are effective, safe and reliable methods of water sanitation.
To truly understand how each system works and the differences/similarities between the two a bit of a chemistry lesson is involved…
How Each System Works
UV Sanitation
At short wavelengths (200 – 400 nano-meters) ultraviolet light can effectively destroy 99.9% of microorganism, such as pathogens, viruses and molds, as the pool water passes through the UV unit.
Click here to read the entire post