Chlorine has been used as a disinfectant in swimming pools for hundreds of years. This is because it is relatively inexpensive in comparison to other methods, and it is very accessible. But, is chlorine actually the best option for swimming pool disinfection? Before a decision can be made we need to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of using this kind of chemical disinfection for swimming pools, and then we should also consider other options for carrying out the same task.
As I have already mentioned chlorine is not as expensive compared to non-chlorine swimming pool disinfection. This is probably why the vast majority of public 消毒服務 swimming pools still use this method for disinfection. Even for most home pool owners the cost of maintaining a pool is a huge factor that is considered when purchasing a swimming pool for the home. So despite knowing there are disadvantages of using chlorine the low-cost is reason enough for this still to be a popular method for pool disinfection.
Another major benefit of using Chlorine is that it is very effective at attacking organic material and there can keep bacteria down to a minimum. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that chlorine and pH balance is “the first defense against germs that can make swimmers sick. Another benefit to consider when using Chlorine as a pool disinfectant is that once the chemical has been properly inserted into a pool it does have a long-lasting residual effect and provides protection to swimmers long after it has been applied.
So if you consider the above alone then why doesn’t everyone choose to use Chlorine as the swimming pool disinfectant of choice? Something to consider is that Chlorine has to be applied at accurate levels to be safe. When the concentration is too high it does have adverse effects on swimmers. Especially those who are prone to suffering from allergies. Side effects for swimmers in pools with the incorrect chlorine balance includes, red and stinging eyes, dry and itchy skin and dry, discolored hair. Chlorine imbalance has also been shown to give swimmers headaches and breathing problems. Chlorine has also been linked to childhood asthma.
There are other options to chlorine based pool disinfection. As we briefly mention earlier, the biggest disadvantage to using non-chlorine products is the cost. It would be difficult to compare price for the different options as some have higher start-up costs and then lower maintenance costs, and vice versa. So your choice shouldn’t be down to cost alone. Are there other benefits to health and swimmer comfort while they are in the pool. The vast majority of people who have swum in a non-chlorinated pool, when asked to compare their experience to that of swimming in a pool that contains chlorine, have stated they have less eye and skin irritation, and they don’t get out of the pool reeking of chlorine. All of these have led to them spending longer periods in the pool. This is a probably a pertinent factor for parents of small children to consider. However, all of the non-chemical methods still need to be monitored to ensure there are not huge build ups of bacteria that can cause sickness and other much larger health problems.
Other options for pool disinfection include; UV water purification, Ozone disinfection, Salt purification and electronically computer controlled disinfection.
Pool owners should research all options in-depth before making any decisions on what is best for them and their families. Talk to a pool owners that use the various types of disinfection and find out the pros and cons from them rather than taking the word of sales people. The more information you can acquire before making a decision means there is less chance you will be sorry later.