eieihome takes a look at salt water vs. ozone swimming pool sanitation systems as alternatives to traditionally chlorinated pools.
For pool-owners, the cleanliness and sanitation of the pool’s water is a top priority. It’s a matter of keeping their family safe and their pool in pristine condition. However chlorine, the chemical that has traditionally been used to maintain both private and public pools, has been at the centre of controversy in recent years.
Salt Water Pools
Source: Betz Pools
Salt water has become the popular choice for homeowners looking to move away from traditional chlorine sanitation. Oftentimes, the thought is that a salt water pool is essentially as natural as the water in the ocean. However, in actuality, the belief that a salt water system is chemical-free is actually a misconception.
A salt water pool is actually not chlorine-free. The difference being that it uses a chlorine generator rather than the direct addition of chlorine to the water. A saltwater pool’s, salt cell or chlorine generator continuously produces free chlorine and eliminates the formation of combined chlorines (also called CAC). It’s the combined chlorines cause the chlorine smell, as well as common problems such as skin and eye sensitivities.
The result is pool water that feels softer on the skin and doesn’t cause as much physical irritation as traditionally chlorinated pools sometimes can. However, there is neither cost-savings nor reduced environmental impact as a result of switching. There is also the unfortunate threat of galvanic corrosion that comes from elevated salt levels in your pool.
A Look at Ozone Sanitation
In many parts of Europe, ozone has been the ideal pool sanitizer for many years. Ozone is PH neutral and adds no contaminants to the water.
A swimming pool ozone generator oxidizes substances it comes into contact with, such as bacteria, viruses, algae, and even chlorine byproducts like chloramines. This potent oxidizer combines with contaminants so rapidly that it usually exists in pool water only a very short time, leaving nothing behind but ordinary oxygen.
In addition to sanitizing the pool, ozone also prevents calcium carbonate scaling and removes existing scale, while cleaning and preventing the build-up of greasy sediments on pool sides. This means less time and money spent cleaning your pool.
However, don’t ditch your traditional chlorine or salt water system just yet. The Government of Canada does not recognize the fact that ozone destroys all bacteria, viruses, etc. This means that an ozone swimming pool sanitation systems cannot be used on its own. Presently, they can only be used in conjunction with chlorine or salt water pool sanitation systems.
The conclusion may be that each system has its pros and cons, but in the end, the solution may be to used a combined swimming pool sanitation system system.
