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PoolDoc
06-29-2018, 09:49 AM
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All the Chlorine Alternatives (that I've heard about)

( currently, this is just a reminder to me of what I NEED to write . . . July 2018)

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System characteristics:

Non-sanitizer effects

Oxidizer - Chemically destroys (burns up!) dirt & wastes
Residual - Present in pool, not just reactor chamber

Sanitation

Virucide - kills viruses
Bactericide - kills bacteria
Amoebicide - kills amoeba & protozoa
Anthelmintic - kills parasitic worms
Algaecide- kills algae

Aesthetic effects

Negative effects

Corrosion - causes or accelerates damage to metals
Staining - causes stains
Hair color - colors hair
Allergies - allergic reactions possible
Sensitivities - hypersensitivity reactions possible
By-products - irritating or problematic byproducts
Toxicity - toxic to humans . . . at levels found IN pools.

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In no particular order . . .


Ozone

Oxygen gas has two oxygen atoms in each molecule; ozone has three. Contrary to what pool owners think, ozone is MORE toxic than chlorine gas! Effective systems, used on public US aquariums, and on German swimming pools are VERY expensive and require continuous attention by trained operators to avoid dangerous gas releases. By contrast, US swimming pool systems are intrinsically safe because they produce so little ozone, they can't hurt anyone . . . or anything!

Apart from that, ozone is NOT a residual sanitizer -- there is NONE in the pool, even in Germany -- but it is BETTER than chlorine at killing most pathogens IF you can manage to bring them into contact with the ozone. It is also a very good oxidizer, but ONLY IF you have enough to be effective . . . and dangerous. But it's not an algaecide.

Oxone (potassium monopersulfate)

DuPont's Ozone aka MPS is an oxidizer, weaker and much more expensive than chlorine. It is not a sanitizer. It is not an algaecide. I've tried it. I've researched it. And there is NO actual evidence that anyone can find that it -- in actual pools -- does ANYTHING better than chlorine.

As far as I can tell, it is PURELY an example of the triumph of marketing over science and engineering.


Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide + UV

Ozone + UV

UV (alone)

'Natural treatment'

Monochloramine

'Salt' (as a non-chlorine treatment)

'Minerals' (copper, silver, zinc)

'Ionizers' (copper, copper + silver, zinc?)

Copper (copper sulfate; skimmer pills)

PHMB (Baquacil, Softswim, Revacil, ?)

Bromine (via sodium bromide)

Bromine (via BCDMH pills or tabs)

Magnets

Ultra-filtration

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http://www.ecosmartepool.com/

https://www.poolpurewater.com/

https://www.houselogic.com/by-room/yard-patio/swimming-pools-alternatives-chlorine/

http://www.clearwaterpoolsystems.com/healthiest-chlorine-alternative-pools/

http://articles.bluehaven.com/3-ways-to-sanitize-your-pool-without-the-typical-chlorine-risks

http://blog.intheswim.com/4-earth-friendly-alternative-pool-chemicals/

http://gochemless.com/

http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/examining-alternatives-chlorine-pool-water-treatment/

https://metaefficient.com/gardening/chlorine-alternatives-efficient-swimming-pools.html

https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2014/07/22/natural-swimming-pools-more-beauty-no-chemicals/#1833850a5da7

https://www.homedit.com/how-to-maintain-a-pool-without-chemicals/

http://www.clearwaterpoolsystems.com/healthiest-chlorine-alternative-pools/


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