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SEBASTOPOL − Most pool owners use chlorine to keep their pools germ-free, but many are also interested in alternative sanitation options such as ozone, ionizers and copper-based algaecides. The reality is, unlike chlorine—which acts as both a sanitizer and an oxidizer—most of these products have to be used in conjunction with another chemical component to provide an adequate level of sanitation in a pool.
The alternative option that most closely matches the effectiveness of traditional chlorine is salt water chlorination. While both modes involve the use of chlorine, the primary difference between them is in how the chlorine is produced and delivered to the pool. A salt water chlorination system produces chlorine by electrolysis, which occurs when sodium chloride attaches to electrical plates. As the sodium breaks down, chloride molecules are released into the water.
One of the primary benefits of salt water chlorination is its balanced distribution of chlorine. While manually adding chlorine to a pool can cause levels to spike, a salt chlorination system continuously delivers an even amount of chlorine to the pool. This prevents many of the unwelcome side effects of disproportionate chlorine levels, including overwhelming odors and eye or skin irritation.
One of the downsides of salt water chlorination is that salt is extremely corrosive and can damage a pool’s metallic components over time. However, since salt-chlorinated pools require relatively low levels of saline concentration, such damage usually results from extenuating factors such as improperly maintained pool chemistry or a malfunctioning system. As salt water chlorination continues to gain popularity as an alternative mode of sanitation, industry innovators look for new ways to minimize the potential for corrosion.