Top Chlorine Alternatives for a Healthier Swimming Pool
Since all living things need water to survive, swimming pools can quickly become hotbeds of bacteria and parasites that can infect humans on contact or if swallowed. That is if you don’t clean them properly!
Chlorine is a popular choice amongst pool owners. It can eliminate germs that cause:
- Diarrhea
- Ear infections
- Skin infections
- Stomach ache
- Respiratory infections
While chlorine has its benefits, using too much can have downsides. Inhaling the strong smell can irritate the respiratory system, and it can also cause skin irritation, eye irritation or severe burns during use.
The excellent news is chlorine is not your only option. There are other ways to help sanitize your pool.
Here are the six best chlorine alternatives for keeping your pool clean and safe.
Chlorine Alternatives: Your Ultimate Guide
Ozonators
The Ozonator is a device that plugs into the water filtration plumbing system. As the water moves and filters through, the device releases ozone gas into the water. In route, the pathogens are destroyed. Generally, this system is used in conjunction with chlorine. Doing so reduces the need for chlorine by up to 90%. As a bonus, it only uses as much energy as a 60-watt light bulb!
The downside of using one of these devices is that they can be quite costly, but for many, the investment is worth it.
Ionizers
Ionizers use two different metals: copper, which is used as an algaecide, and silver, which is used as a sanitizer. This system works with chlorine, which acts as the oxidizer; however, the chlorine requirement is significantly reduced when using this system.
As water recirculates through the pool’s system, the ionizer uses a low-voltage current to attract germs, bacteria, and algae. The filtration system then removes these particles from the pool.
The upside of this system is that red-eye will be diminished; however, the downside is the initial investment can be expensive.
Reduced Temperature
As we continue to list the chlorine alternatives, lowering the temperature is a simple way to reduce the bacteria in your pool. Most living things like warmer water temperatures, so making your pool a little colder can slow the growth of bacteria and algae.
This is not the most reliable system and doesn’t remove unwanted organisms from your pool, so be cautious when using this practice.
Mineral System
A mineral water pool system uses a combination of minerals in the water to deactivate the harmful organisms in a pool as they flow through the chamber. As the minerals work, a much lower level of free chlorine is needed, generally reducing your need for chlorine by up to 50%.
Mineral systems enable you to use less chlorine, which reduces the wear on the pool’s components, the chlorine smell and the fading of liners and swimsuits. They are also relatively inexpensive to install.
Ultrafiltration
This method uses an ultra-fine sieve to remove tiny particles of skin and debris from your pool, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals.
After using basic filtration, this system does an excellent job of removing impurities and keeping your pool clean. It is quite expensive, but it is an excellent option if you’re especially sensitive to chemicals or are allergic to chlorine.
SaltWater Chlorine Generator
Saltwater pools are growing in popularity and are the new, highly recommended alternative way to generate and maintain chlorine levels. Pool saltwater systems use salt in the pool water to convert it to chlorine as it passes through a salt cell. This continuous electrolysis keeps the pool’s free available chlorine level steady.
Saltwater pool systems provide powerful water sanitization, a softer feel to the water, stop red-eye and more for an enjoyable swimming pool experience.
The initial investment is high; however, the maintenance cost is low, and the pool owner’s maintenance is minimal.

Convert Today with One of These Chlorine Alternatives
Are you interested in chlorine alternatives? Contact Cox Pools to learn more. We’ll be happy to assist you.
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