17 April 2024

5 Healthier Alternatives to Chlorine for Swimming Pools

Swimming is one of the most effective forms of exercise, with 30 minutes in the water equating to 45 minutes of the same activity on land. Not only does regular swimming reduce stress, anxiety and depression, but it also improves sleep patterns and can decrease the risk of long-term health conditions by up to 40% [1].

With such tangible health benefits, the quality of our swimming environment has garnered increasing attention. While swimming offers numerous mental and physical health advantages, the chemicals commonly used for water sanitation pose risks to our well-being.

These chemicals, primarily chlorine-based disinfectants, react with sweat, body oils, and hair products that form chlorination by-products. These compounds contribute to the typical chlorinated pool smell and are associated with respiratory issues and skin irritation [2].

This concern highlights the need for improved pool management strategies that minimise exposure to these potentially harmful by-products while maintaining the hygienic benefits of chlorination.

1. Chlorine Free Swimming Pools

Advancements in pool filtration technology now allow for the safe elimination of chlorine while ensuring clean and healthy water. The mineral+biome filter, developed by Origin Aqua, employs a sophisticated combination of mechanical and biological filtration methods. These methods, similar to those found in natural thermal springs, effectively cleanse the pool water by removing organic contaminants and neutralising pathogens without harsh chemicals.

Furthermore, this system not only purifies the water but also enriches it with beneficial minerals, all managed through an automated system that upholds high water quality standards, making it a safe, health-promoting option for swimming pools.

The Natural Pool Company is proud to partner with Origin Aqua to offer this completely chemical free filtration technology. If you are interested in learning more, please get in touch with our team today.

What are the Options for Low Chemical Filtration?

Here are several methods to achieve effective water filtration without the detrimental health impacts:

2. High Quality Fine Filtration:

This method actively purifies swimming pool water by meticulously sieving out even the tiniest particles and impurities. It minimises the risk of algae growth, bacterial contamination and cloudy water, reducing the need for excessive chemicals.

3. Ultraviolet (UV) Light:

A lamp emitting UV-C ultraviolet radiation is integrated into the filtration system. As water passes through, the UV light acts as a sanitiser targeting pathogens. This reduces the reliance on chemical sanitisers, effectively diminishing the presence of chloramines and lowering chlorine use. UV pool treatments are quick to install, require minimal maintenance and are an eco-friendly choice.

4. Continuous Monitoring:

Regular monitoring of the chemical levels in your pool can greatly reduce the use of harmful chemicals. Using test strips, liquid test kits, or electronic testers to check levels of chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and cyanuric acid allows for precise chemical adjustments. This promotes a more sustainable and cost-effective pool maintenance routine.

5. Protective Covers:

Using the correct type of pool cover prevents evaporation, dilution and contamination from external particulates. It maintains stable chemical concentrations, minimises the need for chemical adjustments, and saves on heating costs by reducing heat loss. It also lessens the environmental impact by reducing dehumidification needs and water inputs.

Looking for Healthier Swimming Pool Options?

The Natural Pool Company specialises in high quality, low chemical and chemical free swimming pools. To learn more, get in touch and explore our solutions: info@thenaturalpoolcompany.co.uk.

[1] Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Swimming report: Commissioned by Swim England’s Swimming and Health Commission 2017.

[2] Health effects of exposure to chlorination by-products in swimming pools