Chlorine Alternatives for Your Swimming Pool

February 10th, 2020 Posted in Pool Maintenance
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Chlorine is one of the most effective sanitizers for swimming pools, killing bacteria and organisms that can pose health risks to swimmers. But it is also a harsh chemical that can dry your skin and hair, bleach clothing and leave an unpleasant odor on your body. There are chlorine alternatives that can reduce the amount of chlorine needed for your pool for a more enjoyable, yet safe, swimming experience. Salt water generators and ozone systems are two popular choices for pool owners that want to reduce chlorine in their pools.

Salt Water Generators

Salt water or chlorine generators effectively sanitize by making pure chlorine from the salt that is added to the water. The generator is installed into the pool’s filtering system, converting salt into chlorine as it passes through. As the chlorine is used for sanitization, it converts back to salt. The water does not have the smell of chlorine and does not harm your skin or clothing.

Ozone Systems

Another alternative to chlorine for pools is a ozone system. These systems use ozone as the main sanitizer for killing harmful organisms in the pool. While some chlorine is still needed, it is a fraction of what is used in chlorine pools, reducing the odor and harsh effects. You can use up to 90% less chlorine with an ozone system for your pool, creating a more desirable swimming environment.

If you want to eliminate the need for using chlorine as your main pool sanitizer, talk to your local pool service company about chlorine alternatives. Both salt water pools and ozone systems have many benefits and can keep your pool safe and sanitized with minimal use of chlorine.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pools, LLC
6538 Collins Ave, #42
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 767-7755

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5 Myths About Chlorine in Pools

April 8th, 2019 Posted in Pool Maintenance
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Everyone knows chlorine is used in most swimming pools to keep the water safe. However, you may be wrong about many other commonly held beliefs about chlorine. This chemical is strong enough to help control bacteria and other organisms that can make water unsafe for swimming and should be rinsed away after swimming to reduce damage to skin and hair. However, there are some beliefs about this popular pool chemical that are false, including these five myths.

  1. If the odor of chlorine is strong, there is too much in the pool. The smell of chlorine is what occurs when chlorine is evaporating, after it has done its job. In some cases, the smell of chlorine means the pool needs more, not less, of this chemical.
  2. Chlorine turns blonde hair green. No, chlorine is not the substance in pools that can give your hair an unwanted tinge of green. Copper is the culprit that can make blonde hair green.
  3. Chlorine stings your eyes if you open them under water. If it stings to open your eyes under water in a pool, this is not the fault of chlorine. Once again, you may not have enough chlorine as this is a symptom of unbalanced PH levels.
  4. Saltwater pools do not need chlorine. While saltwater pools require much less chlorine, they still use chlorine for shocking and chlorine is made naturally with salt.
  5. Swimmer’s ear is caused by chlorine. A clean, sanitized pool with chlorine is not the cause of swimmer’s ear. This condition is caused by pseudomonas aeruginosa – a common pathogen in pools.

Keeping your chlorine levels balanced is one of the best ways to maintain a safe, healthy swimming pool. Forget these myths about chlorine and talk to your local pool service about the proper way to use chlorine or chlorine alternatives to keep your pool water safe.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pools, LLC
6538 Collins Ave, #42
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 767-7755

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How to Clean a Salt Chlorinator Cell

January 5th, 2018 Posted in Pool Maintenance
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If you have a salt chlorinator system for controlling water quality and safety in your swimming pool, there is some maintenance that must be done.  A chlorine generator, often called a salt system, is an excellent chlorine alternative but you do need to make sure the system is cleaned and maintained. Your salt chlorinator cell should be regularly cleaned to ensure it continues working as it should and to extend its life between replacements.

Calcium scale on the salt cell is the most common reason these components need to be cleaned. The calcium scale can form on the salt plates, reducing the effectiveness of the cell and shortening the lifespan. Each model may differ, but most salt cells should be cleaned at least every 3 months, sooner if you have high calcium in your pool water or with heavy use.

Steps to Inspect Clean Your Salt Cell

Every few months, follow these steps to maintain and clean your salt cell:

  • Turn off system and pump; remove salt cell
  • Inspect for calcium deposits or scale on the salt plates; this is a light-colored substance that is encrusted on the surface
  • If calcium scale is present rinse off deposits with a hose
  • Reinstall cell and turn on system and pump

In some cases, you may have calcium scale that does not come loose with only water. An acid solution can be used to soak away the deposits. Follow your manufacturers instructions for cleaning your salt cell with an acid solution, if this is necessary.

Another option is to have your pool maintenance crew check and clean your salt cell for you. This can ensure that is does not accumulate heavy calcium deposits, improving its performance and extending the life of the cell.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pools, LLC
6538 Collins Ave, #42
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 767-7755

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Pool Sanitization Options

August 2nd, 2017 Posted in Pool Maintenance
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When you think of pool sanitization, the first thing that comes to mind may be the smell of chlorine. For many years, chlorine has been the best agent to keep swimming pools safe and sanitized. Without it, dangerous bacteria can grow, making a backyard pool a hotbed for serious illnesses. As great as chlorine is at keeping pools safe, it is also harsh on skin, hair and clothing. Luckily, advancements in technology have created chlorine alternatives that offer a better swimming experience.

One option is a chlorine generator or salt system. These swimming pool sanitizers are used in many pools to keep water at the right sanitization levels. They are available through quality pool services, using salt and an electrolytic cell to create hypochlorous acid, the active sanitizing agent in chlorine. Although this agent is created, the smell and harsh effects of chlorine are not present, creating a better swimming environment.

Another option is an ozone generator for your keeping your pool clean without dealing with the effects of too much chlorine. Ozone is an effective sanitizer, used in commercial pools and water parks to keep large amounts of water free of bacteria. Although you still will use some chlorine, the amount is greatly reduced. An ozone generator can use up to 90% less chlorine than a traditional pool sanitizing system.

Chlorine is still a safe and affordable option for maintaining a clean, safe swimming pool. But if you want a system that does not have that unique smell or harsh effects, talk to your local pool service company about chlorine alternatives. Both ozone and chlorine generators can be great options to keep your pool safe, without heavy amounts of chlorine.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools, LLC
6538 Collins Ave, #42
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 767-7755

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Are You Looking for an Alternative to Chlorine for Your Pool?

April 10th, 2016 Posted in Pool Maintenance
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For many decades, adding chorine has been the best solution for keeping commercial and residential pools sanitary and safe for swimming. However, there are also negative aspects to using this strong chemical in your pool. Chlorine can be harsh on your hair, skin and clothing, plus it emits a powerful odor. With new technology, other options besides adding large amounts of chlorine to your pool for sanitation have come available. One option is the ozone generator. 

What Is Ozone?

An ozone generator can make a substantial difference in the quality of your pool experience. Many large commercial enterprises like water parks and motels use ozone generators to keep their water sanitary. These generators are also called salt systems, as they use salt to create chlorine naturally in the water for sanitization. The system work by using an electrolytic cell that converts salt that is added to your pool into hypochlorous acid, the active element in chlorine. Since the cell is installed inside the plumbing of your pool, all the water in the pool passes through it as it cycles, making sure all your pool water stays sanitized.

Once these systems are installed, very little chlorine should be needed to be added to your pool, reducing your chlorine use by up to 90% to keep your pool balanced. The result is an odor-free pool that is more enjoyable to swim in, without the harsh effects of large amounts of added chlorine.

If you are interested in upgrading your pool to an ozone generator, talk to your local pool service that installs and maintains salt systems for their customers. You will love the experience of swimming in a low chlorine pool this summer!

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools, LLC
Miami Beach, FL
(305) 767-7755

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