Cleaning and maintaining your pool is no easy task, and many of the harsh chlorine and chemical based cleaners and products used to do so are harmful to our health as well as the environment. Not only that, but chlorine-based pool products may not be completely effective against germs and bacteria, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Therefore, there are other, greener ways to keep your pool clean:
Following are three ways to exceptionally reduce the amount of chlorine needed to keep your pool sanitary and free of algae:
Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet light systems bombard the water with UV light, used for thousands of years for sanitation purposes. None of these are touted as “stand alone” systems, but allow you to reduce your chlorine consumption by at least 50%.
Switch to Salt or Go Natural
Saltwater pools are self-sanitize and naturally break down bacteria and germs. Using electrolysis, the salt turns into chlorine, and can be regenerated time and again. Saltwater Systems produce fewer disinfectant byproducts and side effects (including irritated skin, itchy eyes, lung problems and asthma-like symptoms) than chlorine pools. Chloramine buildup is less common in saltwater swimming pools, and users report a softer, silkier feel to the water, and less pH problems.
Even though saltwater pools have huge benefits over chlorinated pools, the most chemical-free and eco-friendly way to go is with a natural pool. These are pond-like swimming pools with plants inside shallow water areas that naturally purify the water. Natural swimming pools rely on vegetation, filtration and circulation to keep the water clean.
These kinds of pools use three types of plants: floating, deep-water and emergent. Common types of plants used in natural pools include water lilies, reeds, grass and swamp hibiscus; so they’re also beautiful!
Natural Pool Chemicals
Production, transport and storage of chlorine takes a toll on the environment. When you buy less chlorine, or you make your own with a salt system, it reduces the overall demand, and production declines. Think about this: Just one pool owner using a natural water purification alternative can reduce the amount of chlorine in the environment in a big way.
You can find many green pool products and chemicals that reduce your chlorine use. Eco-friendly product lines like Natural Chemistry, for one, clean the pool water and keep it balanced without using chlorine or harmful chemicals.
Pool Covers and Landscaping do a lot too.
Keeping your pool covered when not in use and using strategic landscaping to block wind can reduce the debris blown in from wind reducing the need to clean. These methods can also reduce water evaporation and heating costs. Solar pool covers reduce the need for chemicals, help heat the water and lower evaporation by nearly 100 percent.
Plants and shrubs help absorb carbon dioxide and some of the other byproducts from traditional pool chemicals. Even if you don’t have a natural pool, you can still plant some purifying plants like reeds and irises nearby, to help filter the soils around your swimming pool, and keep your air cleaner!
Will you consider adding just one natural purifier or natural clarifier to your pool, or switching to a salt chlorinator or maybe go completely natural? It is very possible reduce your dependence on chlorine and algaecides, but still have clean and safe pool water.
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