POOL STERILISATION
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Water Sterilisation Agents | Asiapools
Water sterilisation is the process of ensuring healthy conditions in pools and water. Different types of pools, water, and frequency of usage will require different sterilisation agents to ensure each pool is disinfected from microbes and pollutants while keeping it safe and pleasant for your enjoyment.
Why sterilisation need to be done properly?
Simply because pool water looks clear and sparkling does not necessarily mean its properly sanitised and safe for use – bacteria and pathogens from the environment or other pool users are invisible to the naked eye. Through the appropriate treatment of a pool’s water, we are able to minimise the risks and ensure the pool is safe to use and enjoy. Appropriate treatment should take into account various factors such as usage of the pool, the pool system, surrounding environment, allergies and user preference.
Types of Sterilisation Agents for the Pool
The most common types of water sterilisation agents are chlorine, salt, and peroxide.
As you can see from the image above, there are some differences in the benefits these sterilisation agents have to offer. Let us take a closer look at each agent to see which will be best for your pool’s needs.
Chlorine
One of the most widely used disinfectants for water sterilisation is Calcium Hypochlorite, often in the form of granular chlorine or tablets, at various concentrations.
Pros
Chlorine is the most cost-effective sterilisation agent, requiring no additional equipment thus no extra capital cost, with the lowest ongoing operating cost compared to other sterilisation options. Chlorine is a strong and effective sterilisation agent to kill germs and bacteria in pool water, leaving it crystal clear and sparkling ready for people to Make A Splash!
Cons
Chlorine is a strong and effective chemical in eliminating most toxins and bacteria in water, but conversely, it is easy to use incorrect dosage resulting in pool water that may be uncomfortable to use – improper use of chlorine often results in irritation to hair, skin and eyes whilst also producing a pungent smell and taste. Incorrect application of this chemical can also damage your pool’s tiles and finishes, making it worthwhile to engage an experienced pool technician to regularly service your pool.
Salt
Salt is the second-most disinfecting agents to keep the pool clean. Unlike the artificial nature of chemical Chlorine, salt pools use standard food-grade sodium chloride in a crystal form. When pool salt is introduced to a pool, it dissolves and breaks down into sodium and chlorine ions. Through the chemical reaction of electrolysis, the water will convert the chlorine ions into hypochlorous acid. Hypochlorous acid, has much less odour when compared to granular chlorine. Additionally, saltwater pools do not irritate skin and eyes the way that chlorine pools and chlorine byproducts can.
Pros
Saltwater pools are known to be gentle on skin, hair and eyes with people sensitive to chlorine showing a marked preference for saltwater. Pool salt is also safer in storage and handling than chemical chlorine, making it the preferred choice for pool owners who want a natural seawater feel for their pools.
Cons
Saltwater pools require additional capital expenditure with the investment in a pool chlorinator necessary to convert the pool salts into hypochlorous acid for disinfection and sterilisation of pool water. Aside from the initial start-up cost of the chlorinator, the salt cell will also require periodic replacement every 2-3 years.
Saltwater pools will also not be able to achieve the same sparkling, crystal-clear pool water as chlorine pools, whilst also potentially leading to rust in non-stainless steel pool equipment.
Salt
The third-most common type of sanitising agents for swimming pools is Ozone – this powerful oxidiser is created through chemical reactions using Hydrogen Peroxide combined with an ultraviolet lamp to effectively disinfect the pool water, producing clean H2O with no chemical by-product; with no smell and no taste, this makes using the pool akin to swimming in bottled mineral water.
Pros
A Peroxide pool produces the most comfortable swimming experience with no chlorine smell or saltwater taste, allowing swimmers to open their eyes underwater clearly and without discomfort. The peroxide system is also fully automated, providing round-the-clock monitoring and balancing of chemicals to maintain your pool with crystal clear water.
Cons
Peroxide pools are expensive with the technology and equipment needed to automate the conversion of Hydrogen Peroxide to ozone requiring high capital and maintenance operating cost.
Fun facts About Sterilisation Agents
- Salt pools are not choline-free
-Salt pools use a salt chlorinator to convert salt water into chlorine ions for sterilisation through the process of electrolysis - Peroxide is healthier & more natural than chlorine pools
-Peroxide is converted into ozone (O3) for sterilisation and leaves pure H2O for a healthier and odour-free swimming experience - Chemicals may affect pool equipment differently
-Important to employ end-to-end pool service providers that are experienced and familiar with the types of pool equipment as well as the chemicals use
All in all, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so the best water sterilization agent for your swimming pool will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are unsure which type of water sterilization agent is right for your pool, it is recommended to contact us for advice. Asiapools has got you covered from pool equipment to pool construction. Let’s get ready to make a splash.
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Contact: 03 – 6251 7788
Gmail: sales@asiapools.com.my