The shortage of chlorine tablets is an unusual occurrence during most swimming pool seasons. In fact, it hadn’t happened until the onset of the 2021 swimming season. Nevertheless, there are several effective alternatives for sanitizing your pool. So, what are the chlorine tablet alternatives available to maintain the cleanliness and health of your swimming pool, especially if you can’t find chlorine due to a shortage or prefer different sanitation methods for your family’s safety?
Bleach, bromine, and a saltwater chlorinator system are viable alternatives that can keep your swimming pool’s water fresh and clean all summer long. When using bleach or the salt chlorinator method, you will still have chlorine in your pool, as it generates chlorine without relying on tablets. There are additional methods as well, including the use of an Ozonator for UV sanitation or adding mineral supplements. While these methods don’t completely eliminate the need for chlorine, they can help reduce the quantity of chlorine required, allowing you to stretch your existing chlorine tablets further.
Liquid Bleach For Chlorinating A Pool
Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite, while traditional chlorine is made up of calcium hypochlorite. The potency of pool chlorine is approximately ten times stronger than that of bleach, yet bleach can be just as effective for sanitization.
When utilizing bleach as a pool sanitizer, ensure you select a product that is free from dyes, fragrances, or any special additives. Opt for stronger formulations of at least 6% concentration instead of the standard 3% to minimize the volume needed for effective chlorination. For comprehensive guidance on how to properly chlorinate your pool with bleach, refer to my detailed article on the subject.
When using bleach:
- Only use plain bleach without any special additives.
- Choose stronger concentrations of at least 6%. Some cheaper brands may only contain 3%, which could end up costing more in the long run if you need to use double the amount.
- Monitor your chlorine levels daily and add bleach as needed to maintain a chlorine concentration between 1 and 3 parts per million, aiming for 3 ppm as your target.
I recommend downloading a free app called Pool Pal. It’s available on both Apple and Android platforms and will help you calculate the exact amount of bleach needed based on your pool’s water volume and specific requirements.
Bromine
Often favored for spas, hot tubs, and indoor swimming pools, bromine serves as an excellent alternative for sanitizing a swimming pool. Many owners of indoor or enclosed pools prefer bromine because it doesn’t emit the strong chlorine odors typical of traditional chlorine usage, providing a more pleasant experience, particularly in smaller spaces.
A few key facts about Bromine:
- Dissolves more slowly than chlorine in most cases.
- Has a greater strength than chlorine.
- Tends to be a more costly alternative.
- Still requires regular shocking of your swimming pool water.
- It’s best to maintain bromine levels in your pool between 3 and 5 parts per million, with 5 ppm being the ideal target.
Ozone Generator
Choosing to incorporate an ozone generator into your pool system will involve some additional installation and equipment. It’s important to note that while this method cleans the pool water without chemicals, it’s typically recommended to add some chemicals to sustain your desired chlorine levels.
With an ozone generator, you can potentially reduce chlorine usage by up to 95%. This option is especially appealing for pool owners who wish to minimize their reliance on chlorine tablets or bleach while still achieving optimal water clarity. The system works by sending UV light into the water, purifying it before it returns to the pool, ensuring a refreshing swimming experience for you and your family.
Salt Water System Which Produces Chlorine
The most expensive chlorine tablet alternative on this list is the installation of a Salt Water Chlorination system. This system can be added to any pool, whether above ground or in-ground, and is one of the most efficient ways to maintain chlorination with minimal effort once set up.
While this method is a substitute for chlorine tablets, it is not a substitute for chlorine itself. In a saltwater system, you add salt to the water, which is then processed through a salt chlorinator. As the water flows through the chlorinator’s cells, it produces chlorine from the salt content, which is then returned to the pool.
A few facts about saltwater chlorinators:
- You won’t taste the salt significantly; it’s nothing like swimming in the ocean.
- If you’re sensitive to chlorine and seeking an alternative, keep in mind that salt is NOT a solution. The salt chlorinator generates chlorine from the salt in your water, so your pool will still contain chlorine.
- Salt doesn’t evaporate, meaning you don’t need to add salt every time you refill water due to evaporation, although you will need to replenish salt after significant water loss.
- Chlorinator cells can wear out. Salt chlorinators often have multiple cells generating chlorine, and if one fails, you may need to replace it. Look for a unit with a solid warranty of 3 to 5 years for peace of mind.
Add Mineral Supplements To Your Pool To Use Less Chlorine
Another method to conserve chlorine is by incorporating mineral supplements into your pool. These supplements introduce silver and copper into the water, which can help eliminate unwanted bacteria. However, it’s important to note that this method won’t completely eradicate all pathogens, so you will still need to add some chlorine.
The most common way to implement this system is by installing a mineral dispenser within your existing filtration setup. Once set up, you can replace the mineral cartridge as needed, allowing it to automatically purify your pool’s water and potentially reducing your chlorine usage by up to 50%. A popular product, the Nature 2 Express mineral sanitizer cartridge, is compatible with most above-ground and in-ground pools up to 25,000 gallons and lasts for up to six months. Most pool owners will need only one cartridge for the entire swimming season. Installation typically requires some plumbing work to connect it to your filtration system, ideally just before the water returns to the pool or before your inline chlorinator, if you have one.
When adding mineral supplements to your pool, you will:
- Maintain your chlorine levels between 0.5 and 1.5 parts per million, with the ideal target being a low end of just 0.5 ppm. This can significantly reduce the amount of chlorine tablets, bleach, or liquid chlorine you need regularly.
- Typically utilize cartridges that last an entire season, although this may vary based on size and brand. Choose a cartridge that requires minimal maintenance.
- Reduce chlorine odors and eye irritation due to lower chlorine usage.
- Use them alongside chlorine tablets, saltwater filtration systems, liquid chlorine, or bleach methods, thus reducing the overall amount of product required for pool maintenance. However, if utilizing salt, it will not decrease the amount of salt needed, but you can adjust the chlorine generation to 0.5 ppm.
In Closing
Whether you’re seeking alternatives to chlorine tablets or are facing a shortage in your local pool supply stores, various options are available to ensure you and your family can enjoy the swimming season to its fullest. Don’t let the inability to obtain chlorine tablets keep your backyard oasis closed this summer. Instead, explore creative alternatives to maintain your pool water, and you might even discover methods that surpass your previous approaches.
Bir yanıt yazın