What you sanitize your pool with is one of the most crucial decisions you will make as a pool owner and will determine which equipment pump will be the best for you and your family.
Pool Sanitation systems come in 4 different forms: Chlorine, Saltwater, Ozone, and UV.
Here is a quick break down of the pros and cons for each system:
Chlorinated Sanitation Systems
Chlorine systems are the “traditional” pool systems. They use chlorine alone to treat and disinfect your water.
Pros:
• Most common form of sanitation
• Widely available, cheap prices for sanitation
• Works as a residual sanitizer, meaning it works for a long time after it’s added to the water
Cons:
• Annoying side effects: dry skin, red eyes, lung irritation, allergies and more
• Leave lingering pool odor, and can damage other property such as towels, swimsuits, pool toys, etc.
Saltwater Sanitation Systems
Saltwater systems are the second most common type of pool. They use salt treatment that is converted into a “chlorine-like” system that relies on less chlorine.
Pros:
• Lower maintenance compared to chlorine systems
• Less harmful on the body: less chlorine content in the water
• Not as damaging to property like towels, swimsuits, etc.
Cons:
• Saltwater pools are not chlorine-free
• Require manual handling and storage, like chlorine systems
• Saltwater is corrosive to different surfaces and equipment in your pool
Ozone Sanitation Systems
Ozone systems are considered the most obscure sanitation tactic on this list. They use ozone gas (O3) and inject it into the pool to oxidize bacteria and clean.
Pros:
• Advanced oxidation process to target bacteria
• Reduce the amount of chlorine needed in your swimming pool water
• Water is “softer” when compared to chlorinated sanitation systems
Cons:
• Expensive. Higher barrier to entry than previous two listings
• Can’t provide continuous sanitation, require residual sanitizer
• Ozone is a toxic gas that can build up in “covered areas” (under pool covers, in pool pump room)
UV Sanitation Systems
UV systems work by having water exposed to a UV bulb that uses UV rays to suppress bacteria. These lights also are great at targeting microbes that have become chlorine resistant.
Pros:
• Reliable secondary sanitation system
• “Clean” form of sanitation that isn’t as harsh
• Lower levels of chlorine needed to supplement the water as opposed to other systems
Cons:
• Leave harmful bacteria cells in water. Can “come back”
• Like Ozone treatment, doesn’t provide continuous sanitation. Need residual sanitizer
• Expensive, harder to find equipment and repair options