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The Hidden Cost Associated with Owning a Chlorinated pool

UV disinfection systems are the future of pool maintenance and offer numerous benefits over traditional chlorine systems.

All of us are familiar with the “chlorine” smell of a swimming pool. In reality, it is not the chlorine but the chloramine that we smell in the pool air.

Are you aware of the consequences of using chlorine in your swimming pool? Chlorine is a common chemical to kill harmful bacteria and microorganisms, but it can also cause a significant impact on both pool users and the pool infrastructure. The chemical reaction between chlorine and ammonia in sweat and other bodily fluids of swimmers form chloramines, which can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, and even swimming pool asthma.

But that is not all. Chloramines are highly corrosive in nature and can have a significant impact on pool equipment, leading to costly replacements and repairs. This article highlights the hidden costs associated with owning a chlorinated pool and why pool operators are moving towards UV light-based disinfection systems.

The Effects of Chloramines on Pool Users and Equipment

Chloramines cause skin and eye irritation: The elevated levels of chloramines in a swimming pool can cause skin and eye irritation, leading to a decline in pool usage.
Swimming pool asthma: Chloramines are known to cause asthma in swimmers, especially those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Corrosion of pool equipment: Chloramines are highly corrosive and can cause significant damage to pool equipment, including pool drains, pool side benches, and HVAC systems.
Reduced lifespan of pool equipment: Studies have shown that chloramines can lead to the leaching of iron, loss of structural integrity of rubber, and even nitrification of cement materials. This results in the need for costly replacements and repairs.

Managing Chloramines in Swimming Pools

To minimize the impact of chloramines, pool owners and operators employ various techniques, including:

Monitoring chloramine levels: Pool maintenance personnel extensively use test kits to measure chlorine and chloramine levels in the pool water. To avoid harmful effects, chloramine levels must be kept below 0.3 ppm.
Pool shocking: Adding more chlorine or non-chlorine shocking agents such as monopersulfate-based oxidizers can help reduce chloramine levels in the pool.
Investing in better filtration: Certain filtration systems, such as sand filters with added volcanic ash and zeolites, or GAC filters, can remove ammonia from the pool water, reducing chloramine formation.
Regular pool cleaning: Daily vacuuming and brushing of the pool can help remove any dust that might react with chlorine to produce chloramines.

The Hidden Costs of Chlorinated Pools

While these steps are simple, they can add up to a significant sum of money annually, especially for commercial pool facilities. The sudden increases in swimmer populations during peak times further increase operational expenses. The costs associated with peripheral damage to pool equipment, such as pool cleaning vacuums, pool lights, pool heaters, and building structural elements, are often ignored but can add up over time.

The Benefits of UV Light-Based Disinfection Systems

To address these hidden costs, pool operators are turning towards UV light-based disinfection systems. Specifically, UVC energy (between 200-280 nm) has been found to be highly effective in breaking down the chloramine molecule. UV light is already well-known for its antimicrobial effects and its ability to kill chlorine-resistant bacteria, such as Cryptosporidium.

Improved Health and Safety for Swimmers: UV disinfection systems destroy chloramines, reducing the risk of skin and eye irritation, asthma, and other health problems associated with chloramine exposure.
Prolonged Life of Pool Equipment: By reducing the levels of chloramines, UV disinfection systems also help prolong the life of pool equipment, reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements.
Efficient Secondary Disinfection: UV disinfection systems provide efficient secondary disinfection, killing chlorine-resistant bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that can survive in a chlorinated pool.
Cost-effective in the Long Run: While UV disinfection systems may have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional chlorine systems, they offer long-term cost savings by reducing the maintenance costs and damage to pool equipment.
Easy to Maintain: Unlike traditional chlorine systems that require frequent monitoring and testing, UV disinfection systems are low-maintenance and do not require frequent adjustments.
Environmentally Friendly: UV disinfection systems do not produce harmful by-products like chloramines, making them a more environmentally friendly option for pool owners.

Conclusion

UV disinfection systems are the future of pool maintenance and offer numerous benefits over traditional chlorine systems. Pool owners can enjoy a safer, healthier, and more cost-effective swimming experience by switching to UV disinfection systems. It is important to consult a professional pool service provider to determine the best UV disinfection system for your pool, based on its size, type, and water chemistry.