About Swimming Pool Sanitizers

Pool sanitizer is a chemical that cleans pool water by killing bacteria, algae, and other contaminants. Sanitizers also keep water safe for swimmers and make it look clear. Different pool sanitizers all work slightly differently, but they all accomplish the same basic things. They keep your pool safe and sanitary, and keep potential pathogens, harmful bacteria, and algae down below the required limits for safety. If you want to learn the differences between the sanitizers, keep on reading! 

Chlorine 

The most common sanitizer is chlorine, which is effective at killing pathogens and algae. When chlorine is in a pool, it forms a weak acid called hypochlorous acid that kills bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, as well as germs that cause viruses such as diarrhea and swimmer's ear. It not only eliminates bacteria and algae by disinfecting (killing) action, it also oxidizes (chemically destroys) other materials such as dirt and chloramines. What are chloramines? They’re the compound that’s formed when there’s too little chlorine remaining in the pool to fight off or “oxidize” the sweat, suntan lotion, bodily waste and other organic materials that swimmers leave behind in the water. Chloramine build-up can produce an unhealthy environment at the surface level of the pool, especially in the shallow end where kids tend to congregate, and can lead to asthma, bronchitis and other breathing illnesses. 

Shown in picture is the Poolife 3" Cleaning Tablet | 42116 (Local Pickup Only)

Salt Chlorine Generators 

One of the most common sanitizers is a salt chlorine generator. This produces consistent doses of chlorine added into the pool automatically and avoids adding chlorine manually, pool water stays balanced longer, so it can fight off bacteria and other contaminants effectively. A salt generator consists of two components: a salt cell and a power supply. As water passes through the cell and over specially coated metal blades, the electrically charged blades convert the salt into chlorine. The cell controls allow pool owners to set the amount of chlorine that is produced in 5-minute increments. A common misconception about salt chlorine generators is that they are chlorine-free, but they are not. A salt chlorine generator produces chlorine and sanitizes the water, just as store-bought tablets, pucks, or jugs of liquid chlorine do. The salt-generated chlorine produces “pure” chlorine in the salt cell. Unlike factory-produced chlorine, there are no additives, so 100% of the salt-generated chlorine goes toward fighting bacteria and other contaminants. Then chlorine is distributed through the pool’s plumbing, directly into the swimming pool—there is no manual adding, handling, or storage required. 

Please note an automatic chlorine generator does not eliminate the need for adding other chemicals nor the need to continue to check chlorine levels regularly. You will still need to know their chlorine readings to determine if the chlorine setting needs to be adjusted up or down. Weekly water tests should continue to check pH levels, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Cyanuric acid levels can be tested less frequently, ideally monthly.

The best salt chlorine generator on the market is the Pentair IntelliChlor. The Pentair IntelliChlor can safely, effectively, and automatically use common table salt that you would normally eat food with, to produce all the chlorine a pool would need. It can provide sanitation performance the same as harsh chlorine additives without any drawbacks. This will eliminate the need to buy, handle, and or store chemicals.  

Shown in the picture is the Pentair IntelliChlor Salt Chlorine Generator | EC-520555

Ultraviolet Sterilizer

For the growing number of pool owners that are concerned about the amount of chemicals in their pool, there’s a solution that does not require any added chemicals. Furthermore, it provides added protection against several harmful bacteria that are highly resistant to chlorine. That solution is called a UV-C sterilizer. UV Systems use UV-C light to sterilize the pool water. UV light is commonly used in medical facilities to disinfect germs, and its use is growing. In swimming pools, the high-intensity UV light is contained within a plastic vessel that’s installed with the pool plumbing so it’s completely safe for swimmers. 

How does the UV system work?

As the water exits the filter, the UV light rays target the harmful bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms, including those that are highly resistant to chlorine such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and E. coli. To rid pools of these microbes, the UV light attacks pathogens at the cellular level, altering their DNA, which prevents them from reproducing and infecting swimmers. With a UV lighting system, the pool owner will also see a drop in chlorine use as well. That’s because of the light’s effectiveness in neutralizing bacteria

Pentairs bioshield ultraviolet sterilizer harnesses the power of ultraviolet light to reduce harmful chloramines which can help reduce itchy skin, burning red eyes, and chemical odors. The BioShield UV System provides a cleaner, clearer, and more enjoyable pool experience for friends and family.

Shown in the picture is Pentairs Bioshield Ultra Violet Sterilizer | 62 GPM | 120W 120/240V | 522637

If you are looking to inquiry about a sanitizer system or chemicals please contact us and we will help you to the best of our ability. With extensive experience in pool repair and maintenance, our experts are here to assist you by walking you through the process of troubleshooting your cleaner. Give us a call at 602-854-9058 or send us an email at [email protected].