Chlorine Shortage: Alternatives

2021 is the year of the shortage. Cars, computers, oil, gas, and now Chlorine. Unlike the other items on the shortage list there are quite a few alternatives to Chlorine. Some are known and used often and others not so much. Let’s dive in and take a look at all of our choices going forward. For the most part in the pool industry there are 4 or 5 safe Chlorine alternatives for pool professional and weekend warriors alike. Salt chlorination systems, Bromine, Mineral systems, Ozone generators, and AOP Hydroxyl Systems. Of course there are plenty more alternatives but these are the most common in our opinion.

Salt Chlorination Systems

The first alternative we’ll cover is Salt Chlorination systems. These systems work by taking pool water and sodium through a process called electrolysis. Once the cell generates chlorine it is simply returned to the pool or body of water chlorinated and clean.

Bromine as a Chlorine Alternative

The next alternative we’ll dive into is Bromine. Bromine is the most common chlorine alternative in tablet form. Bromine acts as a sanitizer and oxidizer for pools and bodys of water. Bromine works by pushing hypobromous acid into water and binding organic materials. Chlorine and Bromine are both halogens and as such both are known to be bad for skin, causing irritation and sore eyes. Bromine is also twice the cost of Chlorine and has always been the more expensive option. With that being said Bromine doesn’t have a strong odor and is applicable for spa use as well.

Mineral Systems for Chlorine Sensitivity

Next up is Mineral systems. Mineral systems work by usually using magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, and or potassium chloride. For the most part it isn’t possible to entirely replace chlorine, however, these systems allow for a reduction in the amount of chlorine required in the body of water or swimming pool. Mineral systems work by effectively upping or buffing the active minerals already present in the water while adding in other minerals to work with one another. There are premade drop-in systems that need to be added and changed periodically similar to a chlorine float. With the price tag, mineral systems are usually reserved for those very sensitive to chlorine.

Ozone Generators

Ozone Generators work similar to our own ozone. Instead of adding anything to the water, the water is sanitized and cleaned during normal filtration. With that being said it only works so well and another additive like chlorine or bromine is required to kill algae and ensure the body of water is actually clean and stays clean. While the ozone system will clean the water, the added chlorine or other chemicals will maintain the levels for longer and at a better rate of effectiveness.

Clear Comfort AOP Pool System

The last, and newest system to our team is the Clear Comfort AOP Pool System. The AOP has drinking water levels of chlorine and is really a game changer. This system easily treats 90 GPM and comes standard with a best in class 5 year warranty from the manufacturer. To build on that, the AOP has a 90 day testing period with the option to return the product for a full refund. This system tackles medium to large residential pools and spas. Similar to our ozone the AOP system creates hydroxyl radicals to oxidize and disinfect the body of water. The AOP grabs oxygen and converts it to Atomic Oxygen.

After conversion, the system injects the Atomic Oxygen via a venturi to mix and react with the water present in the pool. At this point, Hydroxyl Radicals are created and introduced into the polluted water.