When you think about the means of keeping your swimming pool clean and safe to swim in, the first thing that usually comes to your mind would definitely be the application of a chemical called chlorine. It is actually true, being an effective and important component for cleaning the water. However, some are still reluctant regarding the use of this chemical, commonly because of the side effects. Too much chlorine can produce an unpleasant chemical odor, can make one’s skin irritated, and can even cause red eyes. But then, these side effects typically happen only if the chlorine is not used properly. When it is used and integrated properly, it is actually safe.
Of course, no one would want to swim in a giant, germ-infested pool. Without chlorine, swimming pools would definitely look like that. It results in being unsafe and unsanitary, which might even impose the risk of experiencing illnesses like diarrhea, swimmer’s ear, and several types of skin infections as well.
Role of Chlorine in Swimming Pools
The main role of chlorine in swimming pools would be to keep the water clean, to protect swimmers from waterborne germs, and to prevent the growth of algae. And relative to how chlorine keeps the water clean, while there are other methods of cleaning the pool water, including UV or ozone treatment, chlorine is still undoubtedly the most effective one. They cannot act as replacements for chlorine. Though there are cleaning agents and some treatments that can clean water before it enters the pool, they still do nothing to maintain the hygiene of the water once it is in the pool.
Some people may only see chlorine as an unimportant chemical mixed with pool water. Which is why it is important to understand how chlorine works, what its benefits are, and how people can use it properly. And while using this chemical is deemed to be an effective cleaning agent, it works very well for the safety and sanitation of the swimmers if you practice regular pool maintenance too.
To Keep Water Clean
Chlorine works at swimming pools primarily to keep the pool water clean and safe to swim in. This chemical is actually the only effective way in maintaining the hygiene of the pool water. It has elements that let it fend off the germs and bacteria, keeping the water sanitized. In this way, the swimmers will not be exposed to harmful levels of microbes that are the primary causes of illnesses. Additionally, even saltwater pools need chlorine too.
The power of chlorine is found in a simple chemical reaction. After being applied in the pool water, the chlorine solution breaks down into two important molecules: hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion. Both compounds eliminate the bacteria by targeting and breaking down the lipids in their cell walls, leaving them harmless. While both chemicals are effective, hypochlorous acid is significantly faster. It has the ability to oxidize an organism in a matter of seconds. For hypochlorite ions, it can take up to 30 minutes for it to form. But then, both chemicals are necessary for keeping your pool clean.
To Protect Swimmers from Waterborne Germs
Given that chlorine is responsible for keeping the water clean, this is also relative to how it protects swimmers from waterborne germs. This reduces the risk for swimmers of waterborne illnesses as well, like diarrhea, swimmer’s ear, and other skin infections. And when chlorine is added to pool water, it forms a weak acid, also referred to as hypochlorous acid. It has the ability to kill bacteria like salmonella. As well as those germs and bacteria that cause mild to serious illnesses, like what has been mentioned above.
Moreover, without chlorine, several microorganisms could grow in pool water. They might cause gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic, and even wound infections. Thus, if that seemed to be disturbing, you would definitely prefer to swim in chlorinated water.
However, extremely high amounts of chlorine being applied to pool water can be hazardous to one’s breathing. Which is why certain manufacturers have developed alternatives to chlorine, which includes other chemicals and ion generators. Some of them may somehow be effective agents. However, they still do not achieve the cleanliness, oxidation levels, or the low price that chlorine provides. Thus, if you want to enjoy the cost-efficient and effective benefits of chlorine, it is important to take note of the amount you are going to put on. This is so the swimmers would not suffer from unfavorable conditions. These might even impose serious risks on their health.
To Prevent the Growth of Algae
If water is not cleaned and maintained regularly, it may result in the growth of algae. This, then, leads to having to possess bacteria and viruses. It may leave the swimming pool unsanitary, and of course, uncomfortable to swim in. It also imposes the risk of certain health conditions too. Given that chlorine is responsible for keeping pool water clean, it can also be the strongest available algaecide for pools. There may be other algaecides that are available for preventing the growth of algae in swimming pools such as copper solutions. However, it may not be as effective as chlorine. It may even contain high pH levels, which may result in your swimmers to have green hair.
Moreover, chlorine has the power to destroy pool goo as well, since it is the most practical oxidizer of these. Without chlorine, heavily utilized commercial pools will become completely cloudy in a single day. Though algae may not be a health risk, it may still look bad and feel uncomfortable to even imagine swimming at.
Key Takeaway
It is not logical to think that chlorine in swimming pools only causes swimmers to experience various side effects that can somehow lead to potential health risks. Remember, it can only be a harmful chemical if it is not used properly. However, if you will be using it properly, along with applying only the right amount of chlorine, it can fully serve its purpose of keeping the water clean, protecting swimmers from waterborne germs, and preventing the growth of algae. It can certainly make one’s entire swimming experience a better and a safer one.
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