Have you ever wondered why chlorine is actually used in swimming pools? Of course, chlorine is a chemical compound designed to disinfect the water. But what does “disinfect” really mean, and is it truly that necessary?
Let’s start from the beginning. Here is the whole truth about how chlorine works in a swimming pool.
According to current regulations, the water in a pool especially a public one must have properties that do not endanger the health of its users. It must therefore be free of any pathogenic germs. To meet these standards, every swimming pool must use appropriate disinfectants that eliminate a wide range of diseases. In addition to keeping the water clear and preventing the growth of microorganisms, the speed of action of the disinfectant is also extremely important. For example, the standard for destroying and removing bacteria that enter pool water is set at 30 seconds - very fast indeed.
Currently, chlorination is the most common and most effective method of purifying and destroying pathogenic microorganisms in water. Chlorine acts as a bactericide and removes unfiltered organic contaminants. However, the method of disinfection through chlorination has its drawbacks. Chlorine in the pool, when combined with ammonia (ammonium nitrogen) originating from the human body, reacts to form chloramines. These chemical compounds are responsible for the unpleasant and often irritating “chlorine smell” of both the water and the air. It is also believed that chloramines irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, while chlorine compounds in the water dry out the skin and may cause allergic reactions in more sensitive individuals.
There are also other methods of water disinfection. However, despite their many advantages, they are often too costly to use—especially in large pools. These include ozonation, ultraviolet (UV) light treatment, the Anti Bio system, low salinity methods, and bromination.
The most common alternatives to chlorination are ozonation and UV treatment. Ozonation is the second most popular disinfection method. Its advantages include reduced chloramine formation and a reduction in the unpleasant chlorine smell. Despite these benefits, ozone disinfection does not work instantly and does not eliminate the need for chlorine use.
What does it mean that it “does not work instantly”?
As mentioned earlier, the speed of the disinfectant is crucial. To disinfect contaminated water with ozone, it must pass through a filter, which can take much longer than the 30-second standard. Therefore, chlorine must still be present in the water, as it provides immediate disinfection and protection against microorganisms. Nevertheless, a pool with ozonated water—even with some added chlorine—is much safer for children.
Disinfection using UV light, on the other hand, destroys microorganisms in filtered water. However, like ozonation, it does not protect the water from recontamination. Therefore, UV disinfection is also supplemented with chlorination, though to a lesser degree than in the case of ozonation. The advantage of this method is that it reduces the irritating chlorine odor and the formation of chloramines.
Chlorination remains the most common method of pool disinfection in Poland. As you can see, even when other disinfection methods are applied, chlorination-albeit to a lesser degree—is still necessary. Chlorine in the pool, despite drying out and irritating the skin, is needed to protect our health and ensure biological safety.
Remember that water quality in the pool depends mainly on its users—that is, on us. That is why, before entering the pool, you should shower your body, which will reduce the number of microorganisms that come into contact with chlorine and, in turn, reduce the amount of chloramines formed. These chloramines irritate the skin and eyes and are responsible for the unpleasant smell in swimming pool areas. Also, remember to shower after using the pool. This is very important because, apart from feeling clean and maintaining basic hygiene, it washes chlorine compounds off your skin. To ensure complete comfort and effectiveness, it is worth reaching for the TRISWIM line of cosmetics, which neutralize chlorine. Thanks to these high-quality products, you can remove harmful substances and the unpleasant chlorine smell from your hair and skin while also nourishing and caring for your body.
