Healthier Pool Sanitizing Options

Beyond Chlorine: Find Healthier Alternatives for Your Pool

For decades, chlorine has been the go-to sanitizer for swimming pools across America. But if you’ve ever emerged from a swim with red eyes, irritated skin, or the lingering smell of chemicals, you might be wondering if there’s a better way.

The good news? There is. Alternatives to chlorine in swimming pools are becoming increasingly popular as pool owners seek healthier, more comfortable swimming experiences.

Chlorine effectively sanitizes pool water by killing bacteria and algae, but it comes with drawbacks. It can irritate eyes and skin, damage hair, fade swimwear, and create that distinctive “pool smell” (which comes from chloramines, byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with contaminants).

Today’s pool owners have multiple options that can reduce or eliminate chlorine use while maintaining safe, crystal-clear water. From bromine systems and mineral sanitizers to advanced technologies like UV and ozone, these alternatives offer incredible benefits for pool owners.

Why Switch from Chlorine? Health, Cost & Environmental Drivers

While chlorine has been the trusty sidekick of pool owners for generations, many of our customers across Northeastern Pennsylvania are finding compelling reasons to explore alternatives. Let’s explore why you should consider making a change.

Hidden Health Risks of Traditional Chlorine

That clean pool smell we’ve all grown up with? Turns out it might not be as harmless as we once thought. Chlorine works wonderfully at killing harmful microorganisms, but this powerful disinfectant isn’t particularly selective about what it attacks.

• Respiratory sensitivity affects roughly 5% of people who use chlorinated pools. Studies have linked regular exposure to chlorinated pools with increased asthma risk, with children who swim frequently being especially vulnerable. 
• Trihalomethanes (THMs) sound complicated, but they’re simply by-products that form when chlorine reacts with organic matter in your pool water. Research suggests that long-term exposure to these compounds may be associated with health concerns that go beyond just temporary discomfort.
• Skin and hair damage is something many swimmers simply accept as the cost of enjoying their pools. Chlorine strips away natural oils, leaving behind dry, itchy skin and brittle, sometimes discolored hair. And those red, burning eyes after a swim? That’s actually a chemical reaction between chlorine and proteins in your eyes, not just water getting in.
• Chloramine exposure creates that strong “pool smell” we typically associate with chlorine. In reality, what you’re smelling isn’t chlorine itself, but chloramines—compounds formed when chlorine combines with fluids such as sweat and body oils. These chemicals can irritate your respiratory system and eyes even more than chlorine alone.

Top Alternatives to Chlorine in Swimming Pools

Now that we understand why you might want to reduce or eliminate chlorine, let’s explore the most effective alternatives available to pool owners in Pennsylvania. At Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas, we’ve helped hundreds of customers transition to these systems with excellent results.

Bromine: A Gentler Alternative to Chlorine in Swimming Pools

Bromine sanitizes through a different chemical process than chlorine. While chlorine “uses up” much of its sanitizing power in the initial reaction with contaminants, bromine maintains more of its disinfecting ability even after this reaction.

Many individuals with sensitive skin report significantly less irritation with bromine. It’s particularly great for hot tubs since it remains stable at higher temperatures, unlike chlorine, which dissipates quickly in warm water. You’ll also notice less of that chemical smell since bromine produces fewer odorous compounds.

There are some trade-offs, though. Bromine typically costs 1.5-2 times more than chlorine for the same pool. It also kills bacteria more slowly than chlorine, though it maintains its effectiveness longer. For outdoor pools, keep in mind that bromine breaks down more quickly in sunlight, making it better suited for indoor pools or spas.

For best results with bromine, maintain your pH between 7.5-8.0, use a floating dispenser or brominator for consistent application, and consider using a supplemental shock treatment periodically.

Ozone & UV Synergy Systems

Looking for cutting-edge technology to reduce your chemical use? UV and ozone systems represent some of the most advanced alternatives to chlorine in swimming pools, using physical processes rather than chemicals to disinfect water.

UV-C light systems use specialized lamps that emit ultraviolet light at specific wavelengths to destroy microorganisms’ DNA, rendering them unable to reproduce. Meanwhile, ozone generators create O₃ (ozone) either through corona discharge (using an electric field) or UV light, creating a powerful oxidizer that destroys contaminants on contact.

The benefits are impressive. These systems can reduce your chlorine use by 50-90% while avoiding the creation of harmful disinfection byproducts. They’re particularly effective against chlorine-resistant parasites like Cryptosporidium. Plus, they’re eco-friendly with minimal environmental impact and no chemical storage.

The main limitation? Both systems only treat water passing through them, so you’ll still need a low level of residual sanitizer in the water. They also require continuous electricity (though most systems use about the same power as a 60-watt light bulb) and have higher initial installation costs than chemical-only systems.

Copper/Silver Ionizers & Mineral Cartridges

Copper/silver ionization uses a low-voltage DC current to release copper and silver ions into the water. These positively charged ions actively seek out and destroy bacteria and algae. This isn’t new technology – it was originally developed by NASA for space missions, providing proven disinfection.

Mineral systems typically use cartridges containing minerals like silver, copper, or zinc that slowly dissolve into the water, providing continuous sanitizing action.

The copper ions remain active in water for weeks, providing residual protection, and mineral systems can cut chlorine requirements by up to 50%. It can create a softer-feeling water that’s gentler on skin, hair, and eyes.

There are a few things to watch for, though. Without proper management, copper can cause greenish staining on light-colored pool surfaces. These systems also kill bacteria more slowly than chlorine, requiring supplemental oxidation, and mineral cartridges need replacement every 4-6 months.

For best results, maintain copper levels between 0.4-0.6 ppm (well below EPA drinking water limits of 1.3 ppm), use a low level of chlorine or non-chlorine shock as an oxidizer, and test regularly for copper levels to prevent staining.

PHMB (Biguanide) & Other True Chlorine-Free Chemistries

Unlike oxidizing sanitizers, PHMB works by physically disrupting bacterial cell membranes. It then causes the cellular contents to clump together, making them easier to filter out of your pool water.

The advantages are significant for those with sensitivities. It’s truly chlorine-free – no chlorine or bromine required at all. There’s no eye irritation, skin dryness, or chemical odors. Your swimsuits will thank you too, as PHMB won’t fade or damage swimwear fabrics. It’s also stable in sunlight and doesn’t break down under UV exposure.

Contact Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas For Chlorine Alternatives

Here at Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas, we’ve guided thousands of pool owners throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania toward their ideal sanitizing solutions. Our approach is always personalized—we start by assessing your current setup and understanding your specific needs before recommending appropriate alternatives. From there, we provide professional installation and supply the ongoing maintenance products you’ll need to keep your water sparkling clean.

Whether you’re relaxing by the pool in Allentown, entertaining guests in Beach Lake, or teaching the kids to swim in Scranton, we’re committed to helping you enjoy water that’s gentle on your skin, eyes, and lungs. Our team serves the entire region—from Bloomsburg to Dickson City, Lake Wallenpaupack to Tannersville, and Wilkes-Barre to Doylestown.

Ready to explore your options? Contact us today or stop by any of our locations. Your perfect pool experience is closer than you think!

Posted by Aqua Leisure Pools & Spas in Pools