Chlorine is an effective sanitizer

Chlorine is an effective sanitizer used by millions of pool owners, but it has its drawbacks, leading pool owners in search of alternative products to ensure silky smooth, gentle water. Perhaps it is time to consider converting to another system and relegating irritated eyes, bleached swimsuits and strong odors to the past.

Biguanide: An Alternative to Chlorine
Products with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), better known as biguanide, offer a complete alternative to chlorine. In fact, chlorine and biguanide are incompatible and cannot be mixed. You must switch 100 percent to biguanide-compatible products.

Manufacturers recommend staying within the same product family. Major brands include Baquacil by Avecia, Inc., of Wilmington, DE, and SoftSwim® Pool Care by BioGuard, Inc., of Lawrenceville, GA.

Biguanide's effectiveness in killing microbes is well accepted in the medical community. It is used in gauze dressings and contact lens solutions to prevent infections. Biguanide attracts bacteria to it, and then penetrates the germs' cell wall, causing the bacterium to break and die.

Registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as a sanitizer, biguanide has offered consistent control of bacteria for more than 20 years. Sunlight and high temperatures do not alter biguanide's effectiveness.

"With Baquacil, you get none of the harsh effects that you potentially have with chlorine," says Dave Gayeski, marking communications manager for Avecia. "It does not bleach or discolor a vinyl liner, bathing suit or hair."

Pool owners check the residual level of biguanide weekly, using a special test kit, and add more of the product when it drops below 30 ppm. They also must monitor pH levels.

With a biguanide system, pool owners add an algicide weekly or biweekly and shock with hydrogen peroxide monthly or as needed to maintain between 20 and 60 ppm to maintain an oxidizer in the water. Swimmers need to stay out of the water for only 15 minutes after shocking the pool.

"Our SoftSwim® program is three, easy steps: ABC-algicide, bactericide and clarifier," says David Rouse, manager of technical services for BioGuard, Inc. "It is all liquid and easy to use."

Companies also sell surface and filter cleaners to provide a complete pool-care system.

"Biguanide compared to chlorine puts a little more stress on the filter, and your filter will get dirtier," Gayeski says.

Avecia recommends monitoring the filter pressure and backwashing when it goes up. If that is not successful, wash the filter with an acid cleaner. Thorough cleaning also should be completed at the start of the swim season and midway through the year. The company recently introduced a filter-cleaning product that lets you soak and then rinse cartridge and diatomaceous earth filter grids.

BioGuard suggests frequent backwashing of the filter and monthly use of a filter-cleaning product. In addition, the company recently introduced SoftSwim Assist® to kill and prevent slime and mold buildup in the circulation system. Slime and mold force homeowners to use biguanide products at a higher rate or the oxidizer will be used up, often causing the water to become cloudy. SoftS wim® Assist is added monthly. Rouse says that it can be used safely in any biguanide pool.

Making the Switch to Biguanide
Switching to biguanide does not require draining the pool. Your pool professional can walk you through the process, which takes between one and two days. Before beginning, take a water sample to the pool supplier to check for metals. Metals can lead to staining. Even if the sample is clear, plan on adding metal control, since water sources often contain trace metals.

To make the switch, add a reducing agent to the water to eliminate chlorine or bromine. Run the pool for 8 to 12 hours, then check the old sanitizer level and add more neutralizer if needed. Do not add biguanide until the level hits zero or you will create a greenish mess with the consistency of pancake batter.

Maintaining a pool with biguanide products costs more than chlorine, but thousands of pool owners believe that the convenience and soft water feel of the alternative system is a good trade-off.

Bromine
Indoor pool owners and those in the Northeast often opt to sanitize with bromine, which lacks the pungent odor of chlorine but is not stabilized and breaks down quickly in sunlight.

"Bromine is traditionally easier on the eyes and skin; it's not as harsh," says Michael Moore, vice president of marketing for Advantis Technologies, Inc., Alpharetta, GA, makers of GLB Pool & Spa products.

Bromine is added through an inline feeder or floating device. Homeowners must test the water regularly with a special bromine kit and maintain the level between 1 - 3 ppm. Once a bromine product has been used in the water, adding an oxidizer will regenerate the bromine ion, and it will regain its sanitizing properties.

To change from chlorine to bromine, just start using bromine. Though it costs more, but many people feel that less irritating water is worth the money.

Mineral Systems
Various mineral systems exist. Some, such as those placed into a cartridge filter, use minerals to decrease the amount of bacteria in the water. You still need to add chlorine, just not as much. At the low level of chlorine recommended, pool owners are less likely to notice the chemical. Replace the mineral unit every four months. Periodically shock the pool with chlorine to rid the water of contaminants.

There are many systems that generate chlorine from salt, such as BioGuard's Mineral Springs®. Several other brands of generators are available to perform a similar function, but Mineral Springs® is unique because it contains many other additives that are not available in other systems, such as cyanuric acid and a scale and corrosion inhibitor. With all of these systems, the water becomes ultra soft, reminiscent of a European spa.

"It is still chlorine, but it generates a nice, even level of parts per million," Rouse says.

Converting to Mineral Springs® requires installation of a small inline generator and dropping the contents of a bag of Beginnings® in the water. Then once a week, add a package of Renewal®. No shocking is needed. As with other products, you still must test to balance the water.

Ozone
An ozone generator offers another option for limiting the use of chlorine. These units produce ozone, an effective sanitizer that stays active for a short period of time and does not remain in the water. Therefore, a chemical sanitizer, like chlorine, is still needed in low levels.

"Ozone works with chlorine to maintain sanitary water," says Jennifer Engelmeier, national sales manager, Del Industries, San Luis Obispo, CA. "You do not have consumables to purchase, since ozone is created through electricity."

Ozone removes body oils, iron and other particles from the water, which can help eliminate the ring that forms around the waterline.

Two types of ozone generators exist. An ultraviolet (UV) unit uses a special light bulb to produce ozone; a corona discharge ozonator calls on special electrical cells to generate ozone and can produce five times more ozone than UV models. "UV units can cost less initially," explains Engelmeier, "but CD ozone cells last at least 2 - 3 years longer and use 70 to 90 percent less electricity."

Oxidizers
Just about everyone familiar with swimming pools and spas is familiar with the process of oxidizing (or shocking) to rid the water of unwanted contaminants.

Since chlorine is both an oxidizer and a sanitizer, it can be used for all sanitizing systems except for biguanides. Those who want a chlorine-free oxidizer can use products containing potassium monopersulfate. DuPont� markets potassium monopersulfate under the brand name DuPont� Oxone® pool and spa oxidizer, and Ed Lightcap, account manager for DuPont�, says, "Potassium monopersulfate is the only chlorine-free oxidizer used in the pool and spa industry for chlorine, bromine, mineral and ozone systems."

Of course, pool and spa water must be balanced carefully after any oxidizer is used.

With so many excellent products available, one can only wonder whether chlorine remains popular because of cost and performance, or because people are still uninformed about the merits of the other choices.

Kết quả (Anh) 1:

Chlorine is an effective sanitizer used by millions of pool owners, but it has its drawbacks, leading pool owners in search of alternative products to ensure silky smooth, gentle water. Perhaps it is time to consider converting to another system and relegating irritated eyes, bleached swimsuits and strong odors to the past.Biguanide: An Alternative to Chlorine Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) products with, better known as biguanide, offer a complete alternative to chlorine. In fact, chlorine and biguanide are incompatible and cannot be mixed. You must switch to 100 percent to biguanide-compatible products. Manufacturers recommend staying within the same product family. Major brands include Baquacil by Avecia, Inc., of Wilmington, DE, and SoftSwim ® Pool Care by BioGuard, Inc., of Lawrenceville, GA. Biguanide's effectiveness in killing microbes is well accepted in the medical community. It is used in gauze dressings and contact lens solutions to prevent infections. Biguanide attracts bacteria to it, and then penetrates the germs ' cell wall, causing the bacterium to break and die. Registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as a sanitizer, biguanide has offered consistent control of bacteria for more than 20 years. Sunlight and high temperatures do not alter biguanide's effectiveness. "With Baquacil, you get none of the harsh effects that you potentially have with chlorine," says Dave Gayeski, marking communications manager for Avecia. "It does not bleach or discolor a vinyl liner, bathing suit or hair." Pool owners check the residual level of biguanide weekly, using a special test kit, and add more of the product when it drops below 30 ppm. They also must monitor pH levels. With a biguanide system, pool owners add an algicide in weekly or biweekly and shock with hydrogen peroxide monthly or as needed to maintain between 20 and 60 ppm to maintain an oxidizer in the water. Swimmers need to stay out of the water for only 15 minutes after shocking the pool. "Our SoftSwim ® program is three, easy steps: ABC-algicide, bactericide and clarifier," says David Rouse, manager of technical services for BioGuard, Inc. "It is all liquid and easy to use." Companies also sell surface and filter cleaners to provide a complete pool-care system. "Biguanide compared to chlorine puts a little more stress on the filter, and your filter will get dirtier," Gayeski says. Avecia recommends monitoring the filter pressure and backwashing when it goes up. If that is not successful, wash the filter with an acid cleaner. Thorough cleaning also should be completed at the start of the swim season and midway through the year. The company recently introduced a filter-cleaning product that lets you soak and then rinse the cartridge and diatomaceous earth filter grids. BioGuard suggests frequent backwashing of the filter and monthly use of a filter-cleaning product. In addition, the company recently introduced SoftSwim ® Assist to kill and prevent slime and mold buildup in the circulation system. Slime and mold force homeowners to use biguanide products at a higher rate or the oxidizer will be used up, often causing the water to become cloudy. Softs wim ® Assist is added monthly. Rouse says that it can be used safely in any biguanide pool. Making the Switch to BiguanideSwitching to biguanide does not require draining the pool. Your pool professional can walk you through the process, which takes between one and two days. Before beginning, take a water sample to the pool supplier to check for metals. Metals can lead to staining. Even if the sample is clear, plan on adding metal control, since water sources often contain trace metals.To make the switch, add a reducing agent to the water to eliminate chlorine or bromine. Run the pool for 8 to 12 hours, then check the sanitizer level and add more neutralizer if needed. Do not add biguanide until the level hits zero or you will create a greenish mess with the consistency of pancake batter. Maintaining a pool with biguanide products costs more than chlorine, but thousands of pool owners believe that the convenience and soft water feel of the alternative system is a good trade-off. BromineIndoor pool owners and those in the Northeast often opt to sanitize with bromine, which lacks the pungent odor of chlorine but is not stabilized and breaks down quickly in sunlight."Bromine is traditionally easier on the eyes and skin; It's not as harsh, "says Michael Moore, vice president of marketing for Advantis Technologies, Inc., Alpharetta, GA, makers of GLB Pool & Spa products. Bromine is added through an inline feeder or floating device. Homeowners must test the water regularly with a special bromine kit and maintain the level between 1-3 ppm. Once a bromine product has been used in the water, adding an oxidizer will regenerate the bromine ions, and it will regain its sanitizing properties. To change from chlorine to bromine, just start using bromine. Though it costs more, but many people feel that the less irritating water is worth the money. Mineral SystemsVarious mineral systems exist. Some, such as those placed into a cartridge filter, use minerals to decrease the amount of bacteria in the water. You still need to add chlorine, just not as much. At the low level of chlorine recommended, pool owners are less likely to notice the chemical. Replace the mineral unit every four months. Periodically shock the pool with chlorine to rid the water of contaminants.There are many systems that generate chlorine from salt, such as BioGuard's Mineral Springs ®. Several other brands of generators are available to perform a similar function, but Mineral Springs ® is unique because it contains many other additives that are not available in other systems, such as cyanuric acid and a scale and corrosion inhibitor. With all of these systems, the water becomes ultra soft, reminiscent of a European spa. "It is still chlorine, but it generates a nice, even level of parts per million," Rouse says. Converting to Mineral Springs ® requires installation of a small inline generator and dropping the contents of a bag of Beginnings ® in the water. Then once a week, add a package of Renewal ®. No shocking is needed. As with other products, you still must test to balance on the water. OzoneAn ozone generator offers another option for limiting the use of chlorine. These units produce ozone, an effective sanitizer that stays active for a short period of time and does not remain in the water. Therefore, a chemical sanitizer, like chlorine, is still needed in low levels."Ozone works with chlorine to maintain sanitary water," says Jennifer Engelmeier, national sales manager, Del Industries, San Luis Obispo, CA. "You do not have to purchase consumables, since ozone is created through electricity." Ozone removes body oils, iron and other particles from the water, which can help eliminate the ring that forms around the waterline. Two types of ozone generators exist. An ultraviolet (UV) unit uses a special light bulb to produce ozone; a corona discharge ozonator calls on special electrical cells to generate ozone and can produce five times more ozone than UV models. "UV units can cost less initially," explains Engelmeier, "but CD ozone cells last at least 2-3 years longer and use 70 to 90 percent less electricity." OxidizersJust about everyone familiar with swimming pools and spas is familiar with the process of oxidizing (or shocking) to rid the water of unwanted contaminants.Since chlorine is both an oxidizer and a sanitizer, it can be used for all sanitizing systems except for biguanides. Those who want a chlorine-free oxidizer potassium monopersulfate containing products can use. DuPont markets potassium monopersulfate under the brand name DuPont Oxone ® pool and spa oxidizer, and Ed Lightcap, account manager for DuPont, says, "Potassium monopersulfate is the only chlorine-free oxidizer used in the pool and spa industry for chlorine, bromine, mineral and ozone systems." Of course, the pool and spa water must be balanced carefully after any oxidizer is used. With so many excellent products available, one can only wonder whether chlorine remains popular because of cost and performance, or because people are still uninformed about the merits of the other choices.

Kết quả (Anh) 2:

Chlorine is an effective sanitizer dùng Millions of pool owners, but it has its drawbacks, leading pool owners in search of alternative products to Ensure silky smooth, gentle water. Perhaps it is time to như converting to another system and relegating irritated eyes, bleached swimsuits and strong odors to the past. biguanide: An Alternative to Chlorine Products with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), better known as biguanides, offer a complete alternative to chlorine. In fact, chlorine and biguanide are tương thích and can not be mixed. Phải switch to 100 percent biguanide-compatible products. Manufacturers recommend staying trong same product family. Major brands include Baquacil by Avecia, Inc., of Wilmington, DE, and SoftSwim® by BioGuard Pool Care, Inc., of Lawrenceville, GA. biguanide's effectiveness in killing microbes is well accepted in the medical community. It is USED in gauze dressings and contact lens solutions to Prevent infections. Biguanide attracts bacteria to it, and then penetrates the Germs' cell wall, Causing the bacterium to break and die. Registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as a sanitizer, biguanide Offered Consistent control of bacteria has more coal for 20 years. Sunlight and high temperatures do not alter biguanide's effectiveness. "With Baquacil, you get none of the effects Harsh mà Potentially you have with chlorine," says Dave Gayeski, marking communications manager for Avecia. "It does not bleach or discolor a vinyl liner, hair or bathing suit." Pool owners to check the residual level of biguanide weekly, using a special test kit, add more of the product and it drops below 30 ppm khi. They phải am also monitor pH levels. With a biguanide system, pool owners weekly or biweekly add an algicide and shock with hydrogen peroxide monthly or as needed to Maintain the between 20 and 60 ppm to Maintain an oxidizer in the water. Swimmers need to stay out of the water for only 15 minutes after shocking the pool. "Our program is SoftSwim® three, easy steps: ABC-algicide, bactericide and clarifier," says David Rouse, manager of technical services for BioGuard, Inc. "It is all liquid and easy to use." Companies am also sell filter surface and a complete pool cleaners to cung-care system. "biguanide compared to chlorine puts a little more stress on the filter, and filter của sẽ get dirtier," Gayeski says. Avecia recommends monitoring the pressure filter backwashing khi and it goes up. If không successful, wash the filter with an acid cleaner. Thorough cleaning am also shouldnt be completed at the start of the swim season and midway through the year. The company introduced a filter-cleaning Recently mà product lets you soak and then rinse the filter cartridge and diatomaceous earth grids. BioGuard suggests frequent backwashing of the filter and monthly use of a filter-cleaning product. In addition, the company introduced SoftSwim Recently Assist® to Kill and Prevent slime and mold buildup in the circulation system. Slime mold and force homeowners to use biguanide products at a Higher rate or the oxidizer Will Be USED up, often Do to Become Causing the water cloudy. Softs wim® Assist is added monthly. That Rouse says it can be in any biguanide USED Safely pool. Making the Switch to biguanide Switching to biguanide does not require draining the pool. Your pool professional can walk you through the process, takes the between one and two mà days. Before beginning, take a water sample to the pool to check for metals supplier. Metals can lead to staining. Even if the sample is clear, plan on adding metal control, water sources often Do vì its contain trace metals. To make the switch, add a Reducing agent to the water to chlorine or bromine Eliminate. Run the pool for 8 to 12 hours, then check the sanitizer level and add more old neutralizer if needed. Do not add biguanide off until the level hits zero Will you create a greenish or mess with the Consistency of pancake batter. Maintaining a pool with chlorine coal biguanide products Costs more, but believe Thousands of pool owners rằng convenience and soft feel of the alternative water system is a good trade-off. Bromine and những Indoor pool owners in the Northeast often Do opt to sanitize with bromine, the pungent odor of mà Lacks but is not stabilized chlorine and breaks down in sunlight Quickly. "Bromine is traditionally Easier on the eyes and skin; it's not as Harsh, "says Michael Moore, vice president of marketing for Advantis Technologies, Inc., Alpharetta, GA, makers of GLB Pool & Spa products. Bromine is added through an inline feeder or floating device. Homeowners phải test the water regularly with a special kit bromine Maintain the level and the between 1-3 ppm. Once a product Đã USED bromine in the water, adding an oxidizer sẽ Regenerate the bromine ion, and thì regain the its sanitizing properties. To change from chlorine to bromine, bromine just start using. Though it Costs more, but many people 'feel less irritating That water is worth the money. Mineral Systems Various mineral systems exist. Some, như những Placed Into a cartridge filter, use minerals to Decrease the amount of bacteria in the water. You still need to add chlorine, just not as much. At the low level of chlorine recommended, pool owners are less Likely to notice the chemical. Replace the minerals unit every four months. Periodically shock the pool with chlorine to rid the water of contaminants. There are many systems generate chlorine from salt mà, như BioGuard's Mineral Springs®. Vài other brands of generators are available to Perform a similar function, but is unique vì Mineral Springs® it contains many other Additives được not available in other systems, cyanuric acid như and a corrosion inhibitor and scale. With all of những systems, the water Becomes ultra soft, reminiscent of a European spa. "It is still chlorine, but it generates a nice, chẵn level of parts per million," says Rouse. Converting to Mineral Springs® requires installation of a small inline generator and dropping the contents of a bag of Beginnings® in the water. Then once a week, add a package of Renewal®. No shocking is needed. As with other products, you still phải test to balance the water. Ozone An ozone generator offers another option for limiting the use of chlorine. These units tạo ozone, an effective sanitizer That stays active for a short period of time and does not Remain in the water. Therefore, a chemical sanitizer, like chlorine, is still needed in low levels. "Ozone Maintain sanitary works with chlorine to water," says Jennifer Engelmeier, national sales manager, Del Industries, San Luis Obispo, CA. "You do not have to purchase consumables, Since ozone is created through the Electricity." Ozone Oils bỏ body, iron and other particles from the water, Which can help mà Eliminate the ring forms around the waterline. Two types of ozone generators exist. An ultraviolet (UV) light bulb unit dùng to Produce a special ozone; a corona discharge ozonator calls on special electrical cells to generate ozone and ozone can tạo five times more carbon UV models. "UV units can cost less initially," explains Engelmeier, "but last CD ozone cells at Least 2-3 years longer and use 70 to 90 percent less Electricity." oxidizers Just about everyone familiar with swimming pools and spas is familiar with the process of oxidizing (or shocking) to rid the water of unwanted contaminants. Since chlorine is cả an oxidizer and a sanitizer, it can be USED for sanitizing all systems except for biguanides. Those who want a chlorine-free oxidizer can use products containing potassium monopersulfate. Markets potassium monopersulfate DuPont under the DuPont brand name Oxone® pool and spa oxidizer, and Ed Lightcap, account manager for DuPont, says, "Potassium monopersulfate is the only chlorine-free oxidizer in the pool and spa USED industry for chlorine, bromine, ozone and mineral systems. " Of course, pool and spa water after any Carefully Balanced Phải oxidizer is USED. With over many excellent products available, one can only wonder forwarded chlorine Remains Popular vì cost and performance, or vì people 'are still uninformed about the merits of the other choices.