Swimming pools are a great way to cool off during the hot summer months, but did you know that there is actually a chance that the chemicals in your pool’s algaecide could end up harming you? That’s right. The chemicals in most pool algaecides are highly toxic to humans and even the environment. Fortunately, there is now a safer alternative: solar disinfection. Let’s take a look at is it safe to swim in a pool with algaecide, and how you can use solar disinfection to make your next pool adventure a fun and healthy one!
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The Dangers Of Chemical Swimming Pools
If you’re reading this, I assume that you either work in a pool or you take your kids to one. Chemical swimming pools are extremely dangerous, especially for children and the elderly, and even the environment suffers greatly due to the high runoff these pools cause. In some parts of the world, the contamination of our waters by such pools is so bad that people are forced to find alternative recreational options, like sandboxes and sprinklers, due to health concerns. It’s time to change that, and let’s start with the basics: what are chemicals in a pool and why are they dangerous?
Most people are familiar with chlorine, which is added to pools to make them more resilient to bacterial infections. But did you know that there are actually eight different chemicals that can be found in a traditional pool?
Chlorine is certainly nothing to be scared of – it’s an excellent nutrient for our fish tanks and can even be used in a spa to give you that pleasant glow. Still, it’s highly toxic and has been known to cause liver damage and even cancer. Chlorine reacts with fat molecules in our bloodstream to form trihalomethanes (THMs), which are carcinogenic and endocrine disruptors. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has deemed THMs to be hazardous waste and has called for a reduction in their release by at least 80% by 2025.
If you’re reading the above paragraph and scratching your head, don’t worry. You’re not alone. There are a variety of chemicals in a pool that can cause harm. Believe it or not, the list below is extensive and includes stuff like chlorine, chloramine, bromine, and fluorine. So let’s take a closer look at each one.
Chlorine
Chlorine is an excellent oxidizing agent and will eat away at any organic molecule it comes in contact with. Think of chlorine as a disinfectant and cleaning agent for your pool. Chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water to form chloroform, which is a carcinogen and endocrine disruptor. If you’re still not sure what these are, check out the effects of chloroform on wildlife. The EPA also limits the amount of chlorine that can be added to water supplies as there is already enough chlorine in the water to treat all known illnesses. And do you know what happens when chlorine is overused? It oxidizes and becomes toxic. So it’s important, as a pool owner, to understand how to use chlorine effectively and safely.
Chloramine
Chloramine is a combination of chlorine and ammonia (NH 3). Chloramine is less toxic than chlorine but is more effective at oxidizing organic matter. It has also been shown to be more effective than chlorine at preventing microbial infections in pools. As with most chemicals in swimming pools, excessive chloramine exposure can lead to health concerns. Do you know that many pool chemicals are actually derivatives of chloramine? Yuck!
Bromine
Bromine is another oxidizing agent that can be found in some types of antifreeze. Just like chlorine, bromine is also used to treat illnesses in animals and humans. However, bromine has also been shown to have cancer-causing properties when consumed in high amounts by fish and other aquatic life. Just like above, it also reacts with organic matter in your pool to form a carcinogen and endocrine disruptor. But again, just like with chlorine, using too much bromine can cause health problems. Some pools contain higher amounts of bromine than others, so do your research before adding more to your water. One last thing about bromine: if you decide to add it to your pool, make sure to wear gloves when handling the chemical as it is more toxic when skin is exposed to it. If you work with bromine, make sure to get proper ventilation as it reacts with oxygen in the air to form compounds that are toxic and explosive.
Fluorine
Fluorine is another oxidizing agent that is also used as a surfactant in pool cleaning products. It has been known to cause damage to the environment and wildlife but has also been shown to have multiple health benefits for humans. One of the most fascinating aspects of fluorine is how similar it is to hydrogen. It’s a two-for-one!
The final word should go to the EPA on this one. They state:
- “There is no simple answer as to whether aquatic life would be safer in a pool designed with non-chlorine chemicals or if it would be better to use only chlorine to maintain clean water. Simply put, each scenario is a matter of risk versus benefit. Depending on how you look at it, you may come to a different conclusion.”
- “We have enough data to show that THMs are hazardous waste, and for the moment we are requesting that their use be minimized. We are making this recommendation based on the fact that chlorinated water has been shown to be effective at preventing disease outbreaks, as well as acting as a disinfectant and a cleaning agent for your pool.
If you’re a swimmer or a parent of a young child, the idea of chemicals in your pool might put you off. You have a perfect right to be concerned. Still, it’s important to remember that there are alternatives. You might be wondering how you’re going to get your pool back into shape without using chemicals, especially if you’re already invested in rental equipment. The answer is by using solar disinfection.
The Benefits Of Using Solar Disinfection
What is solar disinfection you ask? It’s the process of using sunlight to destroy harmful organisms like bacteria and fungus in water. The concept is pretty straightforward: let the sun get to work for you.
First, locate a place where the sun can shine directly on your pool. This will depend on how big your pool is. You don’t want to put it near the windows, because then you’ll have to move it somewhere else when the sun starts to set. You can find a spot in the shade, near a tree or building, with at least 4 hours of sunshine per day. It’s preferable to have at least 6 hours of sunshine, so you can complete the process.
All you need is a clear plastic sheet and some vinyl tubing. First, position the plastic sheet so that it sits evenly on the surface of the water in your pool. Don’t worry if some of the sheet dips below the surface of the water. This is completely normal. Once you’ve positioned the sheet on the surface of the water, connect the two ends of the vinyl tubing to a garden hose. Next, turn on the garden hose, and start moving it around, back and forth across the surface of the pool. The water in your pool should flow smoothly through the tube, without any visible waves or stagnations. Once the water is flowing smoothly, turn off the garden hose and open the valve slowly to prevent any sudden rush of water. This will prevent any damage.
It’s important to note that solar disinfection will not remove all the germs from your pool. It actually will not remove any germs from your pool. What it does do is it disinfects the water, making it less hospitable to bacteria and fungus that can cause illness. And since most bacteria and fungus live in the water, the process of cleaning your pool with solar disinfection is very similar to the process of cleaning it with chemicals. Still, just because your pool is clean and free of germs does not mean that it’s safe to go in. Always remember that water can still be contaminated with heavy metals, organic matter, and other chemicals. Never underestimate the power of the sun. It can do amazing things!