If you’re looking for a way to kill all the germs in your pool, you’ve probably come across hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This chemical compound breaks down into water and oxygen when in contact with water. While this may seem like a simple solution, do you really know what will happen if you pour it into your pool?
Let’s find out.
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What Is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is a compound that contains oxygen and hydrogen atoms. The oxygen atoms bond to form hydrogen peroxide molecules, which are unstable and easily break down into water and oxygen. These molecules are often used as a disinfectant in home pools and spas. While they are extremely effective at eliminating germs, they are also extremely hazardous to aquatic life.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a federal safety standard for hydrogen peroxide of 0.6 milligrams per liter (mg/L), stating:
“When dissolved in water, hydrogen peroxide is toxic to all aquatic life, including fish, amphibians, and reptiles. The toxicity of hydrogen peroxide is approximately 150 times greater than that of the material it was derived from (natural water). The chronic effects of hydrogen peroxide on fish and aquatic life are not fully known.”
How Effective Is Hydrogen Peroxide At Killing Germs?
Studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide is one of the most effective disinfectants available for eliminating germs in water. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), which is a U.S. government-funded research organization that maintains a publicly accessible library of nucleic acid sequence data, analyzed 16 studies that assessed the efficacy of various disinfectants against bacteria and viruses. Their results indicate that hydrogen peroxide is highly effective at reducing microbial load by nearly 100%, compared to less than 10% for all comparators except for iodine.
This meta-analysis also found that hydrogen peroxide was more effective against bacteria than viruses, with a median effective concentration (EC50) of 11.88 millimolar (mM). The analysis concluded by saying that compared to other commonly used disinfectants, such as chlorine, hydrogen peroxide is an appealing alternative because it is more effective while being substantially less hazardous to aquatic life.
How Long Does It Take For Hydrogen Peroxide To Kill Bacteria?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), water disinfection using hydrogen peroxide should always be preceded by adequate dilution to reduce the concentration of hydrogen peroxide below 4 milligrams per liter (mg/L). This concentration is known to be toxic to fish and other aquatic life. At concentrations below 4 mg/L, the antimicrobial effects of hydrogen peroxide are immediate and relatively stable.
Furthermore, studies have shown that the antimicrobial effects of hydrogen peroxide continue to increase as the concentration of the disinfectant is diluted. However, once a certain limit is reached, the antimicrobial effects begin to diminish. This decline in potency is most noticeable for infections caused by resistant strains of bacteria. For example, Escherichia coli O157:H7 is extremely resistant to hydrogen peroxide, and only concentrations above 20 milligrams per liter (mg/L) are needed to inactivate the bacteria. At this concentration, the bactericidal effects of hydrogen peroxide are only marginally improved compared to raw water (i.e., not effective at all).
Are There Any Health Consequences From Using Hydrogen Peroxide?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are no known health concerns regarding the use of hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant in water. However, the organization also cautions that excessive contact with hydrogen peroxide, even in small amounts, can cause irritation to skin and eyesight damage. Children, adults, and especially those with weak immune systems are especially prone to these side effects. In these situations, it is advised that proper ventilation and sufficient hydration be practiced until the symptoms of irritation subside.
Additionally, those who work with hydrogen peroxide must take precautionary measures to avoid inhaling or accidentally ingesting it. In these situations, the CDC recommends using appropriate eye protection and protective clothing, as well as keeping containers away from the reach of children.
When Should I Reapply Hydrogen Peroxide To My Pool?
The EPA and others recommend that hydrogen peroxide be reapplied to swimming pools every two weeks or after each cleaning to maintain its disinfecting effect. This ensures that germs are not just destroyed but also continuously controlled in your pool.
However, if your pool is not covered by water, it does not need to be cleaned as often as those that are below ground. The key is to keep it clean by using proper pool equipment and by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you are unsure of how to do this, speak with a professional pool cleaner.
Can I Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Clean My Pool?
While not recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is common practice in some parts of the world to clean water with hydrogen peroxide instead of chlorine or other chemicals. Many pool owners who use this method prefer it because it is easy to use and inexpensive. It also has no known negative side effects when compared to other methods of disinfecting water.
However, just because it is safe for cleaning pools does not mean that it is safe for human consumption. In fact, hydrogen peroxide is considered extremely toxic to humans. If you are planning to use it for cleaning or otherwise, then proper safety measures must be implemented. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), hydrogen peroxide has a relatively low acute toxicity, but it still poses a risk to human health. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide has been known to cause serious injuries or even death in rare circumstances. Some of these injuries have been attributed to the corrosive effects of this chemical on skin and exposed tissue, as well as the possibility that it could ignite in the presence of air or fuel. If you are planning on getting any chemicals involved with cleaning your pool, then it is essential that you familiarize yourself with the hazards posed by these materials and take the proper precautions. For example, if you use hydrogen peroxide to clean your pool, make sure that you wear protective clothing and equipment, and practice proper ventilation techniques as recommended by the EPA. Doing so can help ensure that you enjoy your pool season safely.
To learn more about the risks associated with hydrogen peroxide, check out its page on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.
To learn more about how to keep your pool clean without using chemicals, check out this informational video by Champion Pool Systems:
What Does Hydrogen Peroxide Do To Pool Water?
If you’re looking for a way to kill all the germs in your pool, you’ve probably come across hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This chemical compound breaks down into water and oxygen when in contact with water. While this may seem like a simple solution, do you really know what will happen if you pour it into your pool? Let’s find out.
What Is Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is a compound that contains oxygen and hydrogen atoms. The oxygen atoms bond to form hydrogen peroxide molecules, which are unstable and easily break down into water and oxygen. These molecules are often used as a disinfectant in home pools and spas. While they are extremely effective at eliminating germs, they are also extremely hazardous to aquatic life.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a federal safety standard for hydrogen peroxide of 0.6 milligrams per liter (mg/L), stating:
“When dissolved in water, hydrogen peroxide is toxic to all aquatic life, including fish, amphibians, and reptiles. The toxicity of hydrogen peroxide is approximately 150 times greater than that of the material it was derived from (natural water). The chronic effects of hydrogen peroxide on fish and aquatic life are not fully known.”
How Effective Is Hydrogen Peroxide At Killing Germs?
Studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide is one of the most effective disinfectants available for eliminating germs in water. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), which is a U.S. government-funded research organization that maintains a publicly accessible library of nucleic acid sequence data, analyzed 16 studies that assessed the efficacy of various disinfectants against bacteria and viruses. Their results indicate that hydrogen peroxide is highly effective at reducing microbial load by nearly 100%, compared to less than 10% for all comparators except for iodine.