The top 3 alternatives to a Salt Pool (and their pros and cons)

Confused about the options for your pool water? We’ve debunked the myths to help you find the best pool system for you.

Salt water pools have been a preferred alternative to traditional chlorinated pool systems since around the mid-80s thanks to the perceived idea that it was less chemically charged and were gentler to both swimmers and the pool itself. However, we’ve come a long way since then with the evolution of pool cleaning systems and it’s no longer a choice between the two.

If you’re looking to get a new pool, or have one and are researching alternatives to your water sanitation system, here are 3 options beyond the salt water pool.

Ozone Pool Systems

What it is:
Ozone is considered safer than a traditional chlorine pool, is effective at killing bacteria (a limited type and amount) in the water and destroying contaminants. Ozone is generated in the pool filter room and uses a residual of chlorine in the water to kill off other contaminants it is not effective against.  Often a salt chlorinator is equipped with an Ozone, to provide this chlorine generation.

Pro’s:

• Good oxidiser
• Efficient sanitiser
• Low chlorine level
• Comfortable water

Con’s

• Releases a negative by-product ‘Ozone Gas’ that can be harmful to humans
• Has a risk of pool surface staining and corrosion
• Does not kill all bacteria or viruses e.g does not remove the common cold or flu from the water
• Does not break down body fats, urine, sweat, sunscreen deposits and oils in water

Myth:

It is a misunderstanding that ozone gas in the ozone layer sterilises the earth’s atmosphere. In fact 85% of the sterilisation effect is actually a result of UV rays from the sun creating Hydroxyl Radicals on the surface of clouds.

Ioniser Pool Systems

What it is:

The Ioniser system often referred to a Fresh Water Pool system, purifies water by releasing positively charged copper and silver metal ions to clean out bacteria and algae. It is not an oxidizer and therefore these pools commonly use a chlorine generator (salt chlorinator) to assist. They are not chlorine free pool systems, as they often perceive themselves to be.

Pro’s

• Copper is a good algaecide
• Silver is known as a bacteria remover but neither product will destroy organic matter e.g oils and dirt entering into the water etc
• Comfortable water
• Low chlorine level

​Con’s

• Increased risk of pool surface staining as it uses metals which can come out of solution
• Increase risk of organic staining e.g leaf staining on pool surface
• Increased risk of discoloured water:
  Green = copper coming out of solution
  Grey or Purple = silver coming out of solution
• Does not cope with heavy bather loads – the water can turn green easily
• Always requires a form of oxidisation to be effective e.g chlorine, ozone etc
• Requires higher than average pool maintenance in keeping pool water balanced
• Does not kill all bacteria or viruses e.g does not remove the common cold or flu from the water
• Does not break down body fats, urine, sweat, sunscreen deposits and oils

Natural Water Purification System - Quantum Purity AOP

What it is:

Photocatalytic AOP (advanced oxidation process) system, as it is more technically termed, is a gentle but incredibly effective way of disinfecting your swimming pool without the harsh side-effects on your body, hair and swimwear that typical chlorine or salt pools can cause.

It produces hydroxyl radicals, a molecule found naturally in your body’s immune system and in the earths atmosphere to completely neutralise undesirable contaminants.

Pros:

• Does not release any toxic by-products
• Most effective at killing bacteria or viruses e.g does not remove the common cold or flu from the water
• Like no other system, it will break down body fats, urine, sweat, sunscreen deposits and oils
• Is a true natural water purification process – World’s most powerful oxidiser
• Breaks down body fats, urine, sweat, sunscreen deposits and oils
• No risk of pool surface staining
• Produces extremely clear and comfortable water
• Low chlorine level – same level that comes from the house hold tap

Cons:

• It’s true that Hydroxyl Radicals can be made in many ways, however instead of using more chemicals that are damaging to health, the Quantum utilises photocatalytic oxidisation. This is the safest and most effective method against pollutants.
• Like many other pool systems the Quantum Purity AOP requires the use of miniscule amounts of chlorine. This chlorine is equivalent to the same amount found in your drinking water, and is not harmful nor noticeable by swimmers. 

Myth:

AOP systems can’t kill pool nasties through such a gentle, chemical free process. This is false, as they are proven to keep pool water cleaner, healthier, with much less maintenance and far less need for harsh chemicals.

Still got questions? Talk to one of our pool water experts for free advice on what system will best suit you