If you’re looking for an alternative to chlorine for your swimming pool, there are a few options that are safe and effective. These alternatives will ensure your pool is clean and sanitized without any of the side effects that come along with chlorine.

Many people are concerned with chlorine because it can irritate your eyes and skin and lead to a strong odor. Here are four pool chemical alternatives that will help you sanitize your pool without the harsh side effects.

1. Biguanide

PHMB (polyhexamethylene biguanide) is a safe, non-irritating alternative to chlorine that won’t damage your pool equipment or cause skin or eye irritation. It’s also not affected by sunlight, making it a good choice for anyone with sensitive eyes or skin.

Besides being safer, PHMB is also more stable than chlorine, meaning you won’t have to use a stabilizer for your pool or spa. It’s also more effective at preventing bacteria and algae growth, so it’s recommended for those who want to avoid the harsh chemicals that come with chlorine.

However, if you’re using a PHMB sanitizer in your pool or spa, you’ll need to test the water regularly to ensure that it has the proper amount of sanitizer. There are several test kits for biguanide available, so make sure to purchase one that’s compatible with your sanitizer.

Another advantage of a PHMB sanitizer is that it’s gentle on the skin and eyes, so it’s a great option for people with sensitive or aging skin. Some PHMB sanitizers are designed specifically for spas.

A downside to a PHMB sanitizer, however, is that it’s not an oxidizer. You’ll need to add hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizer to break down contaminants and remove organic build-ups. This can be expensive, especially if you’re not using the right oxidizers for your pool or spa.

If you’re looking for a better alternative to chlorine, you may consider a salt chlorine generator. These are safe and easy to install, so you can enjoy clean, clear water without the hassle of buying, handling, and storing chlorine.

In addition to saving you money on chemicals, a salt chlorine generator will also reduce the amount of time you have to spend maintaining your swimming pool. You’ll also have more control over the water’s chemistry, so you’ll be able to maintain your pool’s pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels.

Unfortunately, a biguanide sanitizer’s biggest problem is that it can become resistant to microorganisms over time. Usually, this is treated by shocking the pool with a chlorine shock treatment. This destroys all the biguanide in the water, but it can also lead to problems like mold and slime.

2. Shock Treatment

Shock Treatment is an alternative to chlorine that can be used to maintain or increase the amount of chlorination in your swimming pool. Adding shock chemicals can help remove stubborn algae or tough stains and increase the overall health of your pool water.

Shock treatments work by oxidizing organic pollutants in the water, such as sunscreen, body oils, sweat, and urine. These pollutants are a common source of bacteria and other pathogens, so adding shock to your swimming pool can help prevent them from multiplying in the water.

There are several different types of shocks, including those that use chlorine, non-chlorine, or both, as well as those that combine oxygen and potassium. One type of non-chlorine shock is Oxone, or Potassium Monopersulfate (MPS), which oxidizes contaminants without adding any additional chlorine.

This shock is also available in tablet form and can be used for both in-ground and above-ground pools, along with spas and hot tubs. The number of tablets you use depends on the amount of water you treat, so be sure to check the product label before purchasing.

Di-Zap Multi-Shock contains stabilized chlorine that will not be destroyed by the sun’s UV rays, which is important if you live in sunny areas like Southern Nevada. But this type of shock does elevate CYA levels, so you need to keep an eye on your pool’s water chemistry.

Clorox Pool & Spa XtraBlue Shock is a popular pool shock treatment option that eliminates algae and bacteria while elevating free and combined chlorine levels. This product uses a stabilized form of chlorine that is resistant to the sun’s rays, but it can elevate CYA levels and may result in a buildup of calcium in your pool.

To use these shocks, you’ll need a test kit or pool calculator to determine the right dose for your pool’s size and condition. Then, mix the correct amount into the water and let it sit overnight to allow it to work.

Shock treatments should be added in the evening, after the sun goes down, to avoid the UV rays from breaking down the chlorine before it has a chance to do its job. Some types of pool shock treatments require you to pour it directly into the pool, while others release it via a floating chemical dispenser or mechanical feeder. Be careful to only add the shock that is recommended by the manufacturer, and don’t leave it on top of the water, as it can bleach the surface of your vinyl liner.

3. Dichlor

Dichlor is a type of chlorine that can be used to sanitize swimming pools and other water sources. This type of chlorine consists of hypochlorite ions that latch onto bacteria and other impurities to destroy them. It also helps to remove organic matter that can cloud the water.

Dichlor can be found in granules or tablets and is often recommended for use in vinyl-lined pool construction. However, it’s important to note that it has a higher stabilizer level than other types of chlorine and can be difficult to monitor.

For this reason, it’s a good idea to add a pH increase to your pool before using this chemical. It’s also a good idea to test your pH levels regularly to make sure they’re at the right level.

If your pool’s pH is too low, this can cause serious damage to the equipment and affect your swimmers. The best solution is to boost the pH levels back up to a healthy 7.2-7.8 before putting the chemicals in your pool.

A lot of people choose to shock their pool every few days, which can be a great way to get rid of algae and other contaminants. Shock treatments can be as simple as adding a few tablets of a high percentage granular chlorinating agent.

These products will quickly and effectively boost your free chlorine levels to around 1 ppm (mg/L). This will help to kill any remaining organic material that may have built up in your pool’s chemistry.

Many of the lower percentage dichlor products are effective as “shock-and-swim” options, which let you swim 15 minutes after applying the product. These products can be a nice alternative to regular shock treatments, though it’s always recommended to read the label to ensure you’re getting the proper amount of shock to suit your needs.

Another alternative to trichlor and dichlor is calcium hypochlorite, which can be an excellent choice for swimming pools that are elevated. It’s also a good option for those that have hard water as it doesn’t contribute to scaling like other types of chlorine.

4. Ionizer

If you are looking for a way to reduce the amount of chlorine you use in your swimming pool, you might want to consider investing in an ionizer. These devices use copper, silver, or zinc to eliminate bacteria and algae in your water.

They are a great alternative to chlorine and will help to make your swimming experience much more pleasant. The good news is that they also save you money in the long run because they use less chlorine than other sanitizing methods.

Pool ionizers work by placing an electrode in the plumbing line of your pool. Once they are energized by a low-voltage DC, they will release the ions of copper and silver into your pool water.

These ions are then used by the bacteria and algae that live in your pool to die. The ionizer is not a replacement for a sanitizer, but it can help to reduce your need for chlorine by up to 80%.

Another advantage of ionizers is that they do not add any additional chemicals to your pool. This means that they do not dry your skin or fade your bathing suits like other sanitizers, and they are also environmentally friendly.

Besides the fact that they do not require additional chemicals, ionizers are extremely efficient at killing bacteria and algae in your pool. The copper ion is an excellent algicide, while the silver ion is a bactericidal molecule that kills a wide variety of bacteria in your pool.

However, you need to be careful when using an ionizer as the oxidation process can cause metals to enter your pool water. You can use a filter when refilling or topping off the water to limit these metals from entering your pool.

In addition, ionizers can be expensive to run as they need a lot of electricity to function. You will also have to replace the electrodes after a period of time.

As mentioned earlier, an ionizer is an effective alternative to chlorine but it is not an ideal choice for every swimming pool. You will still need to sanitize your pool regularly with chlorine, bromine, or non-chlorine shock.