About Chlorine for Pool Cleaning

Use chlorine with caution.

Though highly corrosive and potentially dangerous, chlorine also serves as one of the most effective disinfectants for swimming pools. When used properly, this chemical can increase swimming pool safety through effective sanitation. But improper use can lead to severe health consequences and varying forms of damage to the swimming pool.

Chlorine Tablets

Chlorine tablets dissolve into the water and do not leave any residue. Use the chlorine tablets with a chlorine dispenser so that the tablets do not cause discoloration on the pool lining as a result of excessive concentrations. These tablets make the swimming pool safe by killing organisms that could make swimmers sick and by preventing algae from developing in the pool. Also, the chlorine tablets help keep the pool pH level at an adequate range. The tablets are an improvement over the chlorine liquids that have high concentrations that can lead to burns. Still, pool owners must add the right number of chlorine tablets based on the size of the pool to avoid rashes or burns.

Chlorine Generators

Chlorine generators eliminate the need to store, buy and move chlorine. The chlorine generators create chlorine using table salt. The pool water passes through the chlorine generator cell and creates Hypochlorous acid, which the water then takes back into the pool to kill bacteria and algae. The system eventually turns the Hypochlorous acid back into salt, so pool owners do not need to replace the salt except for the small amounts lost through water splashing out. Electrical currents break the water down into the basic components of oxygen and hydrogen. The system needs 2,500 to 4,000 parts per million (ppm). Since people cannot taste salt until it reaches a concentration of 5,000 ppm, the water will not taste salty.

Chlorine Disadvantages

Chlorinating the swimming pool takes a lot of work since insufficient chlorine will cause harmful microorganisms to grow in the pool, and excessive chlorine will cause burns and irritation. Even when pool owners keep their pools at the recommended chlorine range, the pools can still cause irritation. The chlorine gives the swimming pool an unpleasant smell, and the chlorine has a mildly corrosive nature that can gradually wear away at equipment, causing the equipment to break down over time. Always keep the chlorine in closed containers when not in use. When applying chlorine liquids, wear protective gloves to avoid burns. Always add the chlorine to the pool water, and do not add pool water to the chlorine. The water must dilute the chlorine for safety.

Health Concerns

Chlorine can cause damage to bodily organs over time by causing too much acid to accumulate in the blood, according to the US National Library of Medicine. Chlorine can lead to blood in the stools, abdominal pain, nausea, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, throat swelling and skin burns at excessive concentrations. If chlorine gets in the eyes, flush the eyes out immediately. Take those who breathe chlorine fumes to fresh air immediately. If the person drinks chlorine, give him water or milk, and call poison control immediately.

References

• Pool Center: Chlorine Generator
• Chlorine Tablets Info: Using Chlorine Tablets in Swimming Pools
• Water Filters Guide: Pools and Spas Need the Best Pool Filters and Pool Cleaners
• National Institutes of Health: Swimming Pool Cleaner Poisoning
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Swimming Pool Chemicals