Regular pool maintenance is essential to keep the water clear and suitable for swimming. However, some cleaning products can have harmful effects on the environment and the health of pool users. In this article, we explain how to treat your pool water in an environmentally-friendly way.

Is chlorine-free pool treatment possible?

There are natural products and effective solutions for treating a pool without chlorine. Chlorine is a commonly used disinfectant. It's easy to apply and known for its ability to destroy algae, viruses and bacteria. However, it can be a harmful product, especially when exposed to high levels:

• Irritation or allergies to chlorine: chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water to form chlorinated by-products, such as chloramine. Chloramine can cause irritation of the mucous membranes, stinging of the throat and eyes, runny nose, repeated sneezing, and so on. Chloramine can be a risk factor in the development of asthma, particularly in children.
• Impact on flora and fauna: chemicals used in swimming pools, such as chlorine and bromine, can be toxic to animals and plants living in the surrounding area.
• Impact on the ozone layer: the reaction of chlorine with other chemical compounds in the air contributes to ozone depletion.

What natural products should I use in my swimming pool?

Bicarbonate of soda

Sodium bicarbonate is an alkaline compound that naturally buffers pool water:

• Increase TAC (Total Alkalimetric Content): The ideal TAC is between 80 and 120 mg/L. If it is too low, the pH of the pool water becomes unbalanced and conducive to limescale formation. Baking soda acts as a natural pH and alkalinity stabilizer.
• Remove limescale deposits: sodium bicarbonate eliminates limescale deposits on pool walls and filtration equipment. Limescale deposits can cause water circulation problems and reduce filtration system efficiency.

Active oxygen

Active oxygen (hydrogen peroxide) is a powerful algaecide and oxidizer. It comes in granulated, powder or liquid solution form. It acts as a natural, non-remanent disinfectant, eliminating organic matter from the water. However, this treatment is not sufficiently effective for large pools and at high temperatures (+30°).

Salt electrolysis

Salt electrolysis is an increasingly popular alternative to chlorine treatment. It involves installing an electrolyzer in the filtration circuit, which transforms salt into natural chlorine and caustic soda through an electrochemical reaction. It's a risk-free oxidizing, disinfecting, antifungal and antibacterial treatment. Salt electrolysis is compatible with all pool types. A pool professional can help you add the right amount of salt.

Copper-silver electrolysis

Copper-silver electrolysis pool treatment uses copper and silver ions to disinfect the water and prevent algae growth. This requires the installation of an ionizer.

Ozone

Ozone is a natural gas that can be generated by an ozonator installed in the pool. It can help clean and treat pool water:

• Disinfection: ozone is a powerful disinfectant for eliminating bacteria, viruses and fungi.
• Disposal of chemicals: Ozone can be used to break down unwanted chemicals in pool water, such as chloramine.
• Improved water clarity: ozone can eliminate suspended impurities in pool water, resulting in clearer water.
• Odor reduction: ozone can help reduce unpleasant odours in the air around the pool, which are often associated with chemicals such as chlorine.

White vinegar

White vinegar is a natural product that can be used to clean pool surfaces such as coping, walls and stairs. It is effective in removing stains and scale deposits from pool walls.

Essential oils

Certain essential oils, such as lemon oil or eucalyptus oil, can be used as environmentally-friendly products to treat swimming pools. They repel insects and give the water a pleasant scent.

Why choose an in-ground spa/nature spa?

How to treat a swimming pool without chemicals?

UV treatment

UV treatment is a process that uses ultraviolet rays to disinfect pool water. It's an environmentally-friendly method that leaves no residues. UV rays damage the RNA and DNA of micro-organisms, preventing them from growing. However, this type of treatment does not remove chemicals, algae or particles from the pool surface.

Biological filtration

Biofiltration uses micro-organisms to break down contaminants. Here's how this type of pool treatment works:

• Installation of a biological filtration system: a biological filtration system is installed in the pool;
• Development of beneficial bacteria: beneficial bacteria develop in the biological filter. These bacteria are naturally present in the pool water or can be added with specific products;
• Degradation of organic matter: as pool water passes through the biological filter, beneficial bacteria degrade organic contaminants such as leaves, insects and other organic substances present in the water;
• Clean water returns to the pool: After passing through the biological filter, the clean water is pumped back into the pool.

Biological filtration is applied in combination with mechanical filtration to reduce the amount of chemicals needed to purify the water. Mechanical filtration is often provided by a sand filter made of a mixture of sand and gravel or filter glass.

Spa nature collection

6 tips for cleaning your pool with natural products

• To remove algae and dirt from the pool floor, spread baking soda on the surface of the water and allow the powder to dissolve for 12 hours. During this time, impurities and algae clump together around the product, making it easier to suck out the dirt.
• Soak the cartridge filter in a mixture of warm water and baking soda for 8 hours before rinsing and replacing.
• Clean the edges of the pool regularly;
• When you're not using the pool, don't forget to cover it with a tarpaulin to keep debris out;
• Regularly check the pH and other physico-chemical properties of your pool to prevent algae, limescale and bacterial growth;
• Natural treatment often requires the addition of chemicals to ensure complete disinfection of the water. In this case, a professional can help you introduce the appropriate doses.

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If you're planning to install an in-ground pool, Aqua Fibre Innovation offers you several pool styles that fit perfectly into your living space.

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