The sections below discuss each of the most common water sanitation systems and their benefits and downsides.
One of the most important aspects of pool ownership is water sanitation because it makes your water safe to swim in. If you don’t do this, your family and friends may be at risk. These risks include gastroenteritis, respiratory infections, eye infections, and other diseases. Remember, not only does poor water place you at risk but all of those who use your pool.
Also, balanced water is not only safer to swim in but is much kinder to your skin and eyes. To illustrate, it is a common belief that excess chlorine causes your eyes to sting. In truth, it is pH and not the chlorine that causes your eyes to sting. Keeping your water balanced will make swimming more pleasurable than fun for everyone. Urine and sweat can also contribute to stinging eyes.
Which water sanitation system is the best?
The honest answer to this question is…it depends. All of them have good point and bad. These are discussed in more detail on the individual pages. However, a quick summary is shown below.
Liquid Chlorine – Great for indoor pools and for those who just don’t like salt pools. Some say these pools feel nicer to swim in. However, regular dosing is needed to keep the water clear.
Salt Water – Most common system in Australia. Easy to maintain and relatively cheap to run. Great if you go away frequently.
Chlorine Tablets – The cheapest system to buy as you only need a plastic floater. Does the job but can cause hassles when they are used used for the long term as CYA levels can get too high.
Chlorine Free – These systems do use less chemicals than the others and feel good. However if your water becomes very unbalanced then staining can occur.
Often the best reference for a particular system is to ask someone who already owns how they feel about it.
