What is Pool Chlorine, and What Does It Do?

November 13, 2008 by admin 

Chlorine and other chemicals have been used in swimming pools for decades. But in this era when the term ‘chemical’ has become a dirty word, it’s helpful to have some basic knowledge. Then you’ll see that pool chemicals are not only perfectly safe for you, but actually help the environment, too.

Chlorine is a basic chemical element, almost as common as iron, silicone, and other natural elements on Earth. Most of the time, it’s combined with calcium or other elements to make harmless molecules. It’s only when chlorine is roaming freely that it can be potentially harmful.

But, harmful to whom? And, what turns that potential into actual harm?

In your pool, chlorine (say, in the form of pool shock) becomes what is called an ion. Individual chlorine atoms wander around freely. In this state, they’re very reactive. They’re looking to combine with other things in the water.

When those other things are the fluid in your skin or eye, it can lead to chemical burn if the concentration of chlorine is too high. But at the right level, it’s low enough to do you no harm, but still high enough to go after the small organisms that are always found in all but purified water.

Tiny bacteria and lots of other things live in water. They float through the air, get moved around in moist dirt from your feet, or come right out of the hose to wind up in your pool. Chlorine does essentially the same thing to them that it could do to your cells. It disrupts biological processes. It reacts with other compounds and produces damage.

If that happens to you and your family, that’s bad. If it happens to the miniature bugs and microscopic plants in your pool, it’s good. Chlorine tablets, used at the proper concentration, are safe for you, but bad for the bugs.

Bromine is a chemically similar element that has much the same effect on organisms in your swimming pool and the water. Some people are less sensitive to bromine in the same concentration and it can serve as a good substitute.

Bromine also dissolves more slowly and causes less irritation of the skin to some people. Bromine doesn’t require the use of stabilizers. But it’s typically used in conjunction with automatic feeders systems, so it can be more expensive to use effectively.

Both chlorine and bromine come in various forms for use with swimming pools. Tablets, powder, granules, sticks, and even pre-mixed solutions are all available. Be sure to use only products designed for swimming pools, though. Laundry products, like Clorox bleach also are made of chlorine, it’s true. But the concentrations and form aren’t the same as intended for swimming pools. Don’t harm your pool or your family by trying to save a few dollars that way.

Modern formulations are designed to be safe for people, pets, and the environment around your pool. Used the right way, they can be exactly that. Except to the tiny things in the pool who shouldn’t be there in the first place, of course.

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