- Chlorine kills any bacteria in the pool and keeps the pool free from algae. Chlorine that is intended for use in swimming pools usually includes other chemicals as well, such as calcium. These chemicals combine to form what is known as "antimicrobial pesticides." The chlorine that is used in swimming pools is very concentrated because it is intended to be diluted before use.
- Bromine also kills bacteria within a swimming pool. Bromine is less commonly used in swimming pools and is more often used in hot tubs. This is because bromine can be used in the warm water without causing a chemical smell like chlorine might. Another difference is that chlorine becomes less effective the more bacteria it kills. Bromine, however, remains active even after it has killed bacteria. Bromine also can be less irritating to swimmers' eyes than chlorine.
- In 2010 it was discovered that chlorinated pool water may cause dangerous disinfection byproducts. In particular, chlorine may cause a process called genotoxity which can cause cancer. This is caused by a reaction between the chemicals in the pool for cleaning and the bacteria that it is killing. This was found in over 40 adults after just 40 minutes of swimming in one experiment. The disinfection byproducts were measured in the subjects' exhaled breath.
- The pH level affects the how well the chlorine or other cleaning chemicals do their job in the pool. The level of acidity in your pool is called its balance. Use pH increasers or decreasers to keep your pool between pH levels 7.2 and 7.9. You may also need other additives such as a water hardener or an alkaline increaser.
Chlorine
Bromine
Disinfection By-Products
pH Modifiers
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