As the population has become more health and eco-conscious, they’ve also become especially concerned about the amount of chemicals being used in daily life. Because of this, the industry has recently seen a trend in which more people are searching for chlorine-alternative pools. Here are some of the main benefits of switching over that may help explain why many people are choosing to do so.
Health
- Reduced asthma risk
- Fewer allergy symptoms
- Healthier hair
- Smoother skin
- Less eye irritation
- Reduced exposure to DNA damaging/ cancer-causing DBPs
It’s no secret that chlorine is bad for your health. In small doses, it’s generally accepted to be safe, but over time the effects can build up. Immediate health concerns generally revolve around dry skin and hair. However, people with skin conditions, allergies or asthma can have instantaneous reactions and complications. Moreover, long-term exposure, even in healthy children and adults, can result in the development of serious illness or disease. Initial studies show a link between swimming in a chlorinated pool and cancer. More work will have to be done to provide conclusive evidence, yet the existing research is a cause for concern.
Financial
- Reduced chemical use and expense
- Cost-effective setup options
The first financial benefit is a given. If you’re not dumping loads of chemicals into your water, you don’t have to pay for them either. Additionally, the market has recently seen frugal options for initial setup that remove the cost-barrier for the initial setup of a chlorine-alternative pool.
Ecological
- Better for wildlife
- Options that are safe for foliage
- Choices that work with graywater (recycled water) systems
A properly-maintained pool holds more chlorine than traditional drinking water will. For this reason, some municipalities place restrictions on how pools can be drained, so the local ecosystem isn’t harmed. Depending on the type of unit you select, your water can be safe to be used as graywater and given to plants. This isn’t the case with all options, so be sure to do some research if you wish to convert.
Now more than ever, our society has become a knowledge-seeking, sleuthing group. We understand that there are risks associated even with everyday things we know and trust. Thankfully, we also research and find solutions. When we know better, we do better. Although heavily chlorinated water had its place at one time, it was in the early 1900s when there were no other readily available options to stop the spread of typhoid fever. However, now there are chlorine alternative pools and chemical-free drinking water that keep disease and bacteria at bay in a much safer way. Most people are changing because of the health and earth-friendly benefits. The fact that it can also keep more money in your wallet is like icing on the cake.
