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Are you a fan of indulging in refreshing aquatic relaxation within the confines of your inflatable pool amidst the scorching heat of summer?
If you find yourself in this situation, you might be pondering the best methods to maintain pristine and secure water conditions suitable for swimming.
Are there alternative methods to consider in order to achieve optimal pool water quality?
In this informative piece, we shall delve into the topic of maintaining optimal cleanliness in your inflatable pool, specifically focusing on the necessity of chlorine. Additionally, we will explore alternative options that you may want to consider for this purpose.
How to Keep Inflatable Pool Water Clean?
By understanding the importance of regular maintenance and implementing effective cleaning techniques, you can ensure that your pool water remains clear, safe, and ready for endless hours of summer fun.
In this section, we will explore some essential tips and tricks to help you keep your inflatable pool water clean and inviting all season long.
Pool Filter
Most inflatable pools do not include built-in filters, but you may buy a filtration system that is simple to install.
Filters aid your sanitizer in removing tiny materials that may otherwise be overlooked by skimmer nets or pool vacuums.
You may use the hoses and weights that come with your pool filter to easily secure it to your inflatable pool.
Note that suction entrapment on the intake hose of the filter pump can be avoided by not using the pool while it is operating.
Pool Cover
A pool cover is another crucial piece of equipment for maintaining sanitary conditions in your inflatable pool. Covering a pool has several benefits, including preventing garbage from falling into the water and preventing animals from getting in.
As an added bonus, they cut down on evaporation, which is especially important for smaller pools in the hotter months.
It is possible to purchase a cover specifically made to fit on top of some inflatable pools. If you don’t have a dedicated cover for your pool, a modest tarp or even a fitted bedsheet can do the trick.
Pool Vacuum
When it comes to heavier trash, a pool vacuum is invaluable for cleaning out your inflatable pool. A pool vacuum can rapidly and effectively remove debris like leaves, silt, and other particles from the water.
Manual vacuums that attach to a garden hose and automated vacuums that are self-contained are just two of the many options for cleaning your pool.
A manual vacuum may be used to clean the bottom of a pool by attaching it to a garden hose and steering it around with a pool pole.
If you have a leafy pool area with a lot of waste, you might also use a Leaf Bagger.
Pool Leaf Net
There are two distinct styles of this net: the leaf rake and the leaf skim. Pool waste may be easily collected with a leaf rake because of its big size and deep bags.
Leaf skimmers, on the other hand, are flat mesh nets that may be used to efficiently remove debris from the water’s surface.
Leaves, branches, and other debris can muck up your pool water, but with a pool leaf net, you can clean it up in no time.
Oil-Absorbing Sponge
Greasy water and slippery sides are another prevalent issue with inflatable pools. This is typically brought on by perspiration, makeup, sunscreen, and your own hair and skin’s natural oils. An oil-absorbing sponge is one solution to this problem.
Hydrophobic sponges are one-of-a-kind cleaning tools because they can attract and soak up oil and grime but not water. Just drop the sponge into the pool water, and it will remove any oily residue from the water.
Floating Chlorinator
Inflatable pool water may be kept clean and sterilized with the use of a floating chlorinator, pool leaf nets, and oil-absorbing sponges.
Floating chlorinators are containers for chlorine tablets that gradually dispense the chemical into the water.
This helps to kill bacteria and prevent algae growth. Learn how many chlorine tablets to use for your pool size by consulting the package instructions included with your floating chlorinator.
The pills should be placed into the floater, the lid should be secured, and the bottom vents should be opened. The slow rate of chlorine dissolution ensures that the pool water is always clean and safe for swimming.
Is Chlorine Necessary To Keep Inflatable Pools Clean?
Chlorine, a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17, is commonly used in swimming pools to kill bacteria and maintain clean water. However, when it comes to inflatable pools, chlorine is not usually necessary and may not be advised due to the small size of the pool.
Adding chlorine to a tiny inflatable pool is difficult due to the little amount. Too much chlorine can make water unpleasant and cause skin and eye discomfort. Inflatable pools should not use chlorine.
Swimming pool chlorine kills germs. Chlorine keeps water clean in bigger pools where cycling is harder. Inflatable pools can be emptied and refilled, making cleaning and maintenance easier.
Inflatable pools, especially kiddy pools, may be simply drained and filled with new water. This removes bacteria and pollutants. Chlorine is unneeded since emptying and refilling an inflatable pool is straightforward and cheap.
Inflatable pools may waste chlorine and money. To keep swimming safe and fun, apply chemicals sparingly.
Downsides Of Using Chlorine For Cleaning Inflatable Pools
Chlorine is a commonly used chemical for cleaning and sanitizing inflatable pools. However, there are several downsides to its use that should be considered.
Formation of Toxic Byproducts
Trihalomethanes (THMs) are harmful byproducts of chlorine and pool water organic debris.
Long-term THM exposure has been linked to health problems.
THMs can be produced by high chlorine levels and a pool full of leaves, algae, dead skin, hair, cosmetics, and urine.
Skin Allergies and Irritation
Even at proper levels, chlorine can cause skin rashes and allergies in some individuals. This is particularly common in people with sensitive skin. Chloramines, another byproduct of chlorination, can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
Individuals who suffer from asthma and bronchitis are at a higher risk of experiencing these symptoms.
Lack of Proper Pool Chemistry Knowledge
Many pool owners don’t understand pool chemistry. Total, combined, and free/available chlorine might be confusing.
Without understanding these terminologies, pool sanitation is difficult. Safe and clean swimming requires an understanding of when and how often to shock the pool.
Dependence on Stabilizer
Cyanuric acid stabilizes chlorine in water. This stabilizer makes chlorine sunlight-resistant. Many pool owners don’t apply enough stabilizers, resulting in excessive chlorine usage or surface damage.
How To Clean Inflatable Pool Water With Chlorine?
Keeping your inflatable pool water clean and properly sanitized is essential for maintaining a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. One effective method is using chlorine. Here are the steps to clean your inflatable pool water with chlorine:
Step 1: Test The Water
You should first check the pH and chlorine levels in your pool water using a test kit or test strips. The optimal ranges for these parameters are 7.4–7.6 for pH, 80–120 PPM for alkalinity, and 1-3 PPM for free chlorine. Based on these findings, we can better decide which compounds to add.
Step 2: Calculate the Volume Of Water In the Pool
You need to know how much water is in your pool in order to calculate the correct amount of chemicals to add. To calculate the capacity in gallons of a rectangular pool, multiply its dimensions (length x width x depth) by 7.5.
To convert square feet into gallons for a circular pool, multiply the pool’s diameter by its depth.
Step 3: Adjust The pH Levels
Before adding chlorine, make sure the pH level is within the safe range. To adjust the pH level, use the chemicals as directed on the packaging. This is necessary so that the chlorine can do its job.
Step 4: Add Chlorine
Shock the pool when you initially add chlorine. Increasing chlorine temporarily kills bacteria and algae.
Before letting anyone swim, lower the chlorine to below 3 PPM. Use a shock product made for inflatable pools.
Add a little bleach to sterilize tiny inflatable pools that you don’t refill often. 1/4 teaspoon bleach per 10 gallons of water. Medium inflatable pools need 2 1/2 tablespoons of bleach per 100 gallons. Once every two weeks.
Step 5: Maintain Your Efforts
Remove debris from the pool on a regular basis using a skimmer or a net, such as leaves or insects. When the pool is not in use, keep it covered to stop any outside contaminants from getting in.
Healthier Alternatives To Chlorine To Clean Inflatable Pools
Fortunately, there are several options available that meet safety requirements and offer various benefits in comparison to chlorine. Let’s explore some of these alternatives in detail:
Bromine
Bromine is a popular alternative to chlorine, particularly for indoor pools or spas. It is more stable in hot temperatures and has a lower odor compared to chlorine. Bromine also remains effective over a broader pH range and does not cause skin and eye irritation as frequently.
However, it is more expensive than chlorine and requires regular monitoring and adjustment to maintain the correct bromine levels.
Ozonation
Ozonation involves using ozone gas to disinfect the pool water. Ozone is a powerful oxidant that effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. It is also known to break down organic compounds and reduce the need for additional chemicals.
Reduction in Water Temperature
Lowering the water temperature of your inflatable pool inhibits the growth of bacteria and algae. Microorganisms thrive in warm conditions, so reducing the temperature slows their growth.
Additionally, cooler water slows down the chemical reactions between chlorine and other substances, reducing the amount of chlorine required. However, swimming in colder water may not be comfortable for some individuals.
PHMB
It stands for Polyhexamethylenebiguanide. Brands like Baquacil and Softswim have developed this compound as an effective substitute for chlorination.
The downside is that it is more expensive than chlorine, both in terms of initial purchase and ongoing maintenance costs. It also requires the use of hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizer and regular cleaning of pool filters.
Converting to PHMB may also require draining the pool water to eliminate any traces of chlorine, and caution must be taken to ensure no chlorine is present on the skin or swimsuit when swimming, as it may react with PHMB.
Non-Chlorine Shock
Non-chlorine shock treatments utilize alternative oxidizers like potassium peroxymonosulfate to sanitize the water. These treatments break down organic contaminants, eliminate unpleasant odors, and restore water clarity.
Non-chlorine shocks are typically less harsh on the skin and eyes than chlorine-based shocks. However, they may not provide long-lasting disinfection and might require more frequent applications.
Natural Enzymes
Enzyme-based cleaners utilize naturally occurring enzymes to break down organic matter and prevent the formation of scum and stains. These cleaners are safe, biodegradable, and do not cause skin or eye irritation.
However, enzymes alone may not provide sufficient disinfection, and additional sanitizers may be required.
U/V Light
Another alternative is the use of U/V light. This method utilizes ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and other microorganisms in the pool water. UV light works by damaging the DNA of these organisms, rendering them unable to reproduce and causing their eventual death.
Ultrafiltration
Ultrafiltration is another alternative to chlorine that focuses on removing small particles, microbes, and organic matter from the pool water. This process involves passing the water through fine sieves or membranes to filter out these impurities.
The membranes used in ultrafiltration have extremely thin pores, allowing only water and essential disinfectants to pass through, while trapping and removing unwanted particles.
Mineral Water Pool Systems
These systems use cartridges filled with minerals or alloys that deactivate algae and other microorganisms as water flows through. Brands like Pool FROG and Nature 2 are commonly used and can reduce the need for chlorine by up to 50%.
The advantage of these systems is that they are easy to use and require low maintenance. The con is that they still require the use of chlorine, and the replacement cartridges can be expensive for larger pools.
Pristine Blue
Developed by Earth Science Laboratories, Pristine Blue utilizes copper sulfate pentahydrate as its main ingredient, which constitutes up to 19.8% of its active ingredients.
This technology uses positively charged copper ions to destroy bacteria and germs in the pool. It is highly effective but also the most costly option for pool maintenance.
Copper Ionization
Considered the best alternative to chlorine, copper ionization provides a chlorine-free pool experience. The system includes an electronic control unit, test kits, and a copper electrode. Through low-voltage current, metallic ions are introduced into the water, attracting and penetrating the cell membranes of bacteria and algae.
As the water is recirculated, more copper ions are produced. Copper ions are not affected by sunlight and do not require a stabilizer. Additionally, these systems are pH neutral, making pH maintenance easier. They are also easy to install and maintain and can be retrofitted to existing chlorinated pools.
FAQs
Is a Chlorine Pool Safe for Your Baby?
Chlorine at suitable amounts is safe for newborns. In pools, the CDC recommends 1–3 ppm chlorine. This concentration is safe for all swimmers, including newborns. It destroys most harmful germs, viruses, and parasites for your child.
Can a Chlorine Pool Make You Sick?
Chlorine disinfects pools, but incorrect management or overexposure can cause health problems. Chloramines, formed when chlorine combines with water contaminants, can cause respiratory, skin, and eye irritation.
Asthmatics should avoid chloramines. Thus, efficient ventilation in indoor pools reduces chloramine accumulation.
Why Should You Clean The Kiddie Pool?
Your child’s safety depends on cleaning the kiddie pool. Uncleaned pools produce germs, algae, and other dangerous microbes.
Bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant kiddie pool water. These bacteria cause eye and skin diseases. Regularly cleaning the kiddie pool with mild soap and water eliminates hazardous bacteria and pollutants.
Regular cleaning inhibits algae growth, which otherwise makes the pool slippery and harmful to your youngster. Maintaining pool hygiene will extend its lifespan and guarantee that your youngster can swim safely.
Can I Leave Water In Inflatable Pool Overnight?
Avoid leaving water in an inflatable pool overnight. Bacteria love stagnant water. Mosquitoes may breed in warm, quiet water and spread the West Nile virus.
Draining the inflatable pool after usage ensures water safety and cleanliness.
Can You Keep A Swimming Pool Clean Without Chemicals?
Chlorine keeps swimming pools clean and safe. You can clean your pool without chemicals.
Oxygen and ionization eliminate bacteria and other pollutants in natural sanitation systems. These systems purify water without chlorine using oxygen-based oxidizers and copper/silver ionization. To assure water quality, these alternate systems may require more maintenance and monitoring.
A pool cover may keep debris out. Without chemicals, cleaning the pool and removing leaves, insects, and other debris will keep it clean.
Keeping a pool clean without chemicals is doable, but it may take more work to assure water quality and safety.
