WHY CHLORINE DIOXIDE IS THE BEST DISINFECTANT FOR SWIMMING POOLS

INTRODUCTION

Swimming Pool Disinfection is essential to deactivate pathogenic microorganisms. Many swimming pools apply chlorine or bromine-based disinfectants to prevent microbial growth. The chlorinated swimming pool water contains higher chlorine residual and is maintained at a higher temperature than a typical drinking water distribution system. Disinfection is critical to protect against pathogens, and is best managed through routine monitoring, Chlorine Dioxide disinfectant cleans the Swimming pools and doesn’t produce unpleasant smell, making it more pleasant for swimmers and creating a more pleasant outdoor environment. Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) is a highly potent, fast acting bactericide and viricide that is effective at concentrations as low as 0.1 ppm.

Chlorine dioxide does not form halogenated by-products, like toxic THMs, and is effective over a wide pH range in both hard and soft water. It will eliminate both planktonic and sessile bacteria, disinfect surfaces, and rapidly destroy problematic biofilm.

These properties make it ideal for use in a wide range of water sterilization, disinfection, eliminating pool odors and bacteria, environmental hygiene, and industrial and process water treatment activities.

Let’s dive into understanding why chlorine dioxide is an ideal choice for disinfecting swimming pools!

WHAT IS CHLORINE DIOXIDE?

Chlorine dioxide, also known as ClO₂, stands out as a versatile and powerful disinfectant with widespread applications in various industries. From water treatment to food processing and medical environments, its effectiveness due to its disinfectant properties positions it as a leading choice for pool maintenance.

SAFE POOL WATER SANITIZATION

Contaminants introduced by swimmers can dramatically influence the operation of indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Contaminants include microorganisms from infected swimmers and body oils including sweat, cosmetics, suntan lotion, urine, saliva, and fecal matter. In addition, the interaction between disinfectants and pool water contaminants can produce a mixture of chloramines and other disinfection by-products. This can be a serious health problem. Safe Swimming pool water treatment is essential to prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses, maintain water clarity, and ensure a pleasant and safe swimming experience for everyone.

Start your journey with us today!

WHAT IS BIOFILM?

Biofilm is a colony of Mold, fungi, or bacteria that forms a structure that acts as a protective barrier to the colony. It is a very stable protective shield that allows disinfectant products not to eliminate the microorganisms that compose it.

In a pool or spa, biofilm appears as a sticky layer that coats the pool surfaces (Glass mosaic tiles or pipes). When biofilm gets out of control, it can become a maintenance nightmare. Most cases of resistant algae are due to algae or fungi that have formed biofilm.

Certain forms of algal blooms are also a form of biofilm. Algae growing on the pool walls are a colony of microorganisms that have made their home around the pool grout. They can also invade the pool cartridge filter. If you have ever removed a cartridge for cleaning, you may have noticed a slimy, smelly coating covering the filter material. This is also biofilm.

HOW TO REMOVE BIOFILM IN A SWIMMING POOL?

When NoPhos^® solution is applied, the chlorine dioxide molecule kills the spectrum of bacteria, algae, fungi, spores, protozoan, yeast, methanogens, viruses, mold, and biofilm by its great oxidizing capacity. Clean water can get infected in pipelines because of biofilm.

It works best when diluted with water to a ratio of 1:20 and then continuously dosed with a dosing pump into a ZPM^® before an AFM® filter. In contrast with other chlorine and chlorine-type disinfectants, NoPhos^® is the perfect solution to remove biofilm.

APPLICATIONS:

For private and public swimming pools and spas
For portable whirlpools and hot tubs
For cleaning of filters, sand, and active carbon filters
Water feature or Fountain

CHLORINE DIOXIDE VS. CHLORINE FOR POOLS

Treating and disinfecting with chlorine and hypochlorite is a common method to sanitize and disinfect water and heavy equipment to reduce concentrations of waterborne pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, moulds and protozoa. It has been used for swimming pool water treatment for over a century now.

It all sounds great, doesn’t it? But it gets interesting when you start to look beneath the surface. Chlorine, although extremely popular in a variety of industries, has a plethora of drawbacks some of which can prove to be extremely hazardous. Chlorine tends to react with organics in water to form harmful by-products which are often carcinogenic, the consumption of which poses the threat of cancer. The use of chlorine in water treatment can also form Trihalomethanes (THMs) and Haloacetic acids (HAAs), which are considered to be potential human carcinogens.

Chlorine dioxide is one powerhouse biocide that has been getting more attention recently, and rightly so. It is a versatile alternative to chlorine and it can be used in many disinfection applications, including pasteurization equipment, poultry industry, cooling towers, swimming pools, water treatment and food & beverage processing.

Chlorine dioxide is often mistaken for chlorine, but both the chemicals couldn’t be any further apart in terms of their efficiency and versatility.

Let’s have a look at how Chlorine dioxide is different from chlorine and how it has the upper hand as a stronger and more effective biocide:

No formation of harmful by-products – Unlike chlorine, chlorine dioxide only acts by oxidation and will decompose in the presence of high temperatures and alkalinity, meaning it won’t react with organics to form carcinogenic compounds.
Less corrosive– Like Chlorine, Chlorine dioxide is soluble in water. It however does not hydrolyse to form acid. This makes it less corrosive than chlorine and ensures longer lifetime of equipment’s and machinery.
Broader pH range– Unlike chlorine, chlorine dioxide is not pH dependant as it is effective over a broad pH range from 2-10. This also means there is no need for additional chemicals to control pH.
Effective against wide range of pathogens– Chlorine has been found to be ineffective against complex organisms such as cysts & protozoa. Chlorine dioxide is extremely effective against these pathogens, and many more.
Biofilm removal– Studies and various tests carried out at CAMR and Porton Down have proved that chlorine does not remove biofilm whereas chlorine dioxide does so with ease.
Not dependant on temperature– Chlorine cannot be used at elevated temperatures (>40° C) as it tends to dissociate, evolving Chlorine Gas. Chlorine Dioxide does not dissociate as readily at elevated temperatures.

India has restricted the use of chlorine in STPs since 2010, due to the threats it poses to human health.

Chlorine dioxide does everything that chlorine does, but considerably better. It has a wide variety of applications in various industries, it is economical, and its environmental profile is safer than other choices. There’s nothing else out there that can compete.

CHLORINE DIOXIDE DISINFECTANTS PREPARATION

Chlorine dioxide-based disinfectants are prepared fresh as required by mixing the two components (base solution [citric acid with preservatives and corrosion inhibitors] and the activator solution [sodium chlorite].

When the two solutions are mixed, sodium chlorite reacts with the acid (from the citric acid) to form chlorine dioxide.

BENEFITS OF USING CHLORINE DIOXIDE FOR SWIMMING POOLS

Powerful Disinfectant

The exceptional ability to eliminate bacteria viruses, algae, and other harmful microorganisms makes Chlorine Dioxide the most reliable pool disinfectant. This ensures that the pool water remains in ideal condition, free of contaminants.

Eco friendly

Compared to chlorine, which can cause skin and eye irritation, chlorine dioxide is gentle on swimmer’s skin and eyes. Chlorine Dioxide is a safe and eco-friendly option. It produces no carcinogenic byproducts such as taste or unpleasant smells.

Algae Control

By regularly treating your pool with chlorine dioxide, you can eliminate the hassle of algae growth-which is a common problem for pool owners. Chlorine Dioxide effectively prevents algae formation, ensuring your pool stays crystal clear.

No Chlorine Smell

The presence of an intense chlorine smell in the pool area is one of the most common disadvantages of using conventional chlorine-based disinfectants. Chlorine dioxide does not produce this unpleasant smell, making it more pleasant for swimmers and creating a more pleasant outdoor environment.

Improves Skin, no Allergies to Chlorine Dioxide

Customers who have skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis will experience relief without inflammation. It is not necessary to rinse or shower after using the spa/pool treated with Chlorine Dioxide.

Contact us today for inquiries or to schedule a consultation!

NOPHOS® AND SVS

As a global entity, SVS Aqua is making a profound impact on people’s lives worldwide. Renowned for its exceptional water treatment solutions, SVS is also recognized as Asia’s leading Chlorine Dioxide Manufacturing Company, dedicated to creating a clean and healthy environment that ensures client satisfaction.

We’re renowned for delivering high-quality Chlorine Dioxide products and services at competitive prices, with a strong focus on prompt delivery.

Other Products include:

Chlorine Dioxide Tablets (Chloritab)
Chlorine Dioxide Powder (CDD 5000)
Chlorine Dioxide Single Powder (Chlorone)
Chlorine Dioxide Gel (CIO₂GEL)
Chlorine Dioxide Guard (CIO₂ Guard)
Chlorine Dioxide Liquid (CDL-7500)
Chlorine Dioxide – Next Generation (CIO₂NTZ)

If the filter beds are not uniformly backwashed and cleaned than the residual biocide in the filter inlet water would be utilized and also the bed will exert its own demand.

CONCLUSION

Swimming pool water has to be kept clean and safe to swim in. Chlorine Dioxide helps keep water clean by preventing the growth of algae. It keeps your pool water safe by attacking and neutralizing harmful bacteria and microorganisms. NoPhos is the perfect solution to remove toxins.

If you are interested in knowing more about OUR PRODUCTS, our very own chlorine dioxide brand, please Contact us and we will get back to you at the earliest!