The 5 Best Swimming Pool Sanitizers For Inground Pools

Top 5 Swimming Pool Sanitizers

Owning a swimming pool is a luxury many homeowners cherish. Whether it's for relaxation, exercise, or family fun, maintaining a clean and safe pool is crucial. This ultimate guide dives into the best pool sanitizers available today, helping you make an informed choice to keep your pool sparkling and healthy.

Why Pool Sanitizers Matter

Keeping your pool water clean isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about safety and health. Harmful bacteria, viruses, and algae can thrive in untreated water, posing significant health risks. Pool sanitizing systems ensure that your pool remains a safe oasis, free from harmful contaminants.

The Best Pool Sanitizers

There are various pool sanitizers available, each with its own set of benefits and challenges. Our top picks include:

1. Chlorine
2. Salt Water Generators
3. Ozone
4. Mineral Systems
5. UV Systems

Let's examine each of these options more closely.

Chlorine

The Classic Swimming Pool Sanitizer

Chlorine has long been hailed as the classic choice for pool sanitization, standing the test of time as an effective solution for killing bacteria and controlling algae. Its proven track record makes it a go-to option for countless pool owners looking to maintain a clean and safe swimming environment. With chlorine's powerful sanitization properties, it provides a reliable and trusted method for keeping pools sparkling and healthy.

Pros:

• Highly Effective: Chlorine is adept at eliminating a wide range of pathogens.
• Widely Available: Easy to find and purchase at most pool supply stores
• Low Initial: Chlorine systems have a very low initial installation cost

Cons:

• Costly To Buy: Chlorine pucks have gotten expensive to purchase and with a chlorine pool you'll be purchasing chlorine regularly.
• Storage: Chlorine must be kept on hand and stored in a dry, well ventilated and secure area
• Discomfort: Chlorine is known to be a skin, eye, and throat irritant with some swimmers experience allergic reactions

How to Use Chlorine

To maintain optimal levels of chlorine in your pool, it is essential to add it regularly. Chlorine is available in various convenient forms, including tablets, liquid, and granules, making it easy to find the right option for your pool maintenance routine. Whether you prefer the simplicity of tossing in tablets or the precision of measuring out liquid chlorine, there is a solution that fits your needs. By consistently adding chlorine to your pool water, you can ensure that harmful bacteria and algae are effectively controlled, keeping your pool clean and safe for all swimmers to enjoy.

Regular water testing is required to ensure you have the appropriate amount of Free-Chlorine available in you pool water.

Salt Water Generators

A Softer Approach

Salt water generators are becoming increasingly popular among pool owners for their ability to provide a more gentle and natural swimming experience. By converting salt into chlorine, these systems offer a softer alternative to traditional chlorine pools, reducing the harshness on skin and eyes that can sometimes be associated with chlorine.

One of the key benefits of salt water generators is their ability to continuously produce chlorine as needed, ensuring that your pool stays clean and safe without the need for constant monitoring and maintenance. This feature not only simplifies the pool maintenance process but also provides swimmers with a more consistent and comfortable swimming environment.

While there is a higher initial cost associated with installing a salt water generator, many find the long-term benefits and improved swimming experience well worth the investment.

Overall, salt water generators offer a modern and eco-friendly approach to pool sanitization, allowing you to enjoy crystal clear waters and a more enjoyable swimming experience.

Pros:

• Softer Feeling Water: Salt water pools produce softer feeling water, which swimmers tend to find more desirable
• Cheaper Operating Cost: You only have to buy pool salt with salt water pools which is substantially cheaper on an annual basis than chlorine for a chlorine pool.
• Less Irritating On Eyes & Skin: Salt water pools have lower chlorine levels which make them gentler on the eyes and skin of swimmers
• Safer: Require the storage and use of fewer and less harsh chemicals
• Continuous Sanitization: The system constantly produces chlorine as needed
• Seamless With Pool Automation: Salt systems from major brands like Jandy, Hayward, & Pentair work seamlessly with their pool automation systems

Cons:

• Higher Initial Cost: More expensive to install than a traditional chlorine pool
• Chronically High PH: Salt systems raise the PH of your swimming pool water meaning you'll constantly be fighting to lower your PH
• Complexity: If the system fails or needs repairs you'll likely have to hire a pool service.

Installation and Maintenance

Salt water generators require professional installation to ensure proper setup and functionality. This involves expert technicians configuring the system to effectively convert salt into chlorine for optimal pool sanitization. Additionally, regular maintenance is essential to keep the generator running smoothly. This includes monitoring and adjusting salt levels as needed to maintain the ideal balance for chlorine production. Cleaning the generator's cell is also crucial to prevent calcium buildup and ensure efficient operation. By investing in professional installation and diligent maintenance, you can enjoy the many benefits of a salt water generator and a cleaner, more inviting swimming pool environment.

Ozone

Powerful Oxidation For Pool Sanitization

Ozone systems inject ozone gas into the water, utilizing its powerful oxidation properties to effectively eliminate contaminants. This potent sanitizer is known for its ability to destroy bacteria and viruses efficiently, making it a popular choice among pool owners looking for a comprehensive cleaning solution.

Ozone must be used in combination with a chlorine producing system, ozone provides an added layer of protection against harmful pathogens, ensuring that your pool water remains safe and pristine for all swimmers to enjoy but still requires a residual chlorine level. With its ability to reduce the need for chlorine, ozone stands out as a safe and natural option for maintaining a clean and healthy swimming environment.

Pros:

• Highly Effective: Destroys bacteria , viruses and parasites efficiently.
• Reduces Chemical Use: Lowers the need for additional chemical sanitizers like chlorine.
• Safe and Natural: Works with all types of pools

Cons:

• Complex Installation: Requires professional setup.
• Initial Cost: Higher upfront investment than a traditional chlorine pool
• Supplement Needed: Must be used alongside a chlorine sanitizer

How to Integrate Ozone

Incorporating an ozone system alongside a secondary chlorine based sanitizer, enhances the effectiveness of the sanitation process but also provides an extra layer of protection against harmful pathogens. By utilizing ozone's powerful oxidation properties in conjunction with another sanitizer, you can ensure thorough and comprehensive sanitization of your pool water. This combination approach maximizes the disinfection capabilities, ultimately resulting in a cleaner and safer swimming environment for all to enjoy.

Mineral Systems

Nature’s Gentle Pool Sanitizer

Mineral systems harness the power of silver and copper ions to effectively target and eliminate bacteria and algae, mineral systems also must be combined with a chlorine based sanitizer but provide a gentler and more eco-friendly approach to pool sanitization. By leveraging the natural properties of these minerals, pool owners can enjoy a more sustainable and environmentally conscious method of keeping their pool water clean and safe. This innovative system not only offers a more natural alternative to traditional sanitizers but also promotes a healthier swimming experience for all. With long-lasting effectiveness and minimal maintenance requirements, mineral systems stand out as a reliable and eco-conscious choice for maintaining a pristine pool environment.

Pros:

• Gentle on Skin: Ideal for those with sensitive skin.
• Softer Feeling Water: Mineral Pools produce softer feeling water, which swimmers tend to find more desirable
  
• Eco-Friendly: Reduces the need for harsh chemicals.
• Long-Lasting: Minerals generally need less frequent replacing.
• Therapeutic: Minerals naturally detoxify and balance the body reducing stress, anxiety, improve circulation and alleviate aches and pains 

Cons:

• Supplement Needed: Must be used alongside a chlorine sanitizer
• Initial Cost: Higher upfront investment than a traditional chlorine pool
• Slow Acting: Takes longer to show results.
• Ongoing Cost: Mineral cell must be replaced yearly at a cost of about $175-$200

Implementing Mineral Systems

Mineral systems, when used in conjunction with low levels of chlorine, offer a holistic approach to pool sanitization that combines the power of natural minerals with the effectiveness of chlorine. The gentle nature of mineral systems not only helps to keep your pool water clean and safe but also provides a softer and more eco-friendly swimming experience for all. With the added therapeutic benefits of minerals detoxifying and balancing the body, mineral systems offer a unique and sustainable solution for maintaining a pristine pool environment.

UV Systems

High-Tech Cleanliness

UV systems use ultraviolet light to disinfect water as it passes through the system. This high-tech solution is effective at neutralizing microorganisms, providing an additional layer of protection against harmful pathogens in your pool water. By utilizing the power of UV light, these systems target and destroy bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants, ensuring that your pool remains clean and safe for swimmers to enjoy. With its advanced technology, UV systems offer a modern and efficient approach to pool sanitization, promoting a healthier and more hygienic swimming environment.

Pros:

• Reduces Chemical Usage: Disinfects the water with UV light reducing the need for chemicals
• Highly Effective: Destroys bacteria , viruses and parasites efficiently.
• Safer: Safer than using chemicals alone 
• Low Maintenance: Minimal upkeep required.

Cons:

• Doesn’t Eliminate All Contaminants: Water is only sanitized when it passes through the UV light if the light misses some bacteria as it passes through the light it will re-enter the pool
• Higher Initial Cost: Investment in UV systems is higher than that of a traditional chlorine pool
• Replacement Costs: The UV Light will become less effective over time and the UV Light will need replacing

UV systems are typically installed after the pool's filtration system, where the water passes through the UV light to eliminate any remaining microorganisms. While UV systems are highly effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and algae, they must be paired with a secondary chlorine based sanitizer, and in some cases are combined with ozone systems as well. This combination approach ensures a comprehensive and thorough sanitization process, providing an extra layer of protection against harmful pathogens. By integrating UV technology into your pool's circulation system you can enjoy a cleaner, safer, and more hygienic swimming environment for you and your family to enjoy.

Choosing the Right Swimming Pool Sanitizer

When it comes to choosing the right swimming pool sanitizer, there are a few key factors to consider. Your budget will play a significant role in determining which option is best for you, as some systems may have a higher initial cost but lower operating expenses in the long run. Additionally, your maintenance preferences will also influence your decision - some systems require more upkeep than others, so it's essential to choose one that aligns with your maintenance routine. Finally, if you or your family members have sensitive skin, you'll want to select a sanitizer that is gentle and non-irritating.

By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision and choose the ideal pool sanitizer that meets your needs and preferences. Whether you opt for a salt water generator, ozone system, mineral system, or UV system, each option offers unique benefits and advantages that can enhance your swimming experience. Ultimately, the goal is to create a clean, safe, and enjoyable pool environment for you and your loved ones to relax and unwind in.

Conclusion

Maintaining a clean and safe pool is essential for every pool owner. By understanding the different pool sanitizing systems available, you can choose the one that best fits your needs. Remember, a well-sanitized pool ensures not only a pleasant swimming experience but also the health and safety of all who use it.

Our team of pool experts at Hipel Pools is here to help answer any questions. If you are interested in a pool installation in Ontario, Canada visit our website to request a quote