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How Chlorine Keeps Pools Safe for Summertime Fun
Answers to common questions about chlorine and pool safety
Chlorine’s disinfection properties have helped improve the lives of billions of people around the world.
Most people probably wouldn’t want to go swimming in a giant, germ-filled petri dish. But without modern chemistry, that’s what swimming in pools could be like. Even a quick swim in unsanitized water could expose a person to illnesses such as diarrhea, swimmer’s ear and various types of skin infections, including athlete’s foot.
Chlorine chemistry helps fight germs to keep pool water sanitized, so swimmers are not exposed to harmful levels of microbes that cause illnesses. How do we know that pool sanitizing chemicals can be used safely?
What experts say about chemicals and pool safety:
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that chlorine is added to water to kill germs. Chlorine and pH are the first line of defense against germs that can make swimmers sick, according to CDC.
Whether you choose chemical products or electrical devices to clean your pool or spa, you must maintain a certain amount of sanitizer to prevent disease-causing microorganisms from multiplying, according to Health Canada.
Belgian scientists also support pool disinfection, stating that chlorine is the best disinfectant currently available, and “there is no evidence that alternatives to chlorine will provide an appropriate solution for the disinfection of swimming pools.” (Superior Health Council of Belgium)
Answering Questions about Chlorine and Swimming Pool Safety
What is chlorine and how is chlorine made?
Chlorine is a naturally-occurring chemical element and one of the basic building blocks of matter. Chlorine is produced from ordinary salt, by passing an electric current through a solution of brine (common salt dissolved in water) in a process called electrolysis.