Disinfection
 Biologic Factors -> Disinfection  |
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The process of controlling bacteria and viruses in the water that helps
to assure the water will be healthy and safe for swimming is known as disinfection,
or sometimes sanitation. Disinfection is not to be confused with the control of algae
in the pool water, as algaecides are best used for that purpose. While a wide variety of methods for disinfecting or sanitizing pools are available in the market, the two most common methods are chlorine and bromine. Over the recent past, other processes have also gained more attention. These include PHMB (biguanide), Ozone and Ionizers. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. Chlorine The most widely used sanitizer for pool disinfection is chlorine, and is available in a number of forms. The following table lists the most commonly used forms of chlorine and some of their characteristics.
Note: Regardless of which form of chlorine is used, all produce the same active sanitizer known as "FREE CHLORINE" when added to water. As this active sanitizer begins to work, it can then take several different forms, not all of which are desirable. |