Organic Pool Alternative Sanitizers
Chemistry Of Organic Swimming Pools
In technical terms an organic swimming pool does not need to have an alternative sanitizer but more accurately an alternative to sanitizers. The theory is that through extensive mechanical filtration and understanding of water based Eco-systems you can create a stable and clean body of water that does not require harsh chemical sanitizers or even alternative sanitizers to kill harmful bacteria - because there isn't any harmful bacteria. Any bacteria that is there is either negligible or positive forms of bacteria which help to clean and stabilize the water.Through various processes of vegetation, biological filtration, aeration and design you can easily create a stable water environment that is safe for swimming and does not utilize harsh chemical treatments. Though extremely rare in North America, this type of swimming pool is becoming popular in Europe, Asia and the UK. The climate in North America is suitable for sustaining plant life around and in organic pools however the colder climate areas may need to absorb yearly replanting costs for plants that do not survive the winter but otherwise the concept is viable.
You can not however simply begin to treat a traditional swimming pool as an organic pool. In order for organic pool chemistry to work an extensive filtration system must be built to remove as much dead plant material from the water as possible as well as ozone generation systems which can not be properly adapted to existing structures since the ozone must be introduced into the deepest area of the pool in order to be effective. Also the main structure of an organic pool is different that traditional pools in that a shallow area equal to at least one third the surface area of the pool be constructed though which water will be filtered and aquatic life can develop natural habitats.
Where Did Organic Pools Originate?
Both commercial and residential applications of organic swimming pools can be found in places like Germany where the technology was first developed. Commercial swimming pools are held to a higher standard of water quality than residential pools due to bather load and liability of water quality.
Commercial swimming pools require daily testing to ensure the safety of swimmers and will often be shut down during periods of high bather turnover or increased turbidity in the water. Traditionally huge chemical shocks are added to the water to offset this water impurity during which time the pool is off limits to all bathers.
It is with this information that an amazing statistic is discovered. One of the first commercial organic swimming pools located in Germany has been operating for near to twenty years and has never closed due to water quality. This is an amazing statistic which reinforces a simple concept of natural swimming pools.
Organic Pools Are Easy To Maintain
Creating a swimming pool “dead zone” with chlorine where all forms of organic matter and life are killed is incredibly difficult to maintain. This is due to the natural tendency of bodies of water to inhabit forms of life. Natural swimming pools are exactly the opposite of this, embracing the tools and lessons of nature to create a healthy and balanced water environment.
The initial construction and start up of an organic pool require as much as a year or more in order to begin the process of letting nature take over the habitat that we have created. During this period of time the water may or may not be able to be used for swimming and constant water testing is required to ensure the area is safe. Dangerous water is not just dangerous to swim in but also dangerous to be near to as many water borne illnesses can be passed through vapor, air or insects.
One area that requires more effort in an organic pool is the removal of plant material. Specifically dead plant material from the water as well as any dead animals that may have ended up in the water should be manually removed wherever possible over and above what the filtration system is able to remove automatically. Organic debris will cause algae to bloom and dead animals can cause various diseases to begin growing in the water. Removal of trees that overhang the water is a great idea as this reduces animal waste and plant matter finding its way to the bottom of the pool.
Negatives Of Organic Pools?
The downsides of organic swimming pools are few and far between though there are some notable considerations. First and foremost this form of swimming pool is exceedingly rare in North America making it difficult to find knowledgeable contractors who are able to provide this construction service for you. These pools are also more expensive than traditional pools (often 2-3 times more expensive) and require additional space requirements and pool shape requirements that do not apply to traditional pools.
Due to the lack of skilled trade professionals offering this service, the price for organic swimming pools is unnaturally high in this limited market. The final downside to choosing an organic swimming pool is that the pool itself differs from the traditional look of swimming pools in North America and this can have a negative impact on property value which is a concern for some people.
Learn more about Organic Pool Builders in your local area.