BELOVED FLORIDA POOLS: To Go Green or Maintain Chlorine?

In my ever-increasing quest for eco-friendly living in my home-paradise of Fort Lauderdale, I have been surfing the Internet for green-conscious alternatives to chlorine for keeping our personal lagoons pristine. Also, since luxury real estate buyers have expressed interest in eco-friendly pools, no longer just asking if the pool is heated but if it is a saltwater or non-chlorinated pool, my search becomes two-fold: Help save the atmosphere, our lungs, hair and skin, while enjoying this fabulous south Florida lifestyle.

Here is some of the information I have discovered from sites such as http://www.naturalswimmingpools.co.za/home.shtml, http://www.thedailygreen.com/ and several pool servicemen who post their findings on-line.

Since chlorine has been the dominant form of pool water treatment for a long time, alternatives have not been easy to find. Even saline systems end up producing chlorine in the water. One pool service man on-line continues to demand that although chlorine is not the answer, it is still the only chemical that contains the ingredient for all four functions needed to keep pool water safe.

Alternatives to chlorine that I read included expensive systems (about $20,000) for a combination of ozone, copper and silver ions to keep the water clear--yet, could turn one's hair green. (Not good for a business luncheon!) Another more affordable system contains a chamber of coated titanium plates which burn off organic waste while copper and zinc ions sanitize the water. This system, called TechnoPure, proved more reasonable at about $5,000.

Another alternative is ozone injection. One system discussed was Del Ozone which injects ozone into the water (in the pipes only, since ozone is a poisonous gas, like chlorine) which reduces the need for chlorine up to 90%. Supposedly, this ozone injection system has been used at the White House for years. Opponents to this system, however, say it is expensive, some use mercury (yikes!), can damage pool surfaces and the system not only takes three to four days for the water to become optimal but must run much longer than chlorine systems.

Then there is my favorite, the more natural, pond-like pools that use aquatic plants and the balance of nature to keep pools clean. It is not surprising to learn that this lagoon-style system has been used in Europe for years and is newly being introduced to the US. Managed properly, these free-form beauties require no chemicals to maintain and are self-cleaning mini-ecosystems safe enough to drink! A U.S. based company offering this solution is Whole Water Systems, LLC. A foreign based company which supplies to the U.S. is, aQua-designed. Visit their website to get the full scoop on bathing au natural: http://www.naturalswimmingpools.co.za/home.shtml. It is also great to learn that installation costs of these water systems are not much more than standard pools.

Please let me know if you have found any of these systems to be satisfactory. Meanwhile, stay tuned for more information on how to conserve pool energy. Happy swimming!