RallySport Aquatics, a lifetime of swimming
Chlorine vs. Saline: The Debate:
by John Callor, Facilities Manager - from the recent issue of RallySport Magazine
Lately, it seems that the main question I get asked at the pool is not about technique or fitness, but about the pool chemicals, specifically, saline treatment or chlorine. Saline treatment for pools has become more common in the past few years and it’s sold as “the wave of the future in water treatment”. So why do we feel the best choice is a chlorine pool for RallySport? Read on to find our carefully researched reasons:
Saline is a widely misunderstood method of water treatment. Saline treatment for pools works by adding a large amount of NaCl (salt) to pool water. This is then converted to Na+ and CL-, sodium and chlorine, which is then released in pool water. This explains the salty taste and the safety of the water. To put it simply, saline pools are still treated with chlorine. The only difference is the method of delivery. Just like the pool at RallySport, saline pools deliver a consistent supply of chlorine to the water, with a by-product of salt. The true cause of the burning and stinging of a chlorine pool is actually chloramines. Chloramines are formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter. They are then released in the air and form that familiar smell and burn of a pool. Chloramine levels can be kept down by an attentive staff and by removing organic matter with supplemental methods. One of those methods that we use at RallySport is Ozone. Ozone oxidizes organic matter much like chlorine does and therefore kills water borne pathogens. It provides a supplement to chlorine, allowing us to reduce the levels of chlorine in the pool and kills anything that may be chlorine resistant.
RallySport is committed to providing you the highest level of quality in our Aquatics Department. Whether with instruction, coaching, or our facilities -- our staff is attentive to each of these elements. We constantly strive to provide you with the latest, foremost methods and practices with our staff and our pools.