Swimming pools are an excellent option to cool off and enjoy the summer. However, keeping pool water clean and clear can be a challenge, especially if chlorine is not used for disinfection. Chlorine is a chemical commonly used to keep water free of bacteria and algae, but some people prefer to avoid it due to its potential negative health effects. Anyway, how long can water sit in a pool without chlorine?
We will explore how long pool water can last without chlorine and what alternatives exist to keep it in good condition.
The life of a chlorine-free pool water can vary depending on several factors. Below, we mention some of the most important ones:
Water quality
The quality of the water is essential to determine its duration. If the water is kept clean and free of impurities, it is more likely to last longer. It is important to perform proper maintenance, such as using filters and regularly cleaning the water, to ensure its quality.
Use of alternative products
Instead of using chlorine, there are alternative products for treating pool water. Some of them include the use of active oxygen, mineral salts, or ionization systems. These products can extend the life of your pool water because they are not used up as quickly as chlorine.
Weather conditions
Weather conditions can also influence how long chlorine-free pool water lasts. For example, if the pool is exposed to high temperatures and direct sunlight for long periods of time, the water may deteriorate more quickly. Additionally, heavy rain can dilute pool water and upset its chemical balance.
Pool use
The frequency and intensity of pool use can also affect how long it lasts. If the pool is used regularly and there is a large flow of people, the water is likely to become dirty more quickly and require more frequent replacement.
Proper maintenance
Good pool maintenance is essential to prolong the life of the water. This includes regularly cleaning the filter, adjusting the water’s pH and alkalinity levels, and performing periodic tests to ensure chemical levels are adequate.
The life of chlorine-free pool water can vary depending on water quality, use of alternative products, weather conditions, pool usage, and proper maintenance.
But how long does chlorine-free water last?
If in the summer someone decides to leave the swimming pool water freely open then in approximately 24-48 hours some kind of algae and fungus will appear whose numbers continue to increase from day to day. Within a week the swimming pool will probably look like a fish pond.
There is a close relationship between increasing temperature and decreasing chlorine. In the case of “no chlorine”, it means there is no protection, which is why in summer, swimming pool water will get dirty faster. What about winter? In other seasons, especially winter, the water tends to get dirty less quickly and we can expect chlorine-free swimming pool water to last longer. Maybe three to six days.
With or without chlorine, swimming pool water must be kept clean, otherwise it will lead to health problems for everyone who swims in it, especially skin irritation.