The health hazards associated with early-20th-century swimming pools without modern forms of sanitation are well documented. Simply replacing dirty water, the common solution “back in the day”, did nothing to halt the formation and growth of algae and harmful bacteria.
The obvious need for more effective pool sanitation methods led directly to the development of the first chemical form of sanitation, chlorine/bromine. Variations of this basic solution are still in use today as chlorine remains the most popular solution when it comes to reducing the levels of microorganisms and pathogens (including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans and algae) in pools.
However, for many years, pool owners and users have complained about allergies such as asthma, eczema and eye irritations that can be triggered by chlorine.
Today, the focus of the swimming pool industry is
