Saltwater pools have a reputation for being chemical-free, but that reputation isn’t quite accurate. Salt systems work by converting sodium chloride into chlorine through electrolysis. The sanitizer in the water is still chlorine; the delivery method is just different.
What’s the Problem with Salt Water Sanitation?
Salt systems introduce chlorine byproducts into the water the same way traditional systems do. Over time, that chlorine exposure affects bathers, the vessel, and the water discharged into the surrounding environment. For stainless steel and copper pools and spas, chlorine is particularly hard on the metal, accelerating corrosion and shortening the vessel’s lifespan.
How Do Ultraviolet Light and Hydrogen Peroxide Work?
Diamond Spas recommends a two-part approach: an ultraviolet light sterilizer paired with hydrogen peroxide oxidation. The ultraviolet light pool sterilizer neutralizes bacteria and pathogens as water passes through the system. Hydrogen peroxide handles oxidation. Chemically, hydrogen peroxide is hydrogen and oxygen; once spent, it reverts to exactly that, leaving no residual chemicals in the water or the waste stream. The UV bulb requires replacement once a year. That’s the extent of the maintenance.
Why Does It Matter for Metal Vessels?
A chlorine-free hydrogen peroxide pool system works especially well with stainless steel and copper fabrication. Chlorine degrades both metals over time; removing it from the equation extends the life of the vessel and reduces upkeep. Diamond Spas’ entire product line is fabricated from recycled sheet metal, with stainless steel at 65% to 80% recycled content and copper at 95% to 99%. The vessel shells themselves are 100% recyclable. Pairing that material standard with a genuinely chemical-free sanitization system is a straightforward decision for residential and commercial clients who want a pool or spa built to last.
To learn more about our chlorine-free, sustainable swimming pools and spas, contact Diamond Spas today.
