Alternatives to Chlorine in Pools: How They Work (and Compare to Chlorine)

Many alternatives to chlorine make owning a pool easier and less expensive. Science has found they may be healthier, too.

If keeping up with pool maintenance feels like a relentless chore—or if the rising cost of chlorine has left you frustrated—you’re not alone. Many pool owners are turning to chlorine alternatives that not only reduce maintenance headaches but also cut down on long-term expenses.

Many alternative systems offer effective solutions that lighten the load of chemical management while still keeping your pool clean and clear.

The savings in both time and money depend on which system (or combination of systems) you choose.

Chemical systems, like a salt chlorine generator, can work independently. As a matter of fact, pool owners with salt pool systems cut maintenance costs by as much as 50% annually—anywhere between $200-$600 per season.

In this post, we’ll explore how these chlorine alternatives work and how they stack up against conventional chlorine, so you can find the right solution for your pool.

The History & Effects of Traditional Chlorination

Chlorine has been a staple in pool sanitation for over a century, first introduced in 1908 to disinfect drinking water in Jersey City, NJ. Its effectiveness at combating waterborne diseases like typhoid led to its widespread use in public swimming pools by the 1920s.

However, while chlorine has long been the go-to for keeping pools clean, it can now be seen as an outdated solution due to rising costs, intensive maintenance, and increasing health concerns.

Post-pandemic supply shortages and inflation have driven chlorine prices up nearly twofold, leaving pool owners with steep chemical costs each season. On top of that, maintaining chlorine levels requires constant testing, frequent shocking, and precise chemical balancing—a time-consuming process.

Health risks also play a significant role in chlorine’s growing unpopularity.

Why? When chlorine mixes with sweat, oils, or sunscreen, it creates byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs), which can pose health risks. These little compounds have been linked to health issues like asthma and skin irritation.

As a result, more pool owners are turning to alternatives like salt chlorination, ozone and UV systems, which offer cleaner, gentler solutions with lower maintenance demands and fewer health risks.

The Drawbacks of Traditional Chlorine Pools

Irritation of Skin, Eyes, and Lungs

Chlorine can cause red eyes, dry skin, and even respiratory issues due to chloramines and trihalomethanes(THMs).

Strong Chemical Odor

That strong 'chlorine smell' is actually caused by chloramines, which can make your pool area less inviting and irritate your throat and nose.

Health Risks from Chlorine Byproducts

When chlorine mixes with organic matter like sweat or sunscreen, it can create harmful byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs), which negatively impact swimmers with asthma and other respiratory issues?.

Higher Maintenance Needs

Chlorine is being depleted constantly. To keep chlorine levels balanced, you’ll need daily testing, regular manual chemical adjustments, and frequent shocking, which can be a time-consuming chore for pool owners.

Harsh on Pool Equipment and Surfaces

Chlorine is highly corrosive, even able to rust high-quality pool-grade stainless steel when out of balance. Over time, chlorine can corrode pool liners, ladders, and other surfaces not made of plastic, leading to higher maintenance and repair costs. When pool water splashes out and evaporates, left-behind chlorine accumulates on surfaces.

Rising Cost of Chlorine

The cost of chlorine has been steadily rising, making it more expensive to maintain balanced levels in your pool. With supply chain disruptions and increased demand, pool owners are paying significantly more for the chemicals needed to keep their water clean and safe. This adds to the overall maintenance burden, both in time and money.

What Chlorine Alternatives Are There & How Do They Compare?

If you’re ready to ditch chlorine due to high costs and time investment, you’ll be happy to know that there are a number of great chlorine alternatives available that can keep your pool just as clean—without the irritation.

Here are the most popular alternatives to a traditionally chlorinated pool:

1. Saltwater Pool Systems
2. UV Pool Systems
3. Ozone Pool Systems
4. Mineral Pool Systems
5. Bromine (a chemical cousin of chlorine)

When selected and used properly, these options offer a more natural, comfortable swimming experience while still providing effective sanitation. Let’s break down the top chlorine alternatives, so you can find the best fit for your pool.

Salt Chlorination

Saltwater pools have become a favorite among pool owners—and for good reason. If you're tired of constantly balancing chemicals and shelling out cash for chlorine, salt chlorine generators can be a game-changer.

By using a salt chlorine generator, your pool electronically converts salt into chlorine automatically, cutting out much of the manual work. Manual chlorination represents the majority of work involved to keep the water blue and clear every day.

Automatically generating chlorine within your pool system provides a constant source of sanitation. That means you’re freed up to enjoy your pool instead of testing and adjusting the water every time you swim. Why? Because your pool will maintain proper chlorine levels without having to manually add the chemical yourself.

You’ll still need to keep an eye on your pool’s water balance weekly–testing pH, total alkalinity and chlorine levels. But the responsibilities are much simpler, less frequent and less costly to adjust than chlorine.

Salt chlorination takes the hassle out of pool ownership. It eliminates the need for manually chemical additions, like chlorine.

When it comes to costs, the savings are real. Over their lifetime, salt chlorine generators can save up to 40-50% over traditional chlorination. Since the system continuously produces chlorine, there are fewer chemicals to buy.

And don’t forget the water itself—improved water quality is another major benefit. The water feels more natural and won’t leave you with that harsh chemical smell in your hair or on your swimsuit. That’s because salt chlorine generators help prevent & eliminate chloramines, the chemical byproducts responsible for that familiar "chlorine smell" and the irritation to your eyes and skin.

The Benefits
of Saltwater Pools

Convert your pool to saltwater and you’ll get:

• Gentle Water
• Cost Savings
• Healthier Swimming
• Easier Pool Care

Check Out the Benefits

The Downside of Saltwater Chlorination

Saltwater systems cost more than one season’s worth of chlorine upfront, but they’ll save you cash on chemicals or chemical service down the road. Depending on the model, salt systems cost $500-$2,500. Most typical pool owners pay an average of $700-$1,400.

While salt chlorine generators may have a higher initial cost, they more than pay for themselves in as little as 1-2 seasons. That’s because salt chlorinators eliminate the need to regularly buy and add chlorine or shock, which also provides a much simpler maintenance routine.

For a luxurious swimming experience and fewer headaches, a saltwater pool is a smart investment.

Check Out Saltwater Systems [Direct-to-Consumer Prices]

UV Pool Systems

UV pool systems offer an effective way to reduce chlorine use by using UV light to stop harmful microorganisms from reproducing. These systems greatly minimize the need for chemicals.

They provide a big sanitation boost while leaving behind zero chemical residual in the water. Even better, the UV light eliminates chloramines, so you can have gentle and luxurious water without the harsh effects of traditional chlorine pools.

But they still require some form of ongoing sanitation–whether conventional chlorine, bromine, or a salt chlorinator system–to fully maintain your pool.

Here’s why: UV systems only sanitize the water that passes through the UV chamber, meaning there’s no residual protection left in the pool to prevent algae growth or sanitize between circulation cycles.

UV also usually provides less complicated sizing options, with most UV models offering coverage for a wide range of pool sizes.

Want a high-end chlorine alternative solution?

Pairing a UV with a saltwater system can be a game-changer. The salt chlorine generator works alongside the UV system to provide continuous sanitation, keeping algae and bacteria in check even when the pump isn’t running.

The UV light does most of the work, while the salt chlorine generator maintains a minimal chlorine level, extending its lifespan.

Pairing UV light with salt chlorination is a modern approach to reducing chlorine use while maintaining pristine water quality.

The Downside of UV Pool Systems

UV systems can be rather large, so you’ll want to ensure you have space in and around your pool equipment system. UV systems alone can’t maintain a pool without supplemental sanitization. Without residual protection, you'll still need to rely on chlorine, bromine, or another sanitizer to keep your pool algae-free.

Pairing UV with a saltwater system reduces chemical use, lowers costs, and simplifies pool maintenance.

Ozone Generators

Ozone systems create and infuse ozone gas into the water circulating through the pool plumbing. Ozone gas is incredibly effective at sanitizing pool water by breaking down contaminants like bacteria, viruses, and organic waste. It’s much more effective than chlorine at destroying microorganisms because it directly attacks their cell walls. It’s a fast-acting, powerful and reliable chlorine alternative for pools.

Even better, chloramines are eliminated by the ozone. You get a more natural swim without the harsh effects of traditional chlorine. This system also clarifies the pool water by binding fine particles together so they cannot escape through your pool’s filter.

Ozone Generators Paired with Salt Systems Protects Swimmers from A Full Spectrum of Microorganisms

Ozone generators partner great with saltwater pools, providing water with remarkably higher clarity. You can be confident that your swimmers are protected, even from chlorine-resistant microorganisms like Cryptosporidium. By reducing your overall reliance on chlorine, ozone systems can help extend the life of your salt chlorine generator and cut down on routine maintenance. The result? Clearer water, total sanitation, fewer chemicals, and lower long-term costs.

The Downside of Ozone Generators

Ozone systems come with a wider range of upfront cost—typically between $700 and $4,000. For sizes commonly used with many backyard pools, the range $800-$1200 would be expected.

Unfortunately, the ozone gas dissipates extremely fast. While ozone does an exceptional job sanitizing your pool at the point of contact, it can’t provide residual protection. This means you'll still need a small amount of chlorine or another sanitizer(like a salt chlorinator) to keep your water consistently safe.

So, while ozone systems are excellent at keeping your pool clean, they work best as part of a broader sanitation plan—rather than a complete replacement for chlorine.

Mineral Pool Systems

Mineral systems offer a gentler, more natural swimming experience by using silver and copper ions to kill bacteria and algae. This type of technology is related to NASA technology used to provide purified drinking water.

Generating copper ions for the pool is also a similar concept as adding copper-based algaecide to swimming pools. These systems reduce the amount of chlorine needed to keep your pool sanitized, which means fewer harsh chemicals and a more comfortable swim.

The minerals in the system do a great job at maintaining crystal-clear water, making them a popular option for those looking to minimize chlorine exposure.

However, while mineral pools cut down on chlorine use, they don’t eliminate it entirely. You’ll still need a small amount of chlorine for full sanitation, so even with a mineral system, chlorine is part of the equation.

The Downside of Mineral Pool Systems

Like other chlorine alternatives, mineral systems don’t fully replace chlorine. You’ll still need to add chemicals to maintain safe water, which can mean sensitive swimmers may still experience skin or eye irritation.

Additionally, if used too much, copper ions can cause difficult to remove blue-green staining on porous materials like plaster, as well as on swimmer’s fingernails.

And while the use of chemicals is reduced, mineral systems still require regular replacement of mineral cartridges, adding to maintenance costs. Over time, the costs of maintaining these cartridges can add up, making them less ideal for those looking for a lower-maintenance option.

Bromine

If you're searching for a chlorine alternative that’s gentler on the skin and eyes, bromine is often seen as a popular option, particularly for indoor pools, hot tubs, and spas. Bromine is chemically similar to chlorine, but it works differently.

Because bromine remains effective at higher temperatures, it's an excellent choice for heated environments like spas and hot tubs. Many pool owners like bromine because it doesn’t have as harsh a chemical smell as chlorine, and it can be less irritating for sensitive swimmers.

The Downside of Bromine

However, bromine comes with several significant drawbacks, especially when compared to more efficient alternatives like saltwater systems. One major issue with bromine is that it's less stable in sunlight, which makes it far less effective for outdoor pools. In bright conditions, bromine breaks down quickly, requiring constant replenishment and driving up chemical costs.

Another downside is that bromine is more expensive than chlorine, often costing up to 50% more. Because of its instability in sunlight, outdoor pools require even higher amounts, which can make it cost-prohibitive in the long run. This also means that bromine requires ongoing chemical adjustments similar to traditional chlorine pools—so it doesn’t really save you time on maintenance. You’ll still need to balance the water and regularly monitor its levels.

Additionally, bromine, like chlorine, produces byproducts called bromamines, which can cause irritation, although they are typically less harsh than chloramines. For those with sensitive skin or respiratory conditions, bromine may still pose some health risks, despite being less aggressive than chlorine.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right chlorine alternative for your pool depends on your priorities—whether it’s saving time on maintenance, reducing chemical costs, or enjoying a healthier swimming experience.

A modern swimming pool combines the best of all chlorine alternatives to create an easy-to-maintain, cost-effective, and healthier swimming experience. Saltwater systems provide convenience and savings, while UV light systems eliminate harmful bacteria, and ozone generators offer exceptional water clarity. Together, these technologies deliver a powerful trio that keeps your pool clean and comfortable with minimal effort.

The beauty of today’s pool technology is that you don’t have to choose just one solution. A high-end pool system incorporates salt chlorine generators with UV and ozone, giving you a cleaner, safer pool with fewer chemicals. This combination offers the ultimate in water quality and convenience, and you can always add to your system as your needs evolve.

Cited Sources

1. H. Bernard et al., "Chlorine, Chlorination By-Products, and Adverse Health Effects in Swimming Pools," PLOS ONE (2015): link
2. R. J. Wojtowicz et al., "Effect of Swimming in Indoor Chlorinated Pools on Respiratory Health," BMJ (2012): link
3. R. Hansen et al., "Chlorine and Chloramines: Long-Term Exposure Risks," NCBI (2014): link