Freshwater Pools: Your Questions Answered
Are you tired of that itchy and irritating post-swim sensation? If you've found your way to this article, it's safe to say you're in the market for a pool experience that doesn't leave you scratching your head or any other part of your body for that matter!
In recent years, we have seen a diverse range of pools hitting the scene but one that’s been gaining a lot of traction is freshwater pools. These pools are becoming a go-to choice for many homeowners due to their chemical-free and eco-friendly nature. But what exactly are freshwater pools and how do they work? In this article, we'll tackle these questions and give you the lowdown on whether freshwater pools are worth considering. Let's dive in!
What are freshwater pools?
Contrary to what the name suggests, freshwater pools are not pools filled with plain natural water. The difference between a natural pool and a regular pool lies in the filtration system. Unlike traditional pools that rely excessively on heavy-duty chemicals like chlorine, freshwater pools incorporate the use of a silver and copper ionisation process to maintain water quality and hygiene. You might be wondering but how can a pool be safe without chlorine? What is silver and copper ionisation? How does it even work? Let’s break it down for you.
How do freshwater pools work?
Ever wondered why water fountains have crystal-clear water when dirty coins are tossed in? Well, here’s the secret: copper and silver. Research indicates that copper and silver ions, when added to water, can act like tiny chemical agents that disrupt and kill harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and algae. Similarly, freshwater pools harness the natural antimicrobial properties of electrically-charged copper and silver ions to eliminate microorganisms present in the pool, hence keeping the water clean and safe for swimming!
Are freshwater pools completely chemical-free?
Everyone loves the idea of a chemical-free pool. But the reality is that a completely ‘chemical-free' pool does not exist. Every pool requires a certain level of residual chemicals to be safe to swim in. So, what’s important is not which chemicals are in your water but the concentration of those chemicals. In this regard, freshwater pools are not 100% chemical-free as they still require a small amount of chlorine to remove organic matter such as skin tissue, hairs and skin flakes from swimming pool water. However, thanks to the silver and copper ionisation process, the need for chlorine is greatly reduced.
Are freshwater pools eco-friendly?
Freshwater pools are considered more eco-friendly when compared to traditional chlorinated pools, as the use of fewer chemicals minimises the chemical runoff into natural water bodies and, in turn, lessens the impact on aquatic ecosystems. Plus, the water discharged from freshwater pools is typically safe for reuse in activities such as lawn irrigation, plants watering or soil enrichment, offering additional opportunities to reduce water wastage.
However, as with any pool, the overall environmental impact depends on factors such as pool size, location, and maintenance practices, making responsible pool ownership crucial in minimising any potential ecological footprint.
Are freshwater pools ideal for those with skin conditions?
We can all agree that when it comes to choosing a pool, one of the top considerations is how it's going to treat our skin. It's a universal concern and for good reason, especially if you’ve got sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis. Luckily, freshwater pools offer a more skin-friendly alternative due to their decreased reliance on chlorine. Furthermore, the presence of copper and silver in pool water has been proven to benefit the skin in various ways. Silver has a history of fighting acne, while copper is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can speed up wound healing and promote healthier skin overall.
However, silver-copper ionisation systems require careful monitoring and maintenance to ensure the proper balance of ions in the pool water. Failure to maintain the system correctly can lead to an excess of metal ions, which can potentially cause health and skin issues. For people with skin conditions, the effects can be even more pronounced because their skin is already sensitive and prone to reactions. And it's not just about the skin — when you swim in a pool with high copper levels, you might notice some funky changes in your swimsuit or hair color. That’s because when copper reacts with oxygen or chlorine, it kickstarts an oxidation process, resulting in the formation of copper carbonate which creates a greenish tint. Now, if you have little ones running around, you might want to be extra careful, as ingesting water from pools with excessively high copper concentrations can have adverse effects on the health, including symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps. In severe cases, it may even lead to liver damage and kidney disease.
Given these considerations, it becomes crucial to choose a pool filtration system that not only reduces the reliance on chlorine but also mitigates any adverse effects that might arise from the residual chlorine and other elements in the pool water. In this regard, mineral pools emerge as a superior choice. Keep reading to find out why?
Mineral pools: your ticket to a skin-friendly swimming experience!
When it comes to finding a pool that’s skin-friendly, mineral pools are the undisputed champions. And we’re not the only ones saying it, history can vouch for it too!
Long before science caught up, mineral pools were revered across diverse cultures worldwide. Ancient civilisations such as the Greeks, Egyptians and Romans instinctively gravitated towards mineral springs for the incredible health and skin benefits they offered. As time passed, they even developed elaborate bathing rituals and facilities to fully unlock the transformative powers of these extraordinary pools. Today, mineral pools continue to ride the wave of popularity and thanks to brands like Maytronics’ Mineral Swim™, you get to enjoy their remarkable benefits right in your backyard!
Mineral Swim™ works its wonders through a perfect combination of 100% Dead Sea minerals and an advanced ozone-to-oxygen purification system — the magnesium-rich Dead Sea minerals create a remarkable flocculent effect which clarifies the water, while the ozone-to-oxygen sanitation instantly neutralises any organic contaminant and converts it into oxygen before the water even hits your pool. Ozone-to-oxygen sanitation is up to 3,000 times more powerful than traditional water purification systems, reducing chlorine requirement by up to 80%.
The result? Crystal-clear, clean and hygienic water that leaves your skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated. Furthermore, mineral pools have been scientifically proven to penetrate and repair your skin as you swim and even when you’re out of the water! This is especially important for those with sensitive skin, as bathing in a mineral pool can help control these conditions at a deeper level.
So, if you’re looking for a pool sanitising system that’s gentle on your skin, kind to the planet and easy to maintain, speak to us today for tailored details about our Mineral Swim™ pools.