Chlorine Free Pool
Can I have a pool with no chlorine? The reason I’m asking is that I don’t want eye or skin irritation, and I also dislike the smell of chlorine. The truth is that chlorine is a very effective chemical — part of the biocide family that helps protect us from bacteria and infections. Eye irritation, itchy skin and a strong chlorine smell are usually signs of a poorly operated pool rather than the chlorine itself. Irritation and itching can occur when pool chemistry is off, for example when Free Chlorine levels are unbalanced because combined chlorine (chloramines) is high. A poorly managed pool is often obvious as soon as you approach it. A strong chlorine smell is the first warning sign; cloudy water or a greenish tinge are further indications of inadequate water care. If the pool isn’t perfectly clear and sparkling blue, it’s best not to use it. A badly managed pool can pose real health risks, especially from swallowing or prolonged contact with contaminated water.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: can cause swimmer’s ear (otitis externa), skin rashes and folliculitis.
Escherichia coli and other coliforms: can cause gastroenteritis with diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Legionella (in poorly maintained heated pools, spa pools and hot tubs): can cause Legionnaires’ disease (severe pneumonia) or Pontiac fever (flu-like illness).
Viral infections
Norovirus: highly contagious gastroenteritis; spreads easily via contaminated water and surfaces.
Adenovirus and enteroviruses: can cause respiratory infections, conjunctivitis (eye infections), and gastrointestinal illness.
Hepatitis A (less common): causes liver infection, jaundice, fatigue and abdominal pain.
Parasitic infections
Cryptosporidium: causes prolonged, watery diarrhoea and abdominal cramps; highly chlorine-resistant and can survive in poorly treated pools.
Giardia lamblia: causes diarrhoea, bloating and weight loss.
Dermatological conditions
Chlorine-resistant rashes and irritant dermatitis from a combination of contaminants and improper chemical balance.
Fungal infections (e.g. athlete’s foot, ringworm): transmitted via wet surfaces around pools and sometimes in poorly maintained water.
Respiratory problems
Exposure to disinfection by-products (DBPs) such as chloramines when pools are poorly ventilated or inadequately chlorinated: can cause coughing, wheeze, throat irritation and exacerbate asthma.
Inhalation of aerosolised pathogens in spa pools/hot tubs with poor maintenance: increased risk of respiratory infection (including Legionella).
Eye and ear problems
Conjunctivitis (red, irritated eyes) from bacteria, viruses or chemical imbalance.
Otitis externa (swimmer’s ear) from bacterial growth in contaminated water or on wet surfaces.
Chemical-related hazards
Incorrect chemical dosing leading to corrosive or irritant water: burns, eye and skin irritation.
Overuse of disinfectants creating harmful DBPs, with acute irritation and potential long-term respiratory impact.
Injury and indirect risks
Slippery surfaces from organic contamination increasing slip and fall risk.
Reduced visibility in dirty water increasing drowning risk, hindering rescue and surveillance.
Vulnerable groups at higher risk
Young children, elderly people, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals are more likely to develop severe illness from contaminated pool water.
A multi-barrier approach to pool water treatment delivers the most reliable protection and the best swimmer experience. Combining high-performance mechanical filtration, ultraviolet (UV) sterilisation, ozone generation and controlled chemical dosing creates complementary layers of disinfection and contaminant removal, reducing pathogen load, inactivating chlorine-resistant organisms and minimising by‑product formation.
Chlorine remains a highly effective and essential biocide in pool water management: when dosed and maintained correctly it provides a persistent residual that prevents recontamination throughout the circulation system. Integrating chlorine with UV, ozone and robust filtration allows lower target chlorine levels while maintaining safety.