The two mechanisms by which pool chemicals keep the pool clean are oxidation and disinfecting. 
This concentration is much higher than the 3% concentration used for medical purposes.
Therefore, youll need to store it in a cool, dark place if you plan to use it for your pool. To be sure that your pool is completely clean and safe, use a secondary disinfectant as well as an algaecide in conjunction with the hydrogen peroxide. Chester, VA 23831 Store: 804-748-4330 Service: 804-748-4023, 2022 Swim-N-Pools Billiards & Spas. You're probably familiar with a hydrogen peroxide as a topical antiseptic for disinfecting a cut or maybe for bleaching hair. Some high-use pools and spas may require up to 100 ppm. Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more, 11210 Iron Bridge Rd. Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizer. The National Library of Medicine states that hydrogen peroxide, also known as hydrogen dioxide, is composed of two parts oxygen and two parts hydrogen, the same elements that make up water. Ultraviolet and hydrogen peroxide is so effective at controlling biological growth, that is has become the method of choice in high volume medical facility pools. How much space do you need to raise goats?
Goat Butter: Making Butter with Goats Milk, https://apsp.org/Portals/0/RWQ%20Fact%20Sheets/2014-10-02%20FS%20Winterizing%20A%20Pool%20Final.pdf, https://www.ozoneservices.com/articles/008.htm, https://www.swimuniversity.com/frogs-in-pool/, https://www.purehealthdiscounts.com/h2o2.htm. Due to the dosage required, larger bodies of water can be more challenging. All of the common problems with chorine are a result of poor water management, chloramines, and other chlorine by-products, not the chlorine itself.
Run the pump every night according to your manufacturers instructions and change out the filter about every two weeks. If youre buying hydrogen peroxide from a pool supply company, it may have a longer shelf life. Also, hydrogen peroxide is not compatible with DE filters, which represent about one/fourth of the residential swimming pool market. Youre probably familiar with the household version of hydrogen peroxide, which is 3 percent concentrate that will not harm your skin or eyes when youre using it for things like stain removal. By contrast, hydrogen peroxide is gentler on your skin and hair but lacks the multiple uses that chlorine possesses.
However, many pool owners base their decision to get away from all chlorine on a bad experience with water chemistry or misinformation.
Is hydrogen peroxide a safe and advisable alternative to chlorine in your swimming pool? For example, reactive oxygen radicals render pathogens that attach to the pool wall harmless. Fill your pool with water. Although it varies depending on bather load, the typical concentration of hydrogen peroxide is 30 to 40 ppm in a typical swimming pool or spa. Log in, improve my thyroid function in a new protocol. However, a breakdown of the chemical does mean that its less effective as an oxidation agent, so be sure to store your hydrogen peroxide in a cool, dry place.
She also runs her own lifestyle blog, Sweet Frivolity.
In order to maintain hydrogen peroxide levels in your pool, its necessary to test the water and frequently add more hydrogen peroxide to sustain the required level of 50 to 90 ppm. Additionally, powerful reactive oxygen radicals enter the pool and control pathogens that do not pass through the UV chamber. Where hydrogen peroxide excels is in the task of oxidization, or breaking down organic matter that would otherwise allow bacteria and fungi to grow in pool water. A 35% concentration of food grade hydrogen peroxide is most commonly used in swimming pools and spas.
Hydrogen peroxides job in the body is to help maintain healthy cell function. First, it is much easier to use hydrogen peroxide in a small body of water, such as a swim spa, hydrotherapy spa, or small indoor pool, than a large body of water. When you combine the two pool chemicals, hydrogen peroxide neutralizes chlorine via a chemical process that creates water, oxygen and salt, explains Lenntech. Ultraviolet combined with hydrogen peroxide is extremely effective at controlling bacterial growth, destroying organic matter, and improving water clarity.
In most regions of the country, health and safety standards require a disinfectant to be used in addition to hydrogen peroxide. Notify me when this product is available: This website, swimnpools.com, is setup forlocal customers of Swim-N-Pools Billiards & Spas. Even if your pool is located in full sunlight, it wont get ultraviolet light at night or when the sky is overcast. Perhaps the biggest disadvantage is the relatively high dosage required and the short life of hydrogen peroxide. Pool chemicals, like chlorine or hydrogen peroxide, kill germs that can live in the water and cause infections, such as E. coli and giardia.
Second, we always ask if there is a reason for not using chlorine. Do You Need to Add Algaecide to a Swimming Pool With a Salt Water System?
Warm water therapy pools and therapy spas are breeding grounds for bacteria and other pathogens. Water can also be shocked with hydrogen peroxide to improve water quality.
However, chlorine can cause unpleasant side effects for frequent swimmers, such as eye irritation, dry skin, damaged swimsuits and brittle hair. Some proponents of hydrogen peroxide use in pools have claimed that hydrogen peroxide is an effective pool disinfectant as long as the pool is located outside in the sun. It is true that ultraviolet light, which is part of the sunlight spectrum, combines with hydrogen peroxide to eliminate algae, bacteria and other problem organisms in pools.
Ultraviolet disinfection alone destroys more than 99.5% of pathogens that pass through the chamber. Maintaining the correct water balance in your pool eliminates algae and bacteria, keeps your pool and its equipment in good working order and protects the safety of the swimmers. By maintaining a level supply of disinfectant chemicals in your pool, youll ensure that swimmers are consistently protected from bacteria and viruses, and youll also have a sparkling, clean pool. Your pool will require a much higher concentrate 35 percent. If you do choose to use hydrogen peroxide rather than chlorine in your pool, its important to remain cognizant of what hydrogen peroxide does and doesnt do as well as to keep up with the recommended safety precautions when using this pool chemical. Have a question? You can use water from the hose that is chlorinated. Copyright 2015 Spectralight Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy Terms of Use, Copyright 2015 Spectralight Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
When the levels drop below 50 ppm, add. Additionally, the hydrogen peroxide levels must be carefully monitored and adjusted. The first problem is that ultraviolet light breaks down hydrogen peroxide quickly (this is why hydrogen peroxide must be stored in a cool, dark place to preserve its effectiveness). She holds a Master of Science in Publishing from Pace University. But 30 40 ppm hydrogen peroxide is required. Regardless of the substances you decide to use to keep your pool safe and clean, its important to keep in mind what those chemicals are designed to accomplish. Be sure to always use gloves and safety goggles when handling this chemical.
These radicals are powerful oxidizers that have an enhanced ability to destroy pathogens. Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketer from upstate New York. Although hydrogen peroxide cannot be used alone, the combination of ultraviolet disinfection and hydrogen peroxide can be very effective. We cannot forget that hydrogen peroxide levels greater than 100 ppm are dangerous and can be harmful to the eyes. A chlorine-free liquid oxidizer of 27% specially-stabilized hydrogen peroxide. SpectraLight clients are delighted when they discover how easy pool maintenance can be when SpectraLight is combined with a low dosage of chlorine (just 0.5 ppm). Most importantly, SpectraLight eliminates chloramines and disinfection by-products, making pools safer, healthier, and easier to manage than traditional disinfection methods. A low dosage of chlorine is safe and effective. Give us a call or text at 804-748-4330. Some users prefer a 50% concentration. The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide can be delayed by adding a stabilizer to the water. How to Winterize a Pool Without Lowering the Water, Causes and Remedies of Green Swimming Pool Water. Used to clarify pool water by oxidizing organic compounds (swimmer waste). Chlorine does both, though it comes with side effects that may cause damage to your skin, hair and bathing suit. If you are outside of the Chesterfield and Greater Richmond, VA area and/or not able to do a curbside pickup at our Chester, VA location, please visit our sister site, yourpoolstore.com, which ships nationally.
A final caveat about hydrogen peroxide is that it is incompatible with diatomaceous earth pool filtration, which is used in about a quarter of all residential pools. Hydrogen peroxide disinfection requires a high dosage.
If you plan to replace chlorine with hydrogen peroxide in your swimming pool, first check to be sure that you have another kind of filter, such as a high-rate sand filter or a cartridge filter. The recommended hydrogen peroxide to water ratio for disinfecting pools is between 50 and 90 ppm, but hydrogen peroxide on its own is not an effective disinfectant. Hydrogen peroxide, known for its historical value as a wound disinfectant and its present use as a common household cleaner and stain remover, has been proposed as an alternative method of sanitizing and oxidizing swimming pools. Hydrogen peroxide requires ultraviolet light disinfection as the primary disinfection agent. She owns her own content marketing agency, Wordsmyth Creative Content Marketing, and she enjoys writing home and DIY articles and blogs for clients in a variety of related industries. Another problem is that sunlight is not a consistent source of ultraviolet light. Powered by Shopify. Do not use hydrogen peroxide with chlorine. In the presence of light (particularly ultraviolet light), it decomposes quickly to form oxygen and water. This method is most popular in hydrotherapy pools and spas, and with individuals who are allergic to common pool chemicals.
Since hydrogen peroxide disintegrates rapidly when placed in a swimming pools or spas, daily monitoring and constant dosing is recommended. Food-grade hydrogen peroxide (35 percent concentrate) has a shelf life of about 30 days, so dont plan to keep much more than a months supply on hand at any one time. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's, National Library of Medicine: Hydrogen Peroxide, US Food & Drug Administration: Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Residential Swimming Pools and Spas, Lenntech: Disinfectants Hydrogen Peroxide, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 2018 Model Aquatic Health Code, How to grow your own herb garden in any indoor or outdoor space, How to Get High Chlorine Levels Down in Swimming Pools. cancer patients swim in hydrogen peroxide pools for an additional therapy, 35% FOOD GRADE Hydrogen Peroxide BUY HERE, pinning some of my favorite natural pool designs. SpectraLight can be used with just 0.5 ppm chlorine. But when it comes to disinfecting, hydrogen peroxide is less powerful than chlorine. The hydrogen peroxide will actually dissolve the DE. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration includes it in its official list of substances generally recognized as safe. When it comes to oxidizing, its actually 30% more powerful than chlorine. We often get the question, Should I use chlorine or hydrogen peroxide with SpectraLight UV systems? It depends. To maintain a clean, sparkling pool, keep your hydrogen peroxide levels between 50 90 ppm.
Hydrogen peroxide reacts very fast and disintegrates into hydrogen and water, increasing the amount of oxygen in the water. When compared with chlorine-based bleaches, hydrogen peroxide is considered a more environmentally friendly choice. The chief disadvantage of hydrogen peroxide in pools is that unlike chlorine, it cannot serve the dual purposes of oxidation and disinfectant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that even artificial UV light must operate 24 hours a day in conjunction with hydrogen peroxide and that sunlight isnt an adequate replacement.
Home Depot says this includes checking the pH, alkalinity, water hardness and levels of your chosen disinfectant chemical, most often chlorine.
Hydrogen peroxide breaks down in light and warmth. You may be most familiar with hydrogen peroxide as it is found in drugstores: a 3 percent solution often sold in a plain brown bottle.
Chlorine is better known, and the smell of chlorine is one of the most familiar features of a swimming pool. Unlike some chemicals, this doesnt create a safety hazard, as hydrogen peroxide breaks down into its component parts: water and oxygen. What you may not know is that hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer that can be combined with ultraviolet light to disinfect swimming pools.
The combination of hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet light produces reactive oxygen radicals that both oxidize and disinfect.
The combination of ultraviolet disinfection with hydrogen peroxide allows pool owners to safely eliminate all chlorine in their pool or spa. Bright light and warmer outdoor temperatures cause hydrogen peroxide to break down rapidly. As with any strong oxidizer, care must be taken when storing and handling. Installing an automatic dosing system with an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) controller will add significant expense. Hydrogen peroxide and chlorine are two sanitizing chemicals that can be used to ensure that a residential or commercial swimming pool is safe for swimming. Unlike some other methods for creating a chlorine-free environment, the combination of ultraviolet disinfection and hydrogen peroxide is both proven and effective. However, there are challenges with using this system effectively. If someone is allergic or sensitive to chlorine, then hydrogen peroxide should be used. In the modern world, hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as a bleaching agent for paper or in detergents or as a disinfectant effective against a wide range of viruses and bacteria. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2018 Model Aquatic Health Code explicitly states that hydrogen peroxide has not been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency as a disinfectant in pools. A much higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide is recommended for use in pools, typically a 35 percent concentrate, also called food-grade hydrogen peroxide. Chlorine & hydrogen peroxide can mix together just fine. To start treatment, shock your pool with hydrogen peroxide by adding, Use the test strips and test your pool about once a week. Thats a big difference, especially when you consider how much hydrogen peroxide must be added each week.
This concentration is much higher than the 3% concentration used for medical purposes. Therefore, youll need to store it in a cool, dark place if you plan to use it for your pool. To be sure that your pool is completely clean and safe, use a secondary disinfectant as well as an algaecide in conjunction with the hydrogen peroxide. Chester, VA 23831 Store: 804-748-4330 Service: 804-748-4023, 2022 Swim-N-Pools Billiards & Spas. You're probably familiar with a hydrogen peroxide as a topical antiseptic for disinfecting a cut or maybe for bleaching hair. Some high-use pools and spas may require up to 100 ppm. Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more, 11210 Iron Bridge Rd. Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizer. The National Library of Medicine states that hydrogen peroxide, also known as hydrogen dioxide, is composed of two parts oxygen and two parts hydrogen, the same elements that make up water. Ultraviolet and hydrogen peroxide is so effective at controlling biological growth, that is has become the method of choice in high volume medical facility pools. How much space do you need to raise goats?
Goat Butter: Making Butter with Goats Milk, https://apsp.org/Portals/0/RWQ%20Fact%20Sheets/2014-10-02%20FS%20Winterizing%20A%20Pool%20Final.pdf, https://www.ozoneservices.com/articles/008.htm, https://www.swimuniversity.com/frogs-in-pool/, https://www.purehealthdiscounts.com/h2o2.htm. Due to the dosage required, larger bodies of water can be more challenging. All of the common problems with chorine are a result of poor water management, chloramines, and other chlorine by-products, not the chlorine itself.
Run the pump every night according to your manufacturers instructions and change out the filter about every two weeks. If youre buying hydrogen peroxide from a pool supply company, it may have a longer shelf life. Also, hydrogen peroxide is not compatible with DE filters, which represent about one/fourth of the residential swimming pool market. Youre probably familiar with the household version of hydrogen peroxide, which is 3 percent concentrate that will not harm your skin or eyes when youre using it for things like stain removal. By contrast, hydrogen peroxide is gentler on your skin and hair but lacks the multiple uses that chlorine possesses.
However, many pool owners base their decision to get away from all chlorine on a bad experience with water chemistry or misinformation.
Is hydrogen peroxide a safe and advisable alternative to chlorine in your swimming pool? For example, reactive oxygen radicals render pathogens that attach to the pool wall harmless. Fill your pool with water. Although it varies depending on bather load, the typical concentration of hydrogen peroxide is 30 to 40 ppm in a typical swimming pool or spa. Log in, improve my thyroid function in a new protocol. However, a breakdown of the chemical does mean that its less effective as an oxidation agent, so be sure to store your hydrogen peroxide in a cool, dry place.
She also runs her own lifestyle blog, Sweet Frivolity.
In order to maintain hydrogen peroxide levels in your pool, its necessary to test the water and frequently add more hydrogen peroxide to sustain the required level of 50 to 90 ppm. Additionally, powerful reactive oxygen radicals enter the pool and control pathogens that do not pass through the UV chamber. Where hydrogen peroxide excels is in the task of oxidization, or breaking down organic matter that would otherwise allow bacteria and fungi to grow in pool water. A 35% concentration of food grade hydrogen peroxide is most commonly used in swimming pools and spas.
Hydrogen peroxides job in the body is to help maintain healthy cell function. First, it is much easier to use hydrogen peroxide in a small body of water, such as a swim spa, hydrotherapy spa, or small indoor pool, than a large body of water. When you combine the two pool chemicals, hydrogen peroxide neutralizes chlorine via a chemical process that creates water, oxygen and salt, explains Lenntech. Ultraviolet combined with hydrogen peroxide is extremely effective at controlling bacterial growth, destroying organic matter, and improving water clarity.
In most regions of the country, health and safety standards require a disinfectant to be used in addition to hydrogen peroxide. Notify me when this product is available: This website, swimnpools.com, is setup forlocal customers of Swim-N-Pools Billiards & Spas. Even if your pool is located in full sunlight, it wont get ultraviolet light at night or when the sky is overcast. Perhaps the biggest disadvantage is the relatively high dosage required and the short life of hydrogen peroxide. Pool chemicals, like chlorine or hydrogen peroxide, kill germs that can live in the water and cause infections, such as E. coli and giardia.
Second, we always ask if there is a reason for not using chlorine. Do You Need to Add Algaecide to a Swimming Pool With a Salt Water System?
Warm water therapy pools and therapy spas are breeding grounds for bacteria and other pathogens. Water can also be shocked with hydrogen peroxide to improve water quality.
However, chlorine can cause unpleasant side effects for frequent swimmers, such as eye irritation, dry skin, damaged swimsuits and brittle hair. Some proponents of hydrogen peroxide use in pools have claimed that hydrogen peroxide is an effective pool disinfectant as long as the pool is located outside in the sun. It is true that ultraviolet light, which is part of the sunlight spectrum, combines with hydrogen peroxide to eliminate algae, bacteria and other problem organisms in pools.
Ultraviolet disinfection alone destroys more than 99.5% of pathogens that pass through the chamber. Maintaining the correct water balance in your pool eliminates algae and bacteria, keeps your pool and its equipment in good working order and protects the safety of the swimmers. By maintaining a level supply of disinfectant chemicals in your pool, youll ensure that swimmers are consistently protected from bacteria and viruses, and youll also have a sparkling, clean pool. Your pool will require a much higher concentrate 35 percent. If you do choose to use hydrogen peroxide rather than chlorine in your pool, its important to remain cognizant of what hydrogen peroxide does and doesnt do as well as to keep up with the recommended safety precautions when using this pool chemical. Have a question? You can use water from the hose that is chlorinated. Copyright 2015 Spectralight Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy Terms of Use, Copyright 2015 Spectralight Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
When the levels drop below 50 ppm, add. Additionally, the hydrogen peroxide levels must be carefully monitored and adjusted. The first problem is that ultraviolet light breaks down hydrogen peroxide quickly (this is why hydrogen peroxide must be stored in a cool, dark place to preserve its effectiveness). She holds a Master of Science in Publishing from Pace University. But 30 40 ppm hydrogen peroxide is required. Regardless of the substances you decide to use to keep your pool safe and clean, its important to keep in mind what those chemicals are designed to accomplish. Be sure to always use gloves and safety goggles when handling this chemical.
These radicals are powerful oxidizers that have an enhanced ability to destroy pathogens. Danielle Smyth is a writer and content marketer from upstate New York. Although hydrogen peroxide cannot be used alone, the combination of ultraviolet disinfection and hydrogen peroxide can be very effective. We cannot forget that hydrogen peroxide levels greater than 100 ppm are dangerous and can be harmful to the eyes. A chlorine-free liquid oxidizer of 27% specially-stabilized hydrogen peroxide. SpectraLight clients are delighted when they discover how easy pool maintenance can be when SpectraLight is combined with a low dosage of chlorine (just 0.5 ppm). Most importantly, SpectraLight eliminates chloramines and disinfection by-products, making pools safer, healthier, and easier to manage than traditional disinfection methods. A low dosage of chlorine is safe and effective. Give us a call or text at 804-748-4330. Some users prefer a 50% concentration. The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide can be delayed by adding a stabilizer to the water. How to Winterize a Pool Without Lowering the Water, Causes and Remedies of Green Swimming Pool Water. Used to clarify pool water by oxidizing organic compounds (swimmer waste). Chlorine does both, though it comes with side effects that may cause damage to your skin, hair and bathing suit. If you are outside of the Chesterfield and Greater Richmond, VA area and/or not able to do a curbside pickup at our Chester, VA location, please visit our sister site, yourpoolstore.com, which ships nationally.
A final caveat about hydrogen peroxide is that it is incompatible with diatomaceous earth pool filtration, which is used in about a quarter of all residential pools. Hydrogen peroxide disinfection requires a high dosage.
If you plan to replace chlorine with hydrogen peroxide in your swimming pool, first check to be sure that you have another kind of filter, such as a high-rate sand filter or a cartridge filter. The recommended hydrogen peroxide to water ratio for disinfecting pools is between 50 and 90 ppm, but hydrogen peroxide on its own is not an effective disinfectant. Hydrogen peroxide, known for its historical value as a wound disinfectant and its present use as a common household cleaner and stain remover, has been proposed as an alternative method of sanitizing and oxidizing swimming pools. Hydrogen peroxide requires ultraviolet light disinfection as the primary disinfection agent. She owns her own content marketing agency, Wordsmyth Creative Content Marketing, and she enjoys writing home and DIY articles and blogs for clients in a variety of related industries. Another problem is that sunlight is not a consistent source of ultraviolet light. Powered by Shopify. Do not use hydrogen peroxide with chlorine. In the presence of light (particularly ultraviolet light), it decomposes quickly to form oxygen and water. This method is most popular in hydrotherapy pools and spas, and with individuals who are allergic to common pool chemicals.
Since hydrogen peroxide disintegrates rapidly when placed in a swimming pools or spas, daily monitoring and constant dosing is recommended. Food-grade hydrogen peroxide (35 percent concentrate) has a shelf life of about 30 days, so dont plan to keep much more than a months supply on hand at any one time. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's, National Library of Medicine: Hydrogen Peroxide, US Food & Drug Administration: Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Residential Swimming Pools and Spas, Lenntech: Disinfectants Hydrogen Peroxide, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 2018 Model Aquatic Health Code, How to grow your own herb garden in any indoor or outdoor space, How to Get High Chlorine Levels Down in Swimming Pools. cancer patients swim in hydrogen peroxide pools for an additional therapy, 35% FOOD GRADE Hydrogen Peroxide BUY HERE, pinning some of my favorite natural pool designs. SpectraLight can be used with just 0.5 ppm chlorine. But when it comes to disinfecting, hydrogen peroxide is less powerful than chlorine. The hydrogen peroxide will actually dissolve the DE. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration includes it in its official list of substances generally recognized as safe. When it comes to oxidizing, its actually 30% more powerful than chlorine. We often get the question, Should I use chlorine or hydrogen peroxide with SpectraLight UV systems? It depends. To maintain a clean, sparkling pool, keep your hydrogen peroxide levels between 50 90 ppm.
Hydrogen peroxide reacts very fast and disintegrates into hydrogen and water, increasing the amount of oxygen in the water. When compared with chlorine-based bleaches, hydrogen peroxide is considered a more environmentally friendly choice. The chief disadvantage of hydrogen peroxide in pools is that unlike chlorine, it cannot serve the dual purposes of oxidation and disinfectant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that even artificial UV light must operate 24 hours a day in conjunction with hydrogen peroxide and that sunlight isnt an adequate replacement.
Home Depot says this includes checking the pH, alkalinity, water hardness and levels of your chosen disinfectant chemical, most often chlorine.
Hydrogen peroxide breaks down in light and warmth. You may be most familiar with hydrogen peroxide as it is found in drugstores: a 3 percent solution often sold in a plain brown bottle.
Chlorine is better known, and the smell of chlorine is one of the most familiar features of a swimming pool. Unlike some chemicals, this doesnt create a safety hazard, as hydrogen peroxide breaks down into its component parts: water and oxygen. What you may not know is that hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer that can be combined with ultraviolet light to disinfect swimming pools.
The combination of hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet light produces reactive oxygen radicals that both oxidize and disinfect.
The combination of ultraviolet disinfection with hydrogen peroxide allows pool owners to safely eliminate all chlorine in their pool or spa. Bright light and warmer outdoor temperatures cause hydrogen peroxide to break down rapidly. As with any strong oxidizer, care must be taken when storing and handling. Installing an automatic dosing system with an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) controller will add significant expense. Hydrogen peroxide and chlorine are two sanitizing chemicals that can be used to ensure that a residential or commercial swimming pool is safe for swimming. Unlike some other methods for creating a chlorine-free environment, the combination of ultraviolet disinfection and hydrogen peroxide is both proven and effective. However, there are challenges with using this system effectively. If someone is allergic or sensitive to chlorine, then hydrogen peroxide should be used. In the modern world, hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as a bleaching agent for paper or in detergents or as a disinfectant effective against a wide range of viruses and bacteria. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2018 Model Aquatic Health Code explicitly states that hydrogen peroxide has not been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency as a disinfectant in pools. A much higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide is recommended for use in pools, typically a 35 percent concentrate, also called food-grade hydrogen peroxide. Chlorine & hydrogen peroxide can mix together just fine. To start treatment, shock your pool with hydrogen peroxide by adding, Use the test strips and test your pool about once a week. Thats a big difference, especially when you consider how much hydrogen peroxide must be added each week.