First ozone-only public swimming pool

The Chlorine Free Products Association announced today that an Ozone-only public pool in Fairhope, AL is operating safely without the need for chlorine or other chemicals. This is a first in North America says Mainstream Water Solutions, the developer of the protocol for the Ozone-only pool.

When we looked at the theoretical operation of the pool, we felt that we could maintain an Ozone residual that would achieve disinfection, Allan Finney of Mainstream Water Solutions said. With advances in measuring equipment and Ozone contacting equipment, we achieved a chlorine-chemical-free operation.

The problem has always been to achieve sanitation without causing additional health problems, said Walt Bolton of BES Engineering. Ozone is made from Oxygen and does not degrade into harmful chlorinated byproducts in a swimming pool environment. Swimmers at the pool enjoy crystal clear sparkling water that does not cause eye or skin irritation and without harmful halogenated byproducts. Chlorination has been implicated in conditions ranging from chlorine-induced asthma to higher miscarriage rates in pregnant women to cancer.

Numerous studies have pointed out the problems associated with ingesting chlorinated byproducts. When chlorine reacts with organics, as in a swimming pool environment or in drinking water, it forms a group of chemicals that include trihalomethanes, chloroform, chlorobromoform and other toxic compounds. Some of these studies include: Dr. K. Thickett, of the Occupational Lung Diseases Unit at the Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, England, said, ‘It is not only the exposure to the chlorine that is the culprit causing asthma in swimmers.

More important, she said, is the chemical reaction that occurs when chlorine comes into contact with sweat and urine, and releases derivatives such as aldehydes, halogenated hydrocarbons, and chloramines.’ (During the recent Olympic Game's held in Australia it was reported that more than one-quarter of the American swim team suffered from some degree of asthma.)

Ingestion of water containing disinfection by-products ‘chlorine compounds’ is the biggest route of exposure for most people. If nobody drinks the water coming from the shower fixture, or swimming in a pool, then inhalation is the main route of exposure for disinfection by-products in the shower. Also, cooking with water (heating and/or boiling) and using an automatic dishwasher are additional sources where inhalation exposures to disinfection by-products in water can occur,’ says Andy Galloway, CIH Industrial Hygienist, Radiation Safety Officer Aventis Pharmaceuticals.

Mainstream’s non-chemical perspective on water treatment has been developed over the last 13 years. The company also specializes in Ozone-assisted Biofiltration and provides complete water treatment solutions suited to small municipal, rural, agricultural and point of use systems. Mainstream was formed from the merger of three companies: Mainstream Bio-Manipulation Systems Ltd., pioneering chemical free, environmentally friendly water solutions with a 13 year research pedigree with National and Regional Canadian Partners; Mainstream Water Laboratory, an analytical water laboratory division providing total water quality analysis.

Water analysis programs use National guidelines and standards set for drinking water and food safety compliance; Envron Environmental Ltd. the ozone water treatment solution provider with roots dating back to 1986. The ozone division is well positioned to become the chemical free alternative in disinfection and odour control practices. With experience in system production and chemical free alternatives, Mainstream is the leader in total water quality management.

Commercially, Mainstream captures solutions that promote environmental practices of renewal and revitalization. These solutions drive its Water Treatment for Life approach to stewardship projects.

About The Author:

Jane Reznik is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-wellness.com. Obtaining and keeping good health through healthy living, natural healing, great mental health and healthy finances.