Unlike some other methods for creating a chlorine-free environment, the combination of ultraviolet disinfection and hydrogen peroxide is both proven and effective. This method is most popular in hydrotherapy pools and spas, and with individuals who are allergic to common pool chemicals.
If you are currently treating your pool with chlorine, you don't have to wait for the levels to go down, you can start using hydrogen peroxide now. It is advised to add the hydrogen peroxide, then let the pump run 6 hours before swimming so it's fully incorporated and the percentage is at a safe swimming level.
The truth of the matter is: hydrogen peroxide is another dangerous chemical just like chlorine. This particular system requires high levels of hydrogen peroxide to be effective. At these levels it becomes an irritant and will oxidise skin, hair and swimsuits. It can also cause respiratory problems.
Hydrogen Peroxide VS Chlorine
If you have surface water and need to disinfect it, especially if there is algae, then chlorine is dramatically superior to hydrogen peroxide. However, if you have incredibly high iron or sulfur, chlorine is not a good choice, but hydrogen peroxide is.
When chlorine is used to disinfect water, in some cases, it may produce harmful byproducts such as chloroform and dioxins. These byproducts can be harmful to human health and the environment. On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide does not produce any harmful byproducts.
If you carefully follow these directions you can successfully treat your well and enjoy odor and bacteria free water in your home. You will pour 35% solution of Hydrogen Peroxide directly into your well. The amount will depend on the depth of the well and the extent of the contamination.
Hydrogen peroxide can irritate the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Exposure of the eyes to concentrations of 5% or more can result in permanent eye damage.
The dark decay of hydrogen peroxide followed first-order kinetics with half-lives of 7.8 hours (unfiltered lake water), 8.6 hours (filtered, 5 µm), 31 hours (filtered, 1 µm) and >24 hours (filtered, 0.45 µm).
Hydrogen peroxide is used to lower the pool's pH levels. It also reacts with chlorine to produce air and water, evidenced by bubbles forming in the water.
What Does Baking Soda Do For a Pool? Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is naturally alkaline, with a pH of 8. When you add baking soda to your pool water, you will raise both the pH and the alkalinity, improving stability and clarity.
The bottom line. Hydrogen peroxide used to be a popular antiseptic for cleaning wounds and treating acne. But it's not a good idea to use it for those purposes, since it can irritate your skin. If you don't want to throw away your brown bottles, you can use hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect around the house.
Hydrogen peroxide also kills normal cells within the wound — including healthy skin cells and immune cells — and slows blood vessel formation, all of which are important for wound healing. It's a similar story with rubbing alcohol, another substance commonly thought to help sanitize a wound.
Hydrogen peroxide is especially effective against green algae and blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). It is heavier than water and sinks to the ground, which is useful if you're dealing with algae near the ground and somewhat of a hindrance if the algae are higher up in the tank.
The level of hydrogen peroxide must be maintained between 50 – 90 ppm. Use the test strips once a week to ensure that this level is maintained. If you notice the level of hydrogen peroxide slipping below 50 ppm, add 1 cup (250ml) of hydrogen peroxide for every 500 gallons (200 liters) of water.
Chlorine is added to the water to kill germs. But it does not work right away. If used properly, free chlorine* can kill most germs within a few minutes. CDC recommends pH 7.2–7.8 and a free chlorine concentration of at least 1 ppm in pools and at least 3 ppm in hot tubs/spas.
Calcium Hypochlorite: Also referred to as cal hypo, this chemical is one of the least costly and most convenient ways to shock your pool. It's usually sold in granular form. Needs to be dissolved before you add it to the pool. Must be used after dusk.
6 reasons why you should avoid disinfecting your pool with bleach instead of chlorine. Finally, if it is not properly dosed, bleach can become dangerous for bathers! Pool water that is too concentrated in bleach can become toxic, irritating the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract of swimmers.
Muriatic Acid and Chlorine
When mixed, these two chemicals create a toxic gas that can be dangerous or even fatal if inhaled. Carefully read the product label and follow all directions to avoid causing an adverse reaction.
Never swallow your peroxide rinse, no matter the concentration. Also, make sure to rinse thoroughly every time you use hydrogen peroxide. Mouthwash at the same time every day to get the most benefit.
Low exposure may occur from use at home; higher exposures may occur from industrial use. Exposure to hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation of the eyes, throat, respiratory airway, and skin. Drinking concentrated liquid can cause mild to severe gastrointestinal effects.
Hydrogen peroxide can also be decomposed biologically by the enzyme catalase. The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide liberates oxygen and heat; this can be dangerous, as spilling high-concentration hydrogen peroxide on a flammable substance can cause an immediate fire.