Hydroxyl Radicals vs Chlorine: A Safer, Eco-Friendly Pool Sanitizer

Chlorine has been the cornerstone of pool care for decades, but it comes with its challenges—irritation, unpleasant odors, and environmental harm. At Shasta Pools, we’ve seen firsthand how these issues frustrate pool owners. This article introduces a revolutionary alternative: hydroxyl radicals, a safer, more eco-friendly way to keep your pool clean. Read on to discover why this cutting-edge technology is reshaping pool care.

A Pool Sanitation Solution. These tiny yet powerful molecules are reshaping how we think about clean, healthy swimming pools. Whether you’re planning to build a new pool or upgrade your existing one, you might want to take a closer look at this game-changing technology.

Chlorine vs Hydroxyl Radicals.

Hydroxyl radicals are naturally occurring molecules often called "nature's detergent." In the atmosphere, they clean the air by breaking down pollutants. They also occur naturally when a lightning bolt passes through the atmosphere, when the extreme heat of the lightning bolt causes oxygen and nitrogen molecules to break apart and form these highly reactive compounds.

In swimming pools, these same molecules act as supercharged oxidizers, attacking contaminants like bacteria and algae. Unlike traditional chemicals such as chlorine, hydroxyl radicals work faster and leave no harmful residue. Think of them as the ultimate cleaning crew for your pool—efficient, effective, and eco-friendly.

Why Are Traditional Pool Chemicals Falling Short?

While chlorine and bromine have been pool staples for years, they’re far from perfect. Here’s why:

• Irritation and Odors: Chlorine often causes red eyes, itchy skin, and that strong "pool smell."

• Constant Maintenance: Keeping chlorine levels balanced requires regular testing and adjustments.

• Environmental Concerns: When backwashed into the environment, these chemicals can harm local ecosystems and even just the plants and animals in your yard.

Hydroxyl radicals address these challenges head-on by offering a solution that’s not only better for your health but also better for the planet.

How Do Hydroxyl Radicals Work in Your Pool?

Hydroxyl radicals are created when water is exposed to UV light or specific advanced oxidation processes. Once formed, these radicals immediately attack and neutralize contaminants.  When we say "immediately", we literally mean in a measurement of microseconds...while chlorine reaction to contaminants will take minutes. 

The result? Your pool stays crystal-clear, free from algae, bacteria, and unpleasant odors. Best of all, it happens in lightning speed and is significantly more effective than traditional sanitizers.

What Are the Benefits of Using Hydroxyl Radicals in Your Pool?

Hydroxyl radicals offer several advantages for pool owners:

1. Healthier Water: Say goodbye to the red eyes and itchy skin caused by chlorine. Hydroxyl radicals sanitize without creating harmful byproducts like chloramines.
2. Crystal-Clear Pools: They break down organic material at a microscopic level, giving you unmatched water clarity.
3. Eco-Friendly Option: Unlike traditional chemicals, hydroxyl radicals leave no harmful residues, making them safer for the environment.
4. Simpler Maintenance: Fewer chemicals mean less work for you, saving time and effort.

Is Hydroxyl Radical Technology Safe for Sensitive Swimmers?

Absolutely! Chlorine can be harsh on children, pets, and individuals with sensitive skin or allergies because it can be absorbed into our bodies through our skin. Hydroxyl radicals provide a gentle yet effective solution, ensuring your pool water is comfortable for everyone.

How Do Nanobubbles Enhance Hydroxyl Radical Systems?

Nanobubbles take pool sanitation to the next level by helping generate hydroxyl radicals. Not only do they help generate hydroxyl radicals, they help them stay in the water, in some cases, up to a month! Here’s how it works:

1. Oxygen Infusion: Nanobubbles deliver oxygen into the water at a molecular level.
2. UV Light Activation: The oxygen reacts with water molecules under UV light to form hydroxyl radicals.
3. Enhanced Sanitization: This process creates a powerful oxidation system, keeping your pool water clean, clear, and safe.

When combined with hydroxyl radical technology, nanobubbles maximize efficiency, giving you the cleanest, healthiest water possible.  Nanobubbles also help to create a residual, or how long something stays active in the water before disappearing, that a hydroxyl radical doesn't have by itself.

What Are the Most Powerful Pool Oxidizers?

To understand how hydroxyl radicals compare to other pool sanitizers, check out this ranking of the most common oxidizers:

An Oxidizer, simply defined, is a substance that breaks down and removes contaminants (gross stuff) from swimming pool water.

Ready for Cleaner, Healthier Pool Water?

After years of dealing with chlorine’s drawbacks (including salt-chlorine generators), many pool owners are ready for a change. Hydroxyl radical technology offers a safer, more effective solution, and Shasta Pure (oxygenated nanobubbles and hydroxyl radical generator) is now available to you and our technicians are here to help you make the transition. This system can be installed on existing pools and new swimming pools.  An existing pool install can take a little longer than a new pool system install, roughly a day or two, and it can cost a little more than a new pool Shasta Pure system install would be, depending on the existing equipment (but it can be done easily!). If you would like to learn more about Shasta Pure you can read more in our learning center or simply contact us today and one of our experts on hydroxyl radical will get in contact with you.