Question from Celestine
I am looking for as much info as I can get on non-toxic swimming pool care. Chlorine is out, of course. But I need to know more about the various devices out there, the hydrogen peroxide systems, etc.
I’d like to know about cost, maintenance, etc.
I am in the Los Angeles area, so if anyone has specific recommendations in that area, or the San Gabriel Valley, that would be helpful too.
Thanks! Celestine
Debra’s Answer
I can’t give you a detailed overview of all the pool devices and their dangers. I’ll just say that over the years I have looked at them all and decided on hydrogen peroxide. But I want to especially say to not use a copper system, as the body does absorb the copper, which can lead to a copper imbalance in your body. The so-called “salt” systems are still chlorine, it’s just produced from salt.
When I used to have a pool I used hydrogen peroxide. All we did was periodically add more hydrogen peroxide as needed. But it’s not the type you get at the drug store. I think it was 50%. We bought it at a chemical supply house and kept it locked up in a shed because it’s very toxic at that concentration. You do need to be careful not to splash or spill the hydrogen peroxide on your skin or clothing and wear goggles when you add it to the pool. But there is no chlorine smell and the water becomes effervescent.
