Is your swimming pool affecting your kids’ Asthma and skin allergies?

With tens of thousands in backyards right around the country, there’s little doubt that we Australians love our swimming pools. However, in recent times there has been growing concern with regards to the type of pool water we swim in.

The reason for this is the fact that around one-in-three Australians will suffer from asthma or some kind of skin allergy, and the chemicals of pool water can have a detrimental effect on both of these. This is particularly concerning for parents whose kids suffer from either of these conditions, especially when we all know how much time they spend in the water.

So, what are the swimming conditions that we need to be aware of, and why? Over the years swimming pools have traditionally used strong chemicals such as chlorine to minimise algae growth and bacteria however more recently the pool industry has seen a number of ‘healthier’ trends emerge.

First, let’s start with the issues associated with chlorine. Nearly everyone is familiar with the smell and feel from these pools – it irritates skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, can induce asthma attacks and causes harmful reactions in allergy sufferers.

Chlorine may indirectly contribute to allergies by irritating and sensitising the respiratory tract. Studies have suggested that frequent swimming in chlorinated pools may increase the risk of developing asthma and other respiratory allergies, both in adolescents and in adults.

Chlorine may indirectly contribute to allergies by irritating and sensitising the respiratory tract. Studies have suggested that frequent swimming in chlorinated pools may increase the risk of developing asthma and other respiratory allergies, both in adolescents and in adults.

Is a mineral or saltwater pool the answer?

The short answer is, not really. Some clever marketing has presented the option of ‘mineral’ pools as good for your health, promoting the benefits of magnesium and potassium as natural sanitisers.

A magnesium pool or ‘mineral’ pool uses magnesium chloride combined with chlorine to kill bacteria and other elements in the pool water as well as preventing algae growth.

The fact remains that a mineral pool is still ‘chlorine’ pool because it requires all the same associated chemicals as a salt-chlorinated pool system.

The same can be said of a saltwater pool which uses a salt-chlorine generator to convert the salt in the water into chlorine. So, in essence, instead of manually adding chlorine to the water, the salt chlorine generator creates it.

Now there is a new truly freshwater solution.

The genuinely healthier alternative is a freshwater system which uses silver and copper to ionise the swimming pool safely and effortlessly without the need for adding chlorine, high salt or expensive minerals. This is because algae cannot grow in a copper environment, while silver has purifying qualities. And these minerals remain in the pool to constantly sanitise the water, keeping the water free from algae, bacteria and other unwanted and harmful organisms.

What you’re left with is healthy, rejuvenating, crystal clear water that contains less chlorine and chemicals than the water from your household tap. Beyond the health benefits, freshwater pool systems are reliable, easy-to-maintain and in the long run, deliver greater cost benefits.

The leader in the freshwater revolution is Naked Pools, who boast a combined industry experience of more than 40 years. Their NKD-R Freshwater System is the most awarded pool sanitisation system for 2020 and 2021.

The leader in the freshwater revolution is Naked Pools, who boast a combined industry experience of more than 40 years. The NKD-R Freshwater System is the most awarded pool sanitisation system for 2020 and 2021.

Contact us for more information about converting to a freshwater pool