Opinion-Editorial
Opinion Editorials state the views solely of the author and do not reflect the views of the Community Journal.
by David Lewis
Have you ever thought about your health exposure to swimming in chlorinated water? How about your children or grandchildren living at the local pool for the summer? Or about having a competitive swimmer training for hours in a pool each day?
It is time for the Livingston City Commission to ensure that our new Wellness Center includes an ozonation purification system instead of one that primarily uses chlorine.
The manager of the new HOME2 Suites by Hilton Hotel told me that their pool is purified with an ozone system.
Since so much money is being spent on a state of the art wellness complex to help our citizens stay healthy, let’s consider the long-term ramifications of chlorine on our personal health and well-being. The additional expense to install an ozone system would be recouped within 2-4 years according to this information.
Here is a list of the main health concerns associated with regular swimming in chlorinated pools:
Respiratory Issues - Chlorine and its byproducts (chloramines) can irritate the respiratory system, potentially causing asthma symptoms, coughing, and breathing difficulties. This is especially concerning for competitive swimmers who spend many hours in pool environments.
Skin and Eye Irritation - Regular chlorine exposure can cause dry, itchy skin and red, irritated eyes. The chemical strips natural oils from skin and hair, potentially leading to eczema flare-ups in sensitive individuals.
Chemical Byproduct Exposure - When chlorine reacts with organic matter (sweat, urine, skin cells), it forms disinfection byproducts like trihalomethanes and chloramines. Some studies suggest long-term exposure to these compounds may pose health risks, though research is ongoing.
Dental Effects - Chlorinated water can affect tooth enamel, especially in pools with improper pH balance. Some swimmers experience tooth sensitivity or discoloration with very frequent exposure.
Hair Damage - Chlorine can make hair brittle, dry, and discolored (the “green hair” effect from copper compounds).
Important Context These risks are generally associated with very frequent, long-term exposure and are most relevant for competitive swimmers or pool workers. For recreational swimmers, the health benefits of regular exercise typically far outweigh these potential risks. Proper pool maintenance, good hygiene practices, and post-swim rinsing can significantly reduce most of these concerns.
The CDC and health experts generally consider properly maintained chlorinated pools safe for regular use by the general population.
Share the Benefits of Ozonated Pool Water vs. Chlorinated Pool Water.
Ozonated pool water offers several advantages over traditional chlorinated pools, though each system has its own characteristics.
Benefits of Ozonated Pool Water:
Health and Comfort
- Significantly reduces chlorine odor and chemical smell
- Less irritating to eyes, skin, and respiratory system
- Eliminates the harsh “pool chemical” sensation many people experience
- Better for people with sensitive skin or chemical sensitivities
- No chloramines formation, which cause the strongest chemical odors and irritation
Water Quality
- Ozone is a more powerful oxidizer than chlorine, breaking down contaminants more effectively
- Produces clearer, more sparkling water
- Better at eliminating oils, lotions, and organic waste
- Destroys bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms more efficiently
- Reduces the formation of disinfection byproducts
Environmental Benefits
- Uses significantly less chlorine (typically 60-90% reduction)
- No harmful chemical storage or handling of large quantities of chlorine
- Ozone reverts to oxygen, leaving no chemical residue
- More environmentally friendly overall
Maintenance Advantages
- Requires less frequent chemical balancing
- Reduces calcium buildup and scaling
- Less corrosive to pool equipment and surfaces
- Swimwear and pool toys last longer without chlorine bleaching
Important Considerations: Ozonated systems typically still require some chlorine as a residual sanitizer since ozone dissipates quickly and doesn’t provide lasting protection. The initial installation cost is higher than traditional chlorine systems, but many pool owners find the improved water quality and reduced chemical usage worth the investment.
The combination of ozone with minimal chlorine often provides the best of both worlds: superior water quality with adequate sanitization.
Do Competitive and Olympic Swimmers Prefer Ozonated Pools?
Based on the search results at the 2024 Paris Olympics, swimmers do generally prefer ozonated pools. Here’s what the evidence shows:
Olympic and Competition Pool Standards: The pools are treated with ozone to reduce the distractions of taste, smell and possibly stinging eyes caused by chlorine.
Competitive Swimmer Preferences: Competitive or regular swimmers will often refuse to swim in a chlorinated pool and Olympic and Municipal pools are generally ozonated for this reason. This indicates a strong preference among serious swimmers for ozonated water treatment systems.
Professional Endorsement: Many people, including scientists and professional Olympic athletes, believe it is a much better and safer alternative to chlorine.
Why Competitive Swimmers Prefer Ozonated Pools:
Performance Benefits
- Eliminates chlorine-related distractions like strong odors and eye irritation that can affect focus during training and competition
- Reduces respiratory irritation, which is particularly important for athletes who spend hours breathing near the water surface
- Clearer water provides better visibility for technique work and racing
Training Advantages
- Less skin and eye irritation allows for longer, more comfortable training sessions
- Reduced chemical exposure is beneficial for athletes who swim multiple hours daily
- Hair and skin remain in better condition despite extensive pool time
Recovery Benefits
- Less harsh chemicals mean faster recovery between training sessions
- Reduced skin dryness and irritation
- Better overall comfort during extended pool time
The preference is so strong that many Olympic and municipal competition facilities specifically choose ozone treatment systems to meet the expectations and needs of competitive swimmers. This suggests that for serious swimmers who spend significant time in pools, the water quality improvements from ozonation are considered essential rather than just preferred.
For a typical Olympic-sized pool, what would the cost difference be in annual expenses for ozonation treatment vs chlorination treatment?
Based on the search results and industry data, here’s the cost comparison for an Olympic-sized pool (approximately 2.5 million liters/660,000 gallons):
Initial Equipment Costs:
- Ozone System: $15,000-$35,000 for Olympic-scale installation
- Chlorine System: $3,000-$8,000 for traditional chlorination equipment
Annual Operating Expenses:
Ozonation Treatment System:
- Reduced chemical costs (60-90% less chlorine): $1,500-$4,000 annually
- Electricity for ozone generation: $4,000-$8,000
- System maintenance: $3,000-$5,000
- Equipment replacement (UV bulbs, etc.): $1,000-$2,000
- Total Annual Cost: $9,500-$19,000
Chlorine Treatment System:
- Chemical costs: $8,000-$15,000 annually
- Electricity for pumps/systems: $3,000-$6,000
- Maintenance and labor: $5,000-$8,000
- Total Annual Cost: $16,000-$29,000
Key Cost Factors: Savings with Ozonation: Once in place, ozone filtration could reduce the ongoing operating and maintenance costs because it is less damaging to pool equipment. Pool ozone systems will help reduce chlorine consumption. As a result, you’ll spend less on chlorine and other pool chemicals as per EnvronOzone.
Annual Savings Potential:
- Cost Reduction: $6,500-$10,000 annually with ozonation
- Chemical cost savings represent the largest portion of this reduction
- Lower equipment wear and corrosion reduces long-term maintenance costs
Break-Even Analysis: With higher initial costs but lower operating expenses, most Olympic facilities see a return on investment within 2-4 years. The savings compound over time as ozone systems typically last 10-15 years with proper maintenance.
Additional Considerations:
- Energy costs vary significantly by location and electricity rates
- Olympic pools often operate year-round with intensive usage, maximizing the chemical cost savings
- Professional management and maintenance costs are generally lower with ozone systems due to reduced chemical handling requirements
The substantial annual savings in chemical costs make ozonation economically attractive for Olympic-sized facilities despite the higher upfront investment.
Let’s plan to stay healthy together when the Wellness center opens. Please call the Livingston City Manager and the City Commissioners to ensure that they safeguard the long-term health of our families and future generations!