By The Zagosa Team. Published .
Reviewed or updated .
[aseo-include] If you have a spa or pool at home, chlorine dioxide is one of the most effective ways to purify the water and fight bacteria. The treatment uses chlorine dioxide gas to create a powerful oxidising agent that destroys bacteria and breaks down organic contaminants. It is an alternative to traditional chlorine treatments, which lean on harsher chemicals such as bleach, and unlike many disinfectants it does not form chloroform when it meets organic material.
If you are buying a new hot tub or upgrading your pool kit, look for chlorine dioxide technology. It is better for the environment and your family, and it saves money on chlorine and bromine because it generates its own oxidising agent.
- It is known for speed and effectiveness, taking on biofilm and legionella in seconds and breaking them down completely.
- Unlike traditional chlorine, it produces close to no carcinogenic byproducts, tastes or unpleasant smells, so there is no odour control to worry about.
- Chlorine dioxide comes in several forms, and these compact tablets are the most convenient.
Why chlorine dioxide is worth using
It kills all bacteria in under 30 seconds at a dose of just 0.15 ppm, and it is the only sanitiser you can use at that low level. As a powerful oxidiser, it destroys organic contaminants, pesticides, herbicides and other harmful chemicals in your water, breaking organics down faster than any other method on the market.
What chlorine dioxide fights
It also works on algae, mould and mildew, and it does not give off chloroform gas the way regular chlorine does when it hits organic matter like dead leaves or grass clippings. Chlorine dioxide has been shown to kill the bacteria E. coli more than ten times faster than chlorine and chloramine treatments.
It is far better at controlling allergens, irritating fumes and odours than chlorine or bromine, and it acts faster at neutralising chloramines, which are often used as chlorine stabilisers. Because it does not create chloramines when it reacts with organics, it beats chlorine and bromine for keeping odour and algae in check.
Will chlorine dioxide save me money?
Yes. Operating costs are low and it does not lose effectiveness over time. It is also more stable in water than chlorine or bromine, so less product goes to waste if the pool is not maintained perfectly.[/aseo-include]