What is the most popular alternative to chlorine or bromine to keep a
swimming pool clean and clear?

I am considering a "salt" system by Pool Pilot.

I would like to know how they compare with other salt and other
alternative systems like ozone.

My pool is in South Florida, open, 35,000 gallons, marbeltite finish.

Thank you.

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Clarification of Question by captkiwi-ga on 17 Nov 2004 17:49 PST

Compare Pool Pilot with WaterMaid and AquaRite

Hello,
I know someone who has been in the alternative pool business for over
30 years. He lives here in the Pacific Northwest now, but continues to
travel as far as South America to over-see the installation of pools. 
He's done salt, ozone, UV and he specializes in creating
self-sustaining biological pool environments that stay clean and
clear.

Here's his info if you're interested:

Pat Boehm
Aquatic Environments
360-376-4286

He could help you over the phone; but I also know that he was already
planning a trip to Florida this winter.

I don't know if Google Answers allows 'personal information' on their
site; you might want to jot this number down in case they remove it. 
I'll keep an eye on this question for a while and see what happens . .
.

Hope this helps you,

ts

Thanks for the lead, I will attempt to reach him.

Cliff

Cliff

You asked about an alternative to chlorine. The salt systems are
chlorine generators so do not reduce or eliminate chlorine.

Mineral sanitizers such as the Pool Wizard can reduce the level of
chlorine required and are fully compatible with salt systems. This is
not eliminating the chlorine, but rather reducing the level to one
which is not uncomfortable or harmful for the bathers. See
www.havuz.org for more info.

Non-chlorine products are also available, but at a premium. Some
products even claim to eliminate any oxidizer. I am trying one out now
with fairly good results but feel the system is way too expensive.

Hope this is of use to you

Larry

http://www.motherearthnews.com/arc/6257/

One of several recent (within the last 5 years) articles in Mother
Earth News about building a pond vs. a swimming pool -- I also
remember reading one about converting existing pools into more
naturally-regulated ponds...I seem to recall it involved putting in
plants and accepting a certain level of wildlife involvement.  In a
state where "wildlife involvement" may include, ahem, large reptiles,
I would be a little hesitant to swim in anything where I couldn't see
the bottom....