Swimming pool chemical maintenance is the most essential part of keeping your pool water healthy and enjoyable. There are a lot of sanitization options available on the market, and in this article we're going to cover alternative sanitizers and specialty products that will keep your pool water sparkling and clean.

Alternative Sanitizers Most alternative sanitizers will reduce the use of chlorine and bromine by 40%-60%. Mineral sanitizers and ozone generators will still require a small amount of traditional chemical use, but will cut down on the harsh effects associated with them.

Mineral Sanitizers Mineral sanitizers use silver, zinc and copper to eliminate bacteria and contaminants in pool water. They can be applied in various ways, from loaded metallic rods that float in the water, such as the PoolRX Mineral Clarifier Unit, to automatic dispensers such as Nature 2's line of System Vessels.

Ozone Generators Ozone is up to 50 times more effective at killing bacteria and viruses than traditional pool chemicals. While it is effective against mildew, fungi, viruses and bacteria, it does not kill algae. If you use an ozone generator, plan on using an additional sanitizer to kill algae and protect the water when the ozone generator is not working.

Ozone generators such as those from DEL Ozone and Paramount will reduce the need for chlorine by up to 70%. Chlorine levels when ozone is present will need to be between 0.5 and 2.0 PPM depending on where you live.

Ozone generators are available in either UV or Corona Discharge (CD) bulbs. Corona Discharge is considered by many top industry experts to provide the most reliable broad spectrum disinfectant properties.

Salt Chlorine Generators Salt chlorinators convert non-iodized salt into pure chlorine, and then automatically regenerate to effectively sanitize your pool. Unlike other alternative sanitizers, salt chlorinators completely eliminate the need for additional chlorine.

These systems consist of an electrolytic cell and a power center. It is always recommended that the salt cell be sized for a higher capacity than the gallon size of your pool. For example, if your pool has 15,000 gallons, going with a cell sized for 25,000 gallons will keep the cell from operating at peak capacity and extend its life expectancy. Also, when hot weather or lots of swimmers place a high demand on the FAC, the cell will be able to produce the chlorine needed to compensate.

How much do I use? There are many ways to apply alternative sanitizers and the dosing will vary by product and size of your pool. Consult the product's packaging for instructions.

Specialty Products Specialty chemicals like those from Natural Chemistry and Nature 2 include phosphate removers, clarifiers, stabilizers, and scale removers. These products are 100% safe for the environment and bathers.

• Phosphate removers such as Natural Chemistry's PhosFree keep phosphate levels as close to zero as possible. Since phosphates are constantly being introduced to your water, they can't be completely eliminated.

• Clarifiers are safe for use in pools and help clear cloudy water by clustering tiny particles, making it easier for filters to pick up.

• Stabilizers play important roles in bringing pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness down to normal levels while scale removers help eliminate scale buildup.

• Conditioners (also referred to as stabilizers) protect chlorine degeneration due to sunlight exposure.

How much do I use? These specialty chemicals are great for maintaining the best possible swimming pool water but it's important to apply the proper amount. Carefully refer to the instruction manual for the proper amounts to use.

Oxidizers Oxidizers help prevent harmful elements that bond with oxygen molecules to form contaminants in your water. Oxidizers are often used in shock treatments that are added to your water to eliminate ammonia and other wastes and help restore a healthy amount of free chlorine.

How much do I use? Chlorine can also be used as a shock which is a high concentration of chlorine. It's recommended to add one to two pounds of oxidizing shock for every 10,000 gallons of water.

When do I use it? Oxidizers should be used weekly to prevent the growth of bacteria and to eliminate waste.

Maintenance Keep your pool in balance and maintain its chemistry with one of three types of testing kits: DPD, OTO, and test strips.

• DPD measures Free Available Chlorine as well as levels of pH, Total Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness

• OTO measures Total Chlorine and pH. Test strips give accurate readings of free and total chlorine levels, pH, Total Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness.

Test and treat often and your water will always be ready to enjoy.