lap pools using chlorine alternatives?

On the other hand, lots of people have allergic type reactions to bromine. It doesn't always show up the first time you use it, so I'd check it out several times before committing to it. There is a lot of information about this on the internet as well as a couple posts on this forum. Here's some information my brother sent regarding his lap pool: "We use the Nature 2 cartridge system in addition to chlorine addition. It is produced by Zodiac Pool Care, Inc, and their web site is www.nature2.com. Actually, there are two options with the cartridge system - no chlorine and low chlorine. We have used the low chlorine. I think it does a better job of preventing algae buildup, and seems to be easier. It requires minimal chlorine additions to maintain 0.5 ppm chlorine residual after an initial superoxidizing week on a new cartridge. I have to add about once a week - sometimes less frequently. The no chlorine method requires regular additions of a non-chlorine oxidizing agent called potassium peroxymonosulfate - one pound a week. You still have to superoxidize when you put in a new cartridge. I didn't think it did as well with algae - plus I thought it gave me stability problems with pH. And the stuff is more expensive than chlorine - so I gave up on that."

The University Pool where I usually work out uses Bromine, which isn't as costly as Chlorine. I have been told that Bromine is a lot easier on the skin, hair and your suit won't fade. Of the Three months that I've been working out there, I haven't had any problems with the University's Pool chemicals.

Bromine can be a real problem for people with an allergy to it (see Susan's post). I spent a week at a symposium for aquatic therapy and the pool manager verified that they use bromine instead of chlorine. After the third day of being in the water frequently throughout the day, I broke out into a terrible rash with huge welts and hives, which required medical intervention. Indeed, it does not show up right away but can be a problem. I have no problem whatsoever in a chlorinated pool - thank goodness:D

Tonigth, Iworked out at a Y in a city I'm visiting. The water tastes very salty and thick. Generally, when I swim in this pool it is not a great experience. I have swam in a pool that used bromine. I didn't notice any difference. The people who swam in the pool regularly gave it great praise, though. I've found that almost anything is going to hurt your hair, skin & suit if only because you spend so much time inthe water. I use two products to help. DermaSkinPro & Infusium leave in conditioner. Both are very helpful. I forgot my hair stuff. I have moderately curly hair, usually. Now,I have a hair standing straight up and very curly and dried out. Can't wait to get to Wlgreens in the morning. By the way Walgreens (the man) was from my hometowm. Poeple have told me that he swam.