The RTBF report on chlorinated swimming pools, ‘#Investigation Trichloramine: like poison in the water’, broadcast on Wednesday 14 May on La Une, highlights a danger that is often overlooked: trichloramine. This gas, produced when chlorine reacts with organic matter, is of particular concern for children.
What is trichloramine?
Trichloramine is a chemical compound that forms when chlorine comes into contact with organic matter in swimming pool water (sweat, urine, dead skin cells). This gas disperses into the air and can cause unpleasant symptoms:
- Eye irritation
- Respiratory problems
- Cough and sore throat
- Skin reactions
Dangers to Children
Children, because their respiratory systems are still developing, are particularly vulnerable to these effects. They often spend more time in the water and are more likely to inhale the irritating gases present in the air of indoor swimming pools.
The Limitations of Traditional Swimming Pools
Most swimming pools use chlorine-based treatment systems to disinfect the water. However, this chemical treatment is not without risks. As well as producing trichloramine, chlorine can also be harmful to swimmers with respiratory problems or sensitive skin.
A Healthy Alternative: The Vitii System
At Vitii, we offer an innovative solution that’s good for your health: a biomineral swimming pool, free from chlorine and chemicals. Our system is based on an eco-friendly filtration process that uses natural minerals to ensure pure, healthy water.
- No added chemicals
- Une eau douce pour la peau et les yeux
- An environment free from irritating gases
Discover Vitii
If you’d like to find out more about our biomineral system and enjoy the benefits of pure water without the drawbacks of chemicals, click here: Discover Vitii.
Protect your health and that of your loved ones by choosing a healthy, natural swimming pool with Vitii.
Come and meet us at the PAYSALIA trade fair from 5 to 7 December 2023 / EUREXPO LYON, FRANCE
We look forward to seeing you at the Vitii by Ocedis stand – 6L74
Vitii has joined the Ocedis Group, a dynamic French company specialising in water solutions. We are committed to an eco-friendly approach to redesigning the swimming pools of the future. We are proud of our commitment to environmental responsibility and will continue to innovate to offer you sustainable, smart solutions that are kind to the environment and your health.
Do you have a solution to address the new environmental challenges faced by your pool owners?
Niet? Maak dan kennis met Vitii, de oplossing voor biomineraal waterbehandeling
which offers pool owners:
✔ Impeccable water quality throughout the season
✔ a solution to meet water-saving requirements (drought alerts)
✔ Natural products to protect the health of swimmers and the planet
✔ Extremely easy to manage on a day-to-day basis and to install, including in renovation projects
✔ as part of a complete system comprising a pump, pre-filter, filter, UV disinfection and automated treatment, with a connected management app.
Summer’s just around the corner! Are you ready to slip into your best swimsuit, lounge by the pool with a cocktail and take a dip to cool off? With the temperatures rising and the sun already tanning your skin, there’s only one thing on your mind: taking the time to relax in your pool and put the hectic pace of everyday life on hold for a few hours.
But how do you go about making sure your natural pool is ready for the summer?
In this article, we’ll remind you of a few good habits to adopt to ensure you enjoy truly relaxing moments, in harmony with the environment and with your health in mind.
A swimming pool directly inspired by nature
A bio-mineral pool respects living things and takes its inspiration directly from nature. Experience the sensation of a gentle swim, as if you were in a lake. No chemicals, no chlorine, no odours. This is precisely what we believe in and stand for.
However, recreating natural conditions exactly is a more time-consuming process that requires more careful maintenance than a traditional swimming pool. And by extension, this means you need to stay vigilant and establish a certain routine to avoid any inconvenience that might spoil your chance to cool off during a heatwave.
What are the best practices for keeping your water clear?
Are you looking forward to taking a dip? Be careful, though, not to rush into the pool without taking a few essential precautions. There’s no need to remind you that, before taking the plunge, your pool and its equipment must have been cleaned.
Remember also to remove all floating debris using a landing net. Some tiny bits of debris cannot be removed by hand, which is why you should start taking certain crucial steps now that will make a positive difference to the rest of your summer.
1. Carry out a water analysis
The first step is to test your water’s parameters. This is, in fact, the first thing you should look at. Have you noticed an imbalance? Adjust the parameters to restore near-perfect balance and ensure you can enjoy pure, healthy water. You’ll find more information about the products we recommend later in this article.
As you know, natural swimming pools are wonders of nature. They offer a refreshing and relaxing place to swim, whilst being environmentally friendly. But to ensure your natural swimming pool remains clean and healthy, it is essential to maintain it properly by introducing bacteria into the filter.
2. Add bacteria
bacteria
Les bactéries sont évidemment essentielles à la santé de votre piscine bio-minérale. Elles sont responsables de la dégradation des débris organiques tels que les feuilles, les insectes et les autres matières organiques qui tombent dans l’eau. Les bactéries convertissent ces débris en nutriments, ce qui contribue à maintenir l’équilibre biologique de votre piscine naturelle.
Therefore, seeding your filter with bacteria is an absolute must, especially during sunny weather. In warm, humid conditions, the bacteria multiply and get to work almost immediately to keep your natural swimming pool clean and healthy.
Thanks to the Vitii filtration system, mineral balance is maintained through automation and regulation, which is a real advantage. Thanks to automation, minerals and bacteria are injected directly into the filtration system, ensuring the biological balance of the water. So, you no longer need to worry about dosages or adding products to the water manually; everything is done automatically. Handy, isn’t it?
*** Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version) ***
Find out about the other benefits of Vitii filtration (plant-free, sustainable, heated, lower energy consumption, etc.).
Which products should I use?
There are several biological treatment products available that can be used to seed your filter and restore the water parameters to normal. However, you must keep an eye on the expiry date and storage conditions (at room temperature or in a cool place, depending on the product). This is because some bacteria are perishable. It is therefore essential to replace them every year to ensure they remain effective.
A) Vitii Bacteri+
The Vitii Bacteri+ box is the ideal solution for ensuring effective water filtration. The beneficial microorganisms it contains are essential for maintaining optimal water quality and a pleasant swimming experience. We therefore recommend that you replace your Vitii Bacteri+ consumable pack before reopening your pool. Once opened, the product has a shelf life of just 12 months. That is why we recommend replacing it every year if you wish to ensure its effectiveness.
When it comes to restoring the balance of your water parameters, there are three options available to you to improve filtration and clarify the water:
B) Vitii Citri (pH-)
Vitii pH- is a natural acidic solution made from lemon juice that helps to lower and regulate the pH of the water, keeping it balanced. Factors such as rainwater, fallen leaves and water treatments can affect the pH of the water. The optimal pH for water is between 7.2 and 8.0, as a value that is too high can be detrimental to filtration.
C) Vitii Calci
Vitii Calci is a mineral solution containing calcium that helps to increase the total hardness of the water. Rain can reduce hardness, whilst evaporation concentrates it, so it is important to check the mineral balance of the water regularly, especially after heavy rain and during dry spells. If the total hardness is too low, it can impair filtration.
D) Vitii Carboni
Vitii Carboni is a mineral solution that increases the carbonate hardness of the water. Rain can lower this hardness, whilst evaporation increases it. If carbonate hardness is too low, it can impair filtration and the water’s balance. It is therefore important to check the water’s mineral content regularly, especially after heavy rain and during periods of drought, and to adjust it if necessary.
The automatic system works in exactly the same way as the one for bacteria. There’s no need to worry about measuring out the products yourself, as they are dispensed automatically without any manual intervention.
Please feel free to read our article to find out more about how a natural swimming pool works using Vitii filtration.
A natural swimming pool requires patience
It is also important to remember that you need to be patient when seeding your filter. Unfortunately, biological balance is not achieved overnight. It usually takes several weeks for the bacteria to start working effectively and maintain a healthy environment for swimming. It is important to allow time for the water to regain its balance.
A biofilm can form on surfaces that have not been cleaned thoroughly, appearing as a slippery coating or green/brown stains. The absence of biocidal products means that greater care must be taken when cleaning surfaces using a robot and ensuring regular cleaning.
It is also advisable to continue monitoring the pH, hardness levels and other water quality indicators on a regular basis, to ensure that swimming is environmentally friendly and that bathers remain healthy.
Crystal-clear water with emerald hues
Once this investment is complete and you’ve shown a little patience, the result will be breathtaking. Just like a lagoon, the bio-mineral pool will take on natural, slightly turquoise hues. It’s sure to be the envy of your friends and family, who won’t hesitate to drop by for a barbecue to enjoy the benefits of your pool.
In conclusion
Finally, testing your water parameters and inoculating your bio-mineral pool filter with bacteria is essential for maintaining a healthy and pleasant swimming environment. By doing so, you help to preserve the biological balance of your natural pool whilst respecting the environment. So, don’t forget to inoculate your filter with bacteria as soon as the warmer weather returns!
Swimming, playing, diving, taking a dip… all these are part of the joys of being in the water.
Whilst fun and well-being are always part of the swimming pool experience, swimming can pose a danger, particularly when chlorine is used as a disinfectant. The skin, eyes, lungs… the health risks associated with chlorine are numerous and should serve as a warning.
This chemical has reigned supreme in swimming pool treatment for far too long. Today, there are sustainable solutions that reconcile health, the environment and safety.
Private and public swimming pools: the risks of chlorine
To better understand the health risks associated with chlorine, it is worth taking a closer look at this product used in swimming pools.
What is chlorine?
Chlorine is a chemical used to disinfect water and maintain its quality. Chlorine is the most commonly used treatment by owners of public and private swimming pools.
This chemical is highly reactive, oxidising and corrosive. In swimming pools, it is used to combat sweat, skin flakes, hair, and the growth of germs and bacteria.
Whilst chlorine is cheap and quite effective as a disinfectant, it is just as harsh on water as it is on our bodies.
It is also important to remember that chlorine production has a high carbon footprint. This is a factor that must also be taken into account when choosing a pool filtration system.
What are the health risks?
Who doesn’t remember the smell of chlorine at the local swimming pool? Or the stinging eyes when you get out of the water?
Chlorine is part of our childhood memories. But this chemical can be quite harmful to the body and our health.
- The respiratory risks of chlorine
Chlorine irritates the respiratory tract. This is one of the well-known risks associated with this commonly used chemical.
Chlorine, and the vapours it gives off, can cause coughing, chest pain, fluid build-up in the lungs, lung damage, asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia, among other conditions…
Respiratory risks mainly affect young swimmers (under 12 years of age).
Red eyes after a swimming lesson – this is a common problem for most swimmers.
In fact, chlorine can irritate the eyes and make them red.
It damages the protective tear film that shields the cornea. When exposed to chlorine, the eyes become more vulnerable and may develop conditions such as conjunctivitis, for example.
Contact lens wearers need to be even more vigilant about this.
- The risks of chlorine to the skin
When exposed to chlorine, the skin can become dry and rough. Red patches may appear on the skin. Chlorine can also cause itching, tightness and a burning sensation. Those with sensitive skin are most at risk.
Chlorine isn’t kind to your hair either. It can make it dry and brittle, and can also cause it to fade.
Handling requires care
Chlorine can be dangerous to use when maintaining both public and domestic swimming pools. Indeed, chlorine is a powerful disinfectant when its pH is between 7.2 and 7.6. The pH of the water must be constantly adjusted using acid (pH-) to keep it within this range.
But there is a problem. If chlorine is mixed directly with acid (without delayed injection into the pool), this produces a gas that is extremely harmful to health.
How can you protect yourself from the health effects of chlorine?
To protect yourself from chlorine, here is a list of tips you should know:
- Wearing diving goggles can protect against irritation caused by chlorine.
- A few drops of saline solution or artificial tears will help to rehydrate your eyes after getting out of the pool.
- You must take a shower after getting out of the water.
- It is advisable to apply a moisturising cream to prevent dryness. A hair mask would also be a good idea after a swim.
- Swimming in a natural pool.
Discover Vitii filtration
Natural swimming pools: a sustainable alternative, free from chlorine
Chlorine and various other chemicals are coming under increasing criticism. Owners of public and private swimming pools are looking for sustainable, eco-friendly and health-conscious solutions.
For safe and healthy swimming, a natural swimming environment is recommended. Whilst it is not always possible to swim in the pristine waters of a mountain lake, there are now effective solutions available that transform a traditional swimming pool into a natural one.
Vitii’s biological filtration system paves the way for a healthier future. A future where swimming pools once again become a genuine pleasure, without posing any risk to health or the environment.
With biological filtration, the pool looks just like a traditional pool, except that the water is softer, clearer and contains no chemicals.
The water is treated using ultraviolet light and oxygen. It is stripped of impurities and sterilised. The advantage is that no residual disinfectant is left in the water. This is in contrast to chlorine, where bathers are immersed in the disinfectant itself. Thanks to Vitii, bathers are in natural water, just like in a mountain lake.
Vitii, a high-performance, health-conscious system for private and large-scale public swimming pools.
Find out more about the Vitii natural swimming pool
Contact us
Natural swimming pools are becoming a must-have.
Against a backdrop of major environmental concerns, natural swimming pools are becoming increasingly popular.
However, some people remain sceptical about this natural approach. In fact, before the natural pool came along, it was a plant-based pool comprising various ponds. A celebration of biodiversity and ecology.
But in our society, research and innovation never stop. And today, natural swimming pools rely on a biological filtration system that requires no plants at all!
A swimming pool that embraces the present to take you into the future! Spotlight on the Vitii natural swimming pool.
The natural swimming pool: an evolution over time
An initial design for a swimming pond
The concept of the natural swimming pool dates back to the 1980s. It was by observing the purifying properties of freshwater plants combined with microorganisms that the first natural swimming pool, also known as a swimming pond, came into being.
At the time, the swimming pond consisted of a garden pond with a lagoon system to filter the swimming area.
It offered a whole new swimming experience. Free from chemicals and set amidst unique flora and fauna, the natural swimming pool provided a truly eco-friendly immersion in the garden.
The evolution of the hybrid sector
The swimming pond has continued to evolve, giving way to a new generation of natural swimming pools. It consists of a hybrid pool featuring pressure filtration and a lagoon system to complement the filtration process.
Here, the use of plants is more restricted, as this area is separated from the swimming section. This new separation will also limit the development of wildlife and biodiversity around the pool. The crystal-clear, inviting water offers a unique and eco-friendly experience.
The transition from the swimming pond to the hybrid pond was achieved by studying the behaviour of constructed wetlands. Indeed, various studies have shown that the breakdown of organic matter is not solely due to the plants, but rather to the beneficial bacteria that multiply within the root system. This information will enable us to further develop the concept!
Natural swimming pools for today and tomorrow
Innovation didn’t stop there. It took a step towards the future! The concept of the natural pool continued to grow and evolve, becoming more efficient. It was then that the natural pool reached a turning point by moving away from plants.
In fact, today’s natural swimming pools – also known as bio-mineral pools – consist of a single pool with a pressure filtration system and no lagoon system whatsoever.
This is the concept behind the Vitii pool. A natural pool that relies on biological filtration and continuously regenerates the water without the need to maintain plants or other microorganisms. Vitii concentrates beneficial bacteria in a consumable so that they can be added directly to the pressurised biological filter. The filtration system then takes care of everything.
You can enjoy pure, plant-free water. The added bonus? Nowadays, natural swimming pools can also be heated. Removing the plants opens up this possibility, making swimming even more comfortable.
Discover Vitii filtration
A natural pond without plants? How does that work?
Natural swimming pools have come a long way in recent years. Today, they offer a filtration system that is easy to install in any type of pool. This represents a genuine commitment to the environment and to swimmers’ health!
But how did the natural pool manage to do without plants? What does the filtration system rely on?
The filtration system for a natural swimming pool without plants relies on the use of biological filters. The whole process takes place in four stages:
- The pool water is drawn into the mechanical filtration system. This first stage removes debris such as dead leaves, for example.
- The water then moves on to the bacterial digestion stage.
- UV purification will disinfect the water and eliminate all bacteria. It will also oxidise living organisms and oxygenate the water, thereby promoting a balanced environment.
- The water will then be rebalanced to ensure the filters function properly.
Is the Vitii natural swimming pool the solution of the future?
Today, the challenges facing our society are growing. And it is important that we tackle them together.
These include drinking water management, energy management, and the impact of our actions on our health.
The Vitii natural swimming pool is very much in tune with the times. It combines the joys of the water with the challenges of today and tomorrow.
It uses very little water. In fact, thanks to its filtration system, the Vitii natural pool mimics nature. It recycles the water indefinitely.
A natural swimming pool helps to minimise electricity consumption. This is because it operates at a slower rate than a traditional swimming pool and can be combined with sustainable equipment such as solar panels, for example.
It is environmentally friendly and poses no risk to the environment or to health. If you were to drain your pool, the water would make an excellent fertiliser for your garden. It contains no chemicals, protects everyone’s health and offers a unique experience.
Having successfully overcome the challenge of doing away with plants, the natural swimming pool is now winning over even the most sceptical.
Not to mention that it allows any body of water to be transformed into a natural swimming pool. This means that an old swimming pool can be renovated, a municipal swimming pool can be made environmentally friendly, and a shipping container can be turned into a little haven of peace with fresh, pure water.
The natural swimming pool offers a fresh take on the water experience, in keeping with the times, featuring energy-efficient filtration that respects the surrounding environment and everyone’s health, and can be managed via an app.
A natural swimming pool is a swimming pool solution for today and for the future.
Find out more about the Vitii natural swimming pool
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