alternatives to chlorine/non-chlorine pool maint

[waterbear]

Chlorine is probably the safest and most effective sanitizer there is with bromine being good for certain situations like spas and indoor pools. UV only sterilizes the water in the reaction tube...there is no residual. I have used uv in fishtanks for many years so I am familiar with it. Ditto for ozone, which is very poisonous! Metals (call them ions or oxidation systmes if you like) ARE chemicals and have their own danger. They still require a residual stanitizer, usuallly chlorine but at a lower dosage than if used alone. You might want to read Ben's FAQ on metals in the forum and the info he has on the sister website hppt://www.poolsolutions.com. I think it will change your mind about using chlorine vs. alternative sanitation!