The biguanide system can be a lifesaver for those with an aversion to chlorine. Biguanide refers to a positively charged polymeric-based sanitizer known as PHMB (poly hexamethylene biguanide).

BATHURST

BIGUANIDE FACTS

It is, unfortunately, not compatible with chlorine and consequently, all traces of chlorine must be removed before switching over to PHMB.

Biguanide based sanitizers (such as Aquacadabra or Bio Blu) are a relatively new system of pool chemicals, which has been becoming more popular in the last few years, and the main reason the pool chemicals are growing in popularity is because they have almost no affect on swimmers.

Chlorine can irritate swimmer's eyes and skin, and many people have developed allergies to chlorine-based sanitizers. Biguanide sanitizers are much softer on swimmers and can effectively kill bacteria.

However, Biguanides cannot oxidize and destroy organic contamination the way that chlorine does.

In addition to the Biguanide based sanitizer, a highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution must be added on a regular basis to remove the harmful organics.

Because Biguanide based sanitizers cannot control organic contamination, microorganisms growing in the pool water can, in some cases, eventually become resistant to the chemicals, resulting in some adverse conditions.

Many pool owners swear by Biguanide, because of the absence of irritation and lack of odour, as well as the ease of use (it is usually only a weekly treatment).

Equally as many swear they’ll never use it again, because of problems experienced at one time or other.

One of the key aspects of using Biguanide appears to be the need for absolute filter cleanliness, and frequent backwashing of sand or Zeolite filters is a must.