Dechlorination Alternatives

Chlorine is a toxic and caustic type of gas which does not occur in water in a natural way. It is a type of volatile gas that dissipates with water flow and air exposure in not more than two days. It is highly soluble and can easily be absorbed by plants in a certain water feature which results to the burning of the aquatic plants. Chlorine is normally added to the water that municipal water companies supply for human consumption. This is done to kill bacteria in the water which cause water-borne diseases.

Most pond enthusiasts do not have many choices regarding the source of the water they can use for the pond. That is why the decisions always lands to the use of tap water coming from normal faucets at home. If that is the case, then maybe you might want to make the water much safer for the plants and animals that will reside in your pond. The first thing that you need to take care of is the dechlorination of the water. There are actually a lot of ways on how to dechlorinate the water that is coming from the faucet. A lot of dechlorinating devices and supplies are available in the market. You can either spend a lot or just follow these things to remove the unwanted chlorine in the water.

Since chlorine dissipates fast when exposed to the air, it is recommended to use a water hose when filling up the pond with tap water. The use of a hose will allow the water to be sprayed in the air to the pond providing the needed aeration for the chlorine content to be lessened.

If you forgot to dechlorinate the water in your pond, it is never too late to do something to prevent the plants in your pond from dying. Use large pot or a kettle to boil water over a high heat. Keep the water boiling for at least 20 minutes. After cooling the water down, use it to water the aquatic plants in and on the pond. As much as possible, try to use a pot with a wider opening. This will allow the evaporation of the chlorine to be much faster thus less chlorine will be added to the pond.

Another choice would be to pour tap water into a pot or a basin with wide opening. The chlorine content of the water will naturally evaporate within a matter of two days. The larger the opening of the basin is, the bigger water surface will be exposed to the atmosphere making the chlorine dissipate much faster.

For those who are not patient enough to do the mentioned processed of dechlorination, the use of a commercially purchased dechlorinator can be efficient. It can come in liquid or powder form. Water conditioners can also be effective in removing the chlorine from the water. But of course, if the budget is too tight, it is recommended that you go for the first three options since they are proven to be as effective as the latter.