Final answer:
The element used to disinfect swimming pools is chlorine, often as sodium hypochlorite or chlorinated isocyanurates. Chlorine-based disinfectants are effective but can react with organic matter to form chloramines. Proper management of chlorine levels is essential for swimmer safety and effective disinfection.
Step-by-step explanation:
When chlorine is added to water, it forms hypochlorous acid, a potent oxidant that is effective at killing bacteria and other microbes. Though chlorine is effective, it reacts with organic substances to create chloramines, which are responsible for the characteristic 'chlorine aroma' in pools. Despite this, chlorine and its compounds remain the most commonly used disinfectants for swimming pools due to their strong efficacy against pathogens like Escherichia coli. Moreover, chloramines themselves have been used to disinfect drinking water in a process known as chloramination. Care needs to be taken in the use of chlorine-based disinfectants to ensure consumer and worker safety.
Aside from chlorine, chloramines and chlorine dioxide are other disinfecting agents that some communities use for water treatment. Ultraviolet disinfection is a chemical-free method that's also used, but it's primarily for drinking water and not as widespread for swimming pools. While chlorine is overwhelmingly the disinfectant of choice for pools, it's important to manage its levels properly to avoid irritation and ensure the safety of swimmers.
Disinfection with chlorine offers a crucial barrier against waterborne diseases, though alternatives such as UV treatment and chlorine dioxide exist. Each method must be carefully managed to balance the effectiveness against harmful organisms with overall human health and environmental safety.