Here's why Chlorine Dioxide is the Crypto Cure

Picture this: you're enjoying a refreshing swim at your local public pool when suddenly, a few days later, you're doubled over with severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever. You might be one of the growing number of people affected by cryptosporidium – a waterborne parasite that's been making headlines across Australia with cases skyrocketing by nearly 300% in some states. But there's hope on the horizon, and it comes in the form of an unlikely hero: chlorine dioxide tablets.

The Crypto Crisis: Australia's Growing Pool Problem

The numbers are staggering and frankly, alarming. Recent reports show that cryptosporidium cases have exploded across Australia, with Western Australia seeing increases of almost 300% in just 12 months. Victoria isn't far behind with similar dramatic spikes in public pool-related crypto infections.

There's a report in the West Australian newspaper which has said that crypto cases, cryptosporidium, has increased by almost 300% in our state in the last 12 months. There was also somewhere on my desk, Channel 7 News in Victoria reported that there too, huge increase in crypto cases in public pools.

— Peter, Talking Pools Podcast

What makes this situation even more concerning is the behind-the-scenes reality at many commercial aquatic facilities. Pool operators are often pressured to keep pools open even when they should be closed for proper treatment, prioritizing revenue over public health safety.

One of the problems that I know of in public pools and commercial aquatic facilities generally, those with limited access, not the general public, is so often the pool operator will not be allowed to shut the pool down as they're meant to. They're just told, dose it with chlorine, keep the pool open so they can keep getting payments for admission. And that literally is gambling with people's lives.

— Peter, Talking Pools Podcast

Understanding Cryptosporidium: The Invisible Enemy

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes cryptosporidiosis, a gastrointestinal infection that can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. This hardy little organism enters pool water primarily through fecal contamination – which is why you'll see those signs at pools asking people not to swim if they've had diarrhea in the past two weeks.

The symptoms of cryptosporidium infection include:

• Severe diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• In extreme cases, death

What makes crypto particularly dangerous is that it can't be detected by simply looking at pool water. Crystal clear water doesn't guarantee safety, and the parasite is notoriously resistant to standard chlorine treatments that easily kill other pathogens.

Traditional Treatment: The 20 PPM Chlorine Marathon

When a fecal incident (affectionately known in the industry as "code brown") occurs in a public pool, the standard response has traditionally been aggressive chlorine shocking. This involves raising the chlorine level to 20 parts per million and maintaining it for extended periods.

However, this method has significant drawbacks:

• Extended closure times of 12-15+ hours
• Dependency on cyanuric acid levels
• pH complications
• Potential for multiple days of closure
• Lost revenue and frustrated customers

If you have used the 20 parts per million of chlorine in the water, it's a 12 hour, 45 minute contact rate. That is at zero cyanuric acid... it's never going to happen at seven o'clock in the morning and you won't be shut till seven or 10 o'clock at night. It's going to happen in the middle of the day. So chances are you won't be reopening until the following afternoon, if not the day after.

— Lee, Talking Pools Podcast

The Game Changer: Chlorine Dioxide Treatment

Enter chlorine dioxide, commonly available as C5 tablets – a revolutionary approach that's changing how the industry handles crypto outbreaks. These small, individually wrapped tablets pack a powerful oxidizing punch that makes quick work of cryptosporidium.

Here's why chlorine dioxide is superior:

• Faster treatment times: As little as 1 hour 45 minutes vs. 12+ hours
• More effective oxidation: Superior at breaking down biofilms and resistant pathogens
• Flexible dosing: Higher concentrations = shorter treatment times
• Normal chlorine levels: Works effectively at standard 3.6 ppm chlorine

The dosing is straightforward: one 60-gram tablet per 10,000 liters of water provides 1 ppm of chlorine dioxide. For crypto treatment, you need 1.4 ppm chlorine dioxide combined with 3.6 ppm chlorine for just under 5 hours of contact time, or 5 ppm chlorine dioxide for less than 2 hours.

Safety First: Handling Chlorine Dioxide Properly

While chlorine dioxide tablets are incredibly effective, they're also potentially dangerous if mishandled. These tablets are volatile and react vigorously with water, requiring careful storage and application procedures.

Those tablets get damp. It's game over in a violent manner... I did have a situation where I had a swim school actually, um, have a code brown needed to, to use the C5 tablets... they thought they would put it in a bucket of water. No. Oh no. Thank God they were outside... And it took off like an almighty rocket. Like it sounded like a couple of shotgun shots going off.

— Lee, Talking Pools Podcast

Essential safety protocols include:

• Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear gloves, goggles, and masks
• Proper storage: Keep tablets completely dry and sealed
• Surface protection: Don't let tablets sit on vinyl liners or painted surfaces
• Controlled application: Use nets, skimmer socks, or submerged containers
• Secure placement: Prevent tablets from rolling or moving during treatment

Creative application methods have emerged from real-world experience, including using hula hoops with attached skimmer socks to distribute tablets safely across the pool surface, or using dry leaf scoops lowered into the deep end with cord.

Industry Impact and Compliance

The implications of effective crypto treatment extend far beyond individual health outcomes. For commercial pool operators, having chlorine dioxide tablets on hand can mean the difference between a 5-hour closure and a multi-day shutdown.

Important compliance considerations:

• Download and understand your state's health guidelines
• Know that "public pools" include apartment complexes, motels, and holiday rentals
• Maintain proper treatment supplies on-site
• Follow exact dosing and contact time requirements
• Allow chlorine dioxide to dissipate before reopening

Pool service technicians and retail stores should be well-versed in their local regulations, as requirements can vary between states and jurisdictions.

The Bottom Line: Prevention and Preparation

While chlorine dioxide offers an excellent treatment solution, prevention remains the best strategy. This includes proper daily water maintenance, regular testing, immediate response to incidents, and most importantly, educating pool users about responsible swimming practices.

For commercial facilities, keeping C5 tablets in stock isn't just good business – it's essential for public health protection. The relatively small investment in these tablets can save thousands in lost revenue and protect countless people from serious illness.

The crypto crisis in Australia serves as a wake-up call for the global pool industry. Traditional treatment methods, while still valid, may not be sufficient for modern operational demands. Chlorine dioxide represents a significant advancement in our ability to quickly and effectively neutralize waterborne threats while minimizing disruption to pool operations.

As we face increasing challenges with waterborne pathogens, having the right tools and knowledge becomes more critical than ever. Chlorine dioxide isn't just another chemical option – it's the crypto cure that's changing how we protect public health in aquatic environments.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Crypto Statistics
• 05:30 What is Cryptosporidium
• 08:45 Traditional Chlorine Treatment Methods
• 12:20 Chlorine Dioxide as Alternative Treatment
• 18:10 Safety Protocols and Real-World Examples
• 25:30 Industry Compliance and Guidelines