What is hypochlorous acid in the context of swimming pool sanitation?

Hypochlorous acid plays a critical role in swimming pool sanitation as it is the active disinfecting component of free chlorine. When chlorine is added to pool water, it typically exists in two forms: hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion. Among these, hypochlorous acid is the more effective sanitizer because it is a powerful oxidizing agent that can effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens present in the water.

The presence of hypochlorous acid in the pool helps maintain sanitized water by continually eliminating harmful microorganisms, ensuring a safe swimming environment. This relationship highlights the importance of maintaining appropriate chlorine levels in swimming pools to ensure an adequate concentration of hypochlorous acid is present, which contributes significantly to water quality and swimmer safety.