Salt water pool systems have grown in popularity over the last decade but few people really understand what a saltwater pool system really is and how to care for it. Whether you currently have a pool or are considering getting one installed, listed below are FAQs about saltwater pool systems that may help you decide whether or not this is the right type of pool for you and your family.
A: A saltwater pool system contains roughly 3,000 ppm of salt and can not be detected by human tastebuds when actually swimming in the pool. These pool systems use salt, water, and a salt chlorine generator to maintain proper chemical levels in order to be safe to swim in. Saltwater systems are different than seawater pools, which are pools filled with water from the ocean and are fairly rare and only seen on the coasts.
A: A saltwater system does not require chlorine, instead it has a unique system that creates hydrogen and hypochlorous acid which replaces chlorine tablets that are used to sanitize pool water. The system works as so: Salt is added to the pool water along with a salt chlorine generator. This generator works similar to regular chlorine pool systems in the sense that it works to pump water in and out of the pool in order to regulate pool water and chemicals. As the saltwater solution moves through the chlorine generator, which operates on a low voltage current, electrolysis occurs splitting the salt and water into hydrogen and hypochlorous. This process is continuous converting salt to acid and back to salt.
A: Chlorine is not directly put into a saltwater pool system the way it is with normal pool systems. Instead the process explained above produces chlorine through the electrolytic process and is less abrasive as normal chlorine tablets.
A: Yes, the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness are chemicals that need to be monitored and adjusted accordingly.
A: Typically yes, saltwater systems are slightly more expensive than other pool systems. This is caused by a few things: the upfront costs of the chlorine generator can be pricey and need salt cell replacements every few years. Also, the generator which produces chlorine only works when the pool pump is running, which means your energy usage may be more with a saltwater system. Along with the normal maintenance of a pool, the saltwater pool systems have a few additives that are necessary for the pool to run properly which make the overall cost slightly more than your average pool system.
A: Because salt is a chemical that is know to erode surfaces, you pool siding and surrounding areas can be negatively affected by the saltwater solution if the right precautions are not taken. There are specific materials for pools that have protective qualities to help prevent corrosion caused by saltwater systems.
A: Saltwater pool systems are great because the water solution itself is less harmful than chlorine for the skin, hair, and eyes. You will not have the chlorine smell penetrating your pool, yet you won’t notice the salt either. The water solution itself is fairly neutral and you won’t get out of the pool feeling dry or having red eyes the way a chlorine pool would.
No matter what kind of pool system you have, it requires upkeep and maintenance almost daily. If you are considering hiring a pool company to take care of your pool for you, call Bright and Clear today! We offer free consultations to assesss your pool and offer quotes for weekly maintenance! We can answer any FAQs about saltwater pool systems or regular chlorine pool systems that you may have. After being in the industry for more than 3 decades, we are your pool experts!
