What Is A Saltwater Pool System?

Saltwater pool system are great alternatives to traditional chlorine pools. They are aptly named because salt is added instead of chlorine tablets to sanitize the water. A saltwater swimming pool offers excellent health benefits, compared to a non-saltwater pool, and is especially beneficial for anyone with allergies, asthma, or sensitive skin and eyes.

Best Pools for Saltwater

You may wonder if your pool can be equipped with a saltwater system. The good news is that all types of pools, whether concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass, can be set up with a salt system if installed and used correctly. Always monitor the condition of your pool.

Salt Chlorine Generator

Although you don't add chlorination tablets to a saltwater pool, the system will create chlorine. However, the chlorine levels are far lower than in chlorine-based swimming pools. This lighter chlorination in your pool is generated by a process called electrolysis.

Electrolysis occurs when electricity is passed through the salt water, which interacts with chloride ions in the salt, or sodium chloride, molecules. Chlorine is then created, along with sodium hydroxide, a byproduct with a high pH.

The salt cells only generate chlorination as needed, which is why many find swimming in saltwater pools easier on the skin and less likely to cause burning eyes. Many people find that the water feels softer.

Chemicals

While these pools aren't chlorine-free, they do have lower chlorine levels, and that smaller amount is produced by breaking down salt -- as opposed to adding directly into the water through granules or tablets. 

One of the problems with traditional chlorinated pools is that many other chemicals are needed to help stabilize the chlorine, which are added to the chlorine tabs and are harder on the skin and eyes. With a saltwater pool, you don't have to store and handle these harsh chemicals, and you are not adding chlorine directly, making it safer than a traditional chlorine pool.

A saltwater chlorination system has sensors that automatically generate chlorine as needed, so they require less maintenance.

Saltwater pools have a higher pH level, so you will need to put in more muriatic acid than you would for regular chlorine pool water chemicals.

How Much Salt?

Lots of people assume it's going to be like swimming in the ocean and that it is going to taste and feel nasty and salty, but this is a myth. So how much salt is in one of these swimming pools? A saltwater pool has a much lower salt level than ocean water - less than ten percent - so it is less harsh on hair, eyes, and skin, and you won't have that unpleasant taste.

You need to identify the optimal salinity level for your saltwater system, usually between 2800 ppm and 4000 ppm. You add salt as required based on existing levels; salt levels should be tracked as part of regular maintenance.

What Kind of Salt Does a Saltwater Pool System Use?

Although there are three types of salt available, you should use only salt that is at least 99% pure and has been rated for use in pools. Usually, this salt has been mined, as it is generally the purest.

Solar salt, which comes from seawater evaporated by the sun, or mechanically-evaporated salt, which has been heated artificially to evaporate the water, has too many mineral impurities, and should not be used. 

Cons of Saltwater pools

There are a few cons of saltwater pools.

Saltwater systems are more expensive initially to install and set up. A salt chlorine generator lasts about five to seven years, depending on how regularly the pool is maintained. Many people find, however, that they save enough on the cost of chemicals that their initial cost is offset by the savings.

Saltwater pool systems are more complex than traditional systems, so experienced technicians will be required for nearly all issues.

Salt does damage some materials, so pool owners must avoid certain heaters, underwater lighting, and liners. Always check that pool equipment is safe for a saltwater system.

Interested in Your Own Saltwater Pool?

People for Pools can install your saltwater pool system for you.

We can also teach you how to operate your pool, with our pool school. We can even handle all maintenance like salt cell cleaning or replacing, as well as handle pool openings or closings, giving you more time and peace of mind to simply swim and enjoy your pool!

For comprehensive pool services in Toronto, including pool school, salt cell cleaning, and openings or closings, rely on People for Pools at 647-710-8926, 1585 Britannia Rd E, Unit B3 Mississauga, ON L4W 2M4, and dive into worry-free pool enjoyment.