The Ultimate Pool Showdown: Saltwater vs Chlorine Pools

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Salt Water Pools vs Traditional Chlorinated Pools
   • Salinity Levels in Salt Water Pools
   • Chlorine Levels in Salt Water Pools
3. Pros and Cons of Salt Water Pools
   • Advantages of Salt Water Pools
   • Disadvantages of Salt Water Pools
4. Salt Chlorine Generator
   • How it Works
   • Misconceptions about Salt Water Filters
5. Types of Salt Used in Salt Chlorine Generators
   • Solar Salt
   • Mechanically Evaporated Salt
   • Mine Salt
6. Determining the Amount of Salt Needed for a Pool
7. Cost of a Salt Chlorine Generator
8. Lifespan of a Salt Chlorine Generator
9. Alternatives to Salt Water Pools
   • Natural Mineral Systems
10. Maintenance of Salt Water Pools
    • Vacuuming the Pool
    • Backwashing the Filter
    • Checking and Adjusting Water Levels
    • Testing and Adjusting Sanitizer Residual
    • Testing and Adjusting Salt Levels
    • Adding a Sequestering Agent
    • Adding a Cell Protection Chemical
    • Adding a Maintenance Dose of Clarifier
    • Shock Oxidizing the Water
    • Adding a Maintenance Dose of Alka-Side or All-in-One Products
    • Adding an Enzyme Oil and Grease Digester
    • Cleaning the Tile Lines

Salt Water Pools vs Traditional Chlorinated Pools

Salt water pools have become a popular choice for many pool owners due to their numerous advantages over traditional chlorinated pools. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two types of pools and discuss the pros and cons of salt water pools.

Salinity Levels in Salt Water Pools

Contrary to popular belief, salt water pools are not as salty as seawater. In fact, they have only about one-tenth of the salinity of seawater. This lower salinity level makes them much gentler on the eyes and skin compared to traditional chlorine pools.

Chlorine Levels in Salt Water Pools

Although salt water pools are often touted as being chlorine-free, they actually use a process called electrolysis to create chlorine. The salt chlorine generator in these pools breaks down the salt into hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite, which are both sanitizing agents commonly found in chlorine-based pools. However, the chlorine levels in salt water pools are significantly lower than those in traditional chlorinated pools.

Pros and Cons of Salt Water Pools

Before deciding whether to opt for a salt water pool or a traditional chlorinated pool, it's important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Advantages of Salt Water Pools

• Gentle on the eyes and skin due to lower chlorine levels.
• Avoids the need for storing and handling chemicals like traditional chlorine pools.
• Produces softer filling water, which is desirable for many swimmers.
• Requires less vigilance in maintaining chlorine levels compared to traditional pools.

Disadvantages of Salt Water Pools

• Salt water pools require a larger initial investment and require replacement of worn parts after about eight years, making them more expensive than traditional pools.
• Salt water pools can be more complex and may require experienced technicians, even for minor problems.
• Certain materials, such as specific types of heaters, fixtures, underwater lighting, liners, and masonry work, may be damaged by salt and should be avoided.
• Generating cells in salt water pools require special chemicals to prevent damage over time.

Salt Chlorine Generator

The salt chlorine generator is the primary piece of machinery in a salt water pool. It is important to understand how it works and its role in maintaining a salt water pool.

How it Works

Using a process called electrolysis, the salt chlorine generator breaks down the salt into hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite. These agents act as sanitizers, disinfecting the water in a similar way to traditional chlorine pools. It's important to note that the salt chlorine generator does not filter the pool water; a separate salt water filter is responsible for removing debris.

Misconceptions about Salt Water Filters

It is a common misconception that salt water filters are included in salt water pool systems. However, this is inaccurate as the generator itself does not filter the pool water. A separate salt water filter is required to remove debris from the pool.

Types of Salt Used in Salt Chlorine Generators

Salt chlorine generators require specific types of salt to operate effectively. Let's explore the three main types of salt used in these generators.

Solar Salt

Solar salt is derived from seawater that is evaporated by the sun. However, it contains impurities such as dead brine shrimp and bacteria. These impurities make the salt generator and the salt water filter work harder, affecting their efficiency.

Mechanically Evaporated Salt

Mechanically evaporated salt is also made from seawater, but instead of using sunlight, heat is used to evaporate the water. This method helps eliminate organic matter, resulting in cleaner salt. However, it may still include minerals that can damage the pool.

Mine Salt

Mine salt is dug from the ground and is considered the purest form of salt. It does not contain impurities like solar salt or mechanically evaporated salt. This type of salt is the recommended choice for salt chlorine generators.

Determining the Amount of Salt Needed for a Pool

The amount of salt required for a salt water pool depends on the recommended salt level for the salt chlorine generator to function properly. This information can typically be found in the owner's manual and usually ranges from three thousand to four thousand parts per million. The size of the pool and its current salt level also play a role in determining the amount of salt to add.

To determine the required salt level for your pool, use a salt water test kit to measure the pool's current salt level. Then, calculate the amount of salt needed based on the pool size and gallons using a salt table provided in the generator's manual.

For example, a 20,000-gallon pool with a current salt level of 500 parts per million would require 501 pounds of salt.

Cost of a Salt Chlorine Generator

A salt chlorine generator can typically be purchased for around $800. However, it's important to note that the generator is just one component of the entire salt water pool system. Additional costs include a salt water filter, other necessary components, and maintenance chemicals.

Replacing the entire salt water pool system every ten years, including the generator, can cost around $4,000. Additionally, yearly maintenance chemicals can add up to approximately $600.

Lifespan of a Salt Chlorine Generator

The salt cells used in most residential salt water pools typically last for ten thousand hours of operation, which is equivalent to approximately three to five years. However, the lifespan of a generator depends on several factors, including the frequency of pool maintenance, salt levels, water chemistry, and other factors.

Alternatives to Salt Water Pools

If the cost of a salt water pool seems prohibitive, there are alternative options available. One such option is a natural mineral system, such as Clean and Clear by Sea Pool Minerals. These systems reduce chlorine demand by sixty percent and offer similar advantages to salt chlorine pools. The cost of using a natural mineral system is around $100 per year, significantly lower than the maintenance cost of a salt water pool.

Maintenance of Salt Water Pools

Maintaining a salt water pool differs slightly from maintaining a traditional chlorine-treated pool. Here are some key maintenance tasks for a salt water pool:

1. Vacuum the pool or use a robot to remove dirt and debris from the bottom. This should be done at least once a week.
2. Check the pressure or vacuum gauges on the filter to determine if backwashing is required. Backwash the filter according to the manufacturer's directions, typically at least twice a month.
3. Maintain proper water levels by adding water as needed. Sufficient water levels prevent the skimmer from vortexing and sucking in air.
4. Regularly test the total alkalinity and sanitizer residual levels in the pool. Adjust the salt generator as needed to maintain a sufficient chlorine level.
5. Use a salt test kit to periodically check and adjust the salt level in the pool. Salt levels typically do not change rapidly and may only require adjustment once or twice per season.
6. Add a sequestering agent weekly, even if metals are not detected in water tests. This helps prevent metal contamination and reduces scale build-up on the salt generator cell.
7. Use a cell protection chemical to reduce soil and grease buildup and extend the life of the salt chlorine generator cell. This chemical also inhibits scaling agents that are not inhibited by standard sequestering agents.
8. Add a maintenance dose of clarifier to help the filter remove even the smallest particles that can lead to hazy water conditions.
9. Regularly shock oxidize the water using a non-chlorine shock oxidizer. This treatment helps prevent the formation of combined chlorine, which can cause red eyes, odors, and skin irritations.
10. Add a maintenance dose of alka-side or all-in-one products like Clean and Clear. These products prevent algae growth and can be especially helpful in case of generator system failure or heavy debris loads.
11. Add an enzyme oil and grease digester or products like C Spot to break up scum lines and reduce filter fouling.
12. Clean the tile lines surrounding the pool area and patio furniture to maintain a pristine appearance.