Do you fancy the idea of jumping into a clean pool in your backyard but don’t necessarily like the lingering effects of the chlorine used in treating freshwater pools?
While many people love splashing around for fun, relaxation, or exercising in a pool, most would be happier without the burning eyes, strong-smelling chemicals, and damaged hair from chlorine used to clean the pool.
Fortunately, a saltwater pool system is better than a freshwater pool. This post explains how a saltwater pool system works and its benefits.
How Does a Saltwater Pool System Create Chlorine?
A saltwater pool isn’t filled with ocean water. Instead, it’s filled with fresh water like a regular pool. However, unlike a standard chlorine pool, salt is added and dissolved into the water and then used to generate chlorine to clean the pool.
A salt chlorine generator is added to the pool system to enable the process of chlorination. The generator breaks down the dissolved salt through electrolysis to produce sodium hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid. These two elements act as oxidizing/disinfecting/sanitizing agents like the regular chlorine balls or powder used in a freshwater pool. Consequently, it means saltwater pools are not entirely chlorine-free. The only difference with freshwater pools is how chlorine is generated.
However, unlike a freshwater pool that needs the constant addition of chlorine, the process of chloramine production in a saltwater pool is self-rejuvenating. Once the chlorine molecule is used up, the salt converts back to Sodium Chloride (NaCl), and the process starts afresh.
The most significant difference between the two types of pool systems is that the saltwater pool system produces fewer chloramines. As a result, they don’t cause eye irritation nor have the pungent and off-putting smell of chlorine. Similarly, because the salt levels in a saltwater pool are 3,500 parts per million, the pool water doesn’t taste salty. The levels are so low that you can hardly tell the difference with fresh water.
Benefits of Saltwater Pool System to Traditional Chlorine Pool System
While the initial cost of setting up a saltwater pool system may seem high, the gains over time offset the upfront costs significantly. Here are some benefits of a saltwater pool system over traditional chlorine pool systems.
Uses Fewer Chemicals
Continuous chlorine production in controlled amounts minimizes the need for other chemicals such as oxidizers. This saves you money and time and ensures your pool is environmentally friendly and has fewer irritants.
As a result, a saltwater pool is gentler on hair, doesn’t irritate the skin or eyes, and doesn’t fade swimming costumes as much as a chlorine pool.
Low Maintenance
The chlorinator used in a saltwater pool system requires minimal maintenance. Best of all, you can automate it fully and set ut to run your filtration pump automatically. Additionally, because of the controlled chlorine production, you don’t need to add control substances or test your water often.
On the other hand, a freshwater pool system requires additional chemicals to balance out the effect of the manually added chlorine, which raises maintenance costs.
Cost Effective
Chlorine pools need many other chemicals to keep the pH level of the water safe. The cost of these chemicals can add up quickly despite the chlorine being quite costly on its own. On the other hand, pool-grade salt costs significantly less and is required in small quantities to be effective.
Chlorine generators are also low maintenance, although the initial installation cost is significantly higher.
If you’re looking for a more user-friendly and environmentally-friendly solution for your swimming pool, look no further than a saltwater pool system. It might cost you more upfront, but it’s gentler on your body and will save you money and time in the long run.