Swimming pools with salt water: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Saltwater Pools

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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Saltwater Pools

If you’re considering a saltwater pool, whether as a new build or converting your existing pool, then you probably have a lot of questions. You may have heard that saltwater pools have financial and environmental benefits, but what if they make your pool rust? Here are some questions you might have and the answers:

Does a Saltwater Pool Freeze?

Yes, saltwater pools will still freeze if you leave them full during the winter. They don’t have the salt levels of ocean water. The freezing point is slightly lower than a traditional pool, but you will still need to close or winterize your pool. Also, salt cells will not operate at temperatures below 50 degrees.

Does a Saltwater Tank Need a Filter?

Yes. Your pool will still need a filtration system, which is not significantly different from a traditional system. The primary difference is the addition of the salt cell, which is installed between the filter and the pool.

Does a Saltwater Pool Have Chlorine?

It’s a myth that a saltwater pool does not use chlorine to purify the water. It absolutely does! The difference is that you are essentially making the chlorine on-site rather than adding chlorine tablets. This means that your saltwater pool will have considerably less chlorine and chlorine levels will be stable rather than fluctuating. You may still need to flush the pool with much higher chlorine levels occasionally, or simply add Revive! if the idea of shocking your pool doesn’t make you happy. 

 

 

Does the Water Taste Salty?

No. Again, this isn’t ocean water. The salt levels are a fraction of what you encounter if you decide to swim in the sea or in a hotel’s sea pool. It’s well below the threshold of human taste at about 3,000 parts per minimum, as opposed to the 35,000 ppm in the ocean. If there is a salt taste to the water it may mean that you have a chemical imbalance or your salt cell has a problem. A very small number of people may be able to detect the faintest of salt tastes, but for most people, there should be no detectable taste of salt. There also isn’t enough salt in the water to make swimming and floating easier.

Does the Pool Still Smell of Chlorine?

So, there’s still chlorine in there. Is there still a chlorine smell? Saltwater pools should actually have no detectable odor at all, and if there’s a chlorine smell it means there’s an imbalance. Somebody with a very sensitive nose may pick up on it, but one of the advantages of a saltwater pool is avoiding that extreme chlorine stench.

 

 

Is it Safe? Does the System Kill Enough Germs?

You might ask whether the lower levels of chlorine actually keep the pool clean and germ-free. The answer is yes: Although saltwater systems use less chlorine, the fact is that traditional chlorination systems are often overkill. They are essentially the same thing with a different, and smoother, delivery system for the chlorine. There’s also enough chlorine in the system to kill algae.

Is it Better For You?

Absolutely. The biggest advantage of a saltwater pool is that it reduces your chlorine exposure. First of all, this prevents the “chlorine hair” phenomenon that serious swimmers (and their parents) know only too well, as well as reduces eye irritation. For young swimmers, this can be really important, as that eye irritation can make them unwilling to put their head under water and learn to swim properly. It’s also better for your swimsuit. Too much chlorine exposure may also increase your risk of cancer. So, yes, a saltwater pool is much better for you.

 

 

Will the Salt Rust Your Pool?

There is, yes, some risk that the salt in the water will corrode your pool or pool elements. For above ground pools, you should not use a saltwater system with a steel or aluminum pool, as it will destroy the pool. A resin pool, however, should be fine. Vinyl pool liners are also good at resisting damage from salt. If you do use a saltwater system with an above ground pool, you should check and, if necessary, replace metal components regularly.

One vital way of reducing corrosion and rust damage is a sacrificial anode. This is a zinc part that hangs out next to the parts you need to protect and takes the damage for them. You replace the anode about every three years or so. Bear in mind that the anode has to be properly bonded and grounded, and thus you will need a licensed electrician to install it.

Will Adding a Salt System Void the Warranty?

Potentially, yes. Some manufacturers exclude the use of a salt system because if you mess up, you can seriously corrode your pool. Obviously, if your pool is out of warranty this is not a concern. It doesn’t mean that a salt system isn’t compatible with your pool, as long as it’s not primarily of metal construction.

Can I Use Ordinary Table Salt?

Technically, yes, as long as it’s not anodized. However, in the quantities you need it, proper pool salt is cheaper. Purified pool salt is, though, actually food grade. You should not use rock salt or solar salt, as these can stain your pool.

While you don’t want t use regular salt in your swimming pool, you also want a special kind of pepper!

Is It True that Saltwater Pools Need No Maintenance?

No, it’s not true that a saltwater pool needs no maintenance. What is true is that they need considerably less maintenance than a regular chlorine pool.

Saltwater pools still need to be properly winterized before closing them and opened when the season started. For routine maintenance, you should test the pH and free chlorine levels every week, the salt levels every month, and inspect the salt cell every three months. This is still a lot less work than a traditional pool. Adding PEPPER® to your pool can also help keep it in good health.

Saltwater pools are superior to traditional pools in many ways. It’s very important, however, to understand the differences and not believe the various myths that circulate. If you are looking at building or converting a saltwater pool, we have everything you need from sacrificial anodes and salt cells to full saltwater compatible pools, both above ground and inground.

 

We hope that answers the most common questions you have about saltwater pools. Here are some additional resources you may find helpful!

  • How to Maintain a Saltwater Swimming Pool
  • CHLORINE SHORTAGES + PRICE INCREASES LEAD TO ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS
  • How to Convert a Chlorine Pool to a Saltwater Pool
  • OPEN YOUR POOL SOONER (AND A LOT EASIER) WITH POOL FROG AND EZ POOL
  • How To Troubleshoot Problems with Your Salt Cell
  • MAKE KEEPING YOUR POOL CLEAN AND CLEAR EASY WITH EZ POOL!
  • Type of Salt to Use with a Swimming Pool Salt System
  • HOW TO CLEAN A MURKY GREEN POOL FAST WITH REVIVE!
  • How To Clean the Salt Cell on Your Saltwater Swimming Pool
  • HOW TO WINTERIZE YOUR POOL
  • The Perfect Solution for Your Saltwater Pool: PEPPER
  • Saltwater Above Ground Pools: A Buyer’s Guide

     

     

What is a salt water swimming pool?

A saltwater pool is not a chlorine-free pool. Salt chlorine generators offer an alternative method of sanitizing a pool by using salt to produce its own chlorine automatically. A saltwater pool works much the same way as any other swimming pool, but instead of adding chlorine tablets, you’ll add a fine-grain salt. If your salt pool is properly maintained, it shouldn’t taste or smell salty at all.

Salt Pool Myths: Take Them With A Grain Of Salt

The most common myth regarding salt pools is that they are a better choice if you have sensitivities or allergies to chlorine. Salt pools are, in fact, sanitized using chlorine. A salt-chlorine generator separates the chlorine and sodium molecules in salt and reintroduces them into the pool water. It is still the chlorine that sanitizes your pool!

Another misconception is that salt pools do not require other chemicals. This is completely false and not using other chemicals could damage your pool or be potentially harmful. There is no magic inside a salt-chlorine generator that balances pool water. All parameters should be checked and balanced regularly. Additionally, salt pools need to be shocked on a regular basis and salt-chlorine generators typically do not have the ability to effectively shock your pool. All pools, no matter what the sanitizer, need to be shocked regularly– preferably once per week during warm weather.

How Does A Salt-Chlorine Generator System Work?

A salt-chlorine generator uses the simple process of electrolysis in combination with the water to separate the chlorine and sodium molecules and then reintroduces them into the pool as liquid chlorine.

Salt is made up of two elements, chlorine and sodium, thus its scientific name – sodium chloride. Therefore, salt already has chlorine in it naturally.

How To Convert A Standard Pool To A Salt Water Pool

If you already have a pool, you can convert your standard pool to a salt pool. Two components will be added to your existing system, a salt cell and a control unit. The salt cell is attached to the pipes between your filter and water outlet and the control unit allows you to monitor the salt cell. The price for a salt system will vary based on features and brands. Check with your local Pinch A Penny expert for the latest products and pricing.

What Products Do I Need For My Salt Pool?

Saltwater pools have special characteristics; including high Total Dissolved Solids, or TDS, which can affect the dispersion and performance of your chemicals. When using Salinity products, you can be certain that its formula is ideal for your saltwater pool.

 

It is also important to use a product like Suncoast Liquid Stabilizer in your salt pool. This will extend the life of your salt generated sanitizer and save you money by avoiding excessive chlorine demand. You can purchase the Salinity line of pool care products exclusively at your neighborhood Pinch A Penny store.

In short, a salt water pool is just another way to keep your pool clean and sparkling. Although the initial set-up is more expensive than a traditional chlorine pool, owners have found that the time it takes to maintain it is less. If you are interested in installing a salt system in your new pool or converting your current pump system, stop into a Pinch A Penny location. The experts at your local store will give you all the guidance and expertise you need to successfully instate a salt-cell system.

Everything you need to know about salt water pools

If you’re considering a saltwater pool idea, whether it’s a new build or a conversion to an existing pool, you’re likely to have a lot of questions. You may have heard that seawater pools have financial and environmental benefits. But what if salt water causes your pool to rust? In this article, we will analyze the main questions about sea basins and give answers to them.

Question: Does the sea water pool freeze?

Answer: Yes, seawater pools will still freeze if you leave them full for the winter. Of course, the freezing point of such structures is slightly lower than in a traditional pool, but you still have to mothball or winterize the pool.

Q: Do I need a filter for the salt water tank?

Answer: Yes. Your pool will still need a filtration system that is not much different from a traditional system. The main difference is the addition of a salt cell, which is installed between the filter and the pool.

Q: Do I need to use chlorine to disinfect my saltwater pool?

Answer: It is a common myth that salt water pools do not use chlorine. The difference is that significantly less chlorine is added to a saltwater pool and the level will be stable rather than fluctuating. You may still need to do even shock chlorination from time to time.

Q: Does water taste salty?

Answer: No. Again, this is not ocean water. If the water tastes salty, it may indicate a chemical imbalance. A very small number of people can pick up the faintest salty taste, but most people should not have a noticeable taste of salt. Also, there is not enough salt in the water to make swimming easier, like in the Dead Sea.

Q: Does the salt water pool smell like chlorine?

Answer: So, we found out that chlorine still needs to be added. Seawater pools should not have a noticeable smell at all, and if there is a smell of chlorine, this means an imbalance. Someone with a very sensitive nose might pick it up, but one of the benefits of a saltwater pool is that there is no strong chlorine smell at all.

Question: How safe is it? Does salty water kill germs enough?

Answer: You may be wondering if low chlorine levels really keep the pool clean and germ-free. The answer is yes: although seawater pools use less chlorine, this does not mean that disinfection is becoming less effective.

Q: Is a sea water pool better than a fresh water pool?

Answer: Absolutely. The biggest benefit of a salt water pool is that it reduces the dosage of chlorine. First of all, it prevents the “chlorine hair” phenomenon that swimmers are very aware of, and also reduces eye irritation. For beginner little swimmers, this can be very important as eye irritation makes them reluctant to learn how to swim and dive properly. So yes, a sea water pool is much better than a fresh water pool.

Question: Can salt damage the pool?

Answer: Yes, there is some risk that the salt in the water will corrode the walls of the bowl or pool elements. For pools with steel or aluminum elements, a salt water system should not be used, as there is a risk of damage to the structures. However, a pool made of composite material is suitable. Vinyl pool liners also provide good protection against salt damage. If you do use a salt water system in a pool with metal elements, you should regularly check and replace the metal components if necessary.

Question: Can regular table salt be used?

Answer: Technically yes. However, in the required quantities, special pool salt is cheaper than table salt. Do not use rock salt as it can stain the pool.

Question: Is it true that sea water pools are maintenance free?

Answer: One of the common myths is that a saltwater pool is maintenance-free. It is true that they require significantly less maintenance than a conventional chlorine pool.

Saltwater pools still need to be winterized. With regular maintenance, you should check the pH and free chlorine every week, the salt level every month, and check the brine cell every three months.
Seawater pools are superior to traditional pools in many ways. However, it is very important to understand the differences and not to believe the various myths that are so widely circulated.

We hope you have answered the most common questions about saltwater pools.

Buy composite pools in our catalog.

cleaning and desalination – BWT

To date, there are a huge number of areas with a high content of salts in the water. A concentration below one gram per liter of liquid is considered normal. Less is better. If you are a pool owner, then a salt water pool can cause a number of problems.

Salty or brackish water causes dry skin, adversely affects the mucous membranes and hair growth. From a technical point of view, it can cause the formation of salt deposits and scale buildup in water systems. Among other things, the processes of corrosion in salt water occur much faster. Therefore, if you have a salt water pool, then you should pay attention to ways to clean the water from salt, such as:

  • Thermal cleaning method;
  • Ion exchange;
  • Membrane;
  • Reverse osmosis;
  • Electrolytic;
  • Thermal cleaning method.

BWT Pool Cleaning Solutions:

Compact filter unit

Pool chemicals

To get the consultation

Despite the fact that the thermal method of purification is the simplest technologically and allows for complete purification of water from salts, it is not very applicable to the processes of cleaning swimming pools. So if you have a salt water pool, then it is better to pay attention to other methods. However, if cleaning is needed on an industrial scale, then this is a good choice.

Ion exchanger

Most often, water desalination is carried out by ion exchange. This is the most proven and reliable method. Ion-exchange water treatment has been used since the 60s of the last century and has managed to prove itself from the best side. The bottom line is the use of special ion-exchange resins that are able to absorb impurities, giving up previously stored ions in exchange. Modern technology has significantly reduced the cost of producing ion exchange resins, so this is the method that will allow you to clean a salt water pool to an acceptable level in a short time.

When choosing a filter with ion exchange resins, it should be borne in mind that there is a division into those that work in environments with a Ph less than 7, and highly active ones that can cope with greater hardness and salinity of soda.

Membrane

The membrane method is also one of the most common. The bottom line is the use of finely porous membranes that trap particles of salt and other unwanted impurities. Of the obvious advantages, it is worth highlighting that a complete cleaning of any water pollutants is carried out.

Reverse osmosis

Reverse osmosis of water remains the most convenient method of purification. The bottom line is that special membranes purify salt water in the pool when the pump is running, and at times of inactivity, self-cleaning is carried out and harmful impurities, along with salts, are drained into the drain. These filters are much less prone to clogging and require less maintenance.

Electrolytic

This method is based on the fact that during electrolysis, salt particles are separated into positively and negatively charged ions, which are deposited on the electrodes. At the same time, if the salinity of the water is caused precisely by sodium chloride (NaCl), then in the process, the chlorine that is released will add disinfectant properties to the water and will prevent the growth of bacteria and microorganisms.

Also, when choosing a water purification method, it should be taken into account that there are a number of hybrid methods that combine several purification methods, providing a degree of disposal of harmful impurities up to 99%, which corresponds to a purification factor of 20-100 times.

Chemical methods should be brought into a separate category. There are enough funds according to the principle: “added and received clean water”. However, do not abuse them. However, for one-time cleaning, or for preparing for filtration, they are quite suitable.

The pool is a system that requires constant care and disinfection, so it is advisable to turn to professionals if possible. Many companies specialize in pool cleaning and maintenance. And in them you will not only be helped to clean the salt water pool, but will also examine it for the presence of other harmful impurities and substances. After all, if you install a salt purification system, and then encounter the problem of water blooming, you will have to install additional cleaning products.