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How Do Salt Water Pools Work

A salt pool sanitizes the water with chlorine just like other pools. The difference between them is in how the chlorine is added to the pool. These salt generators, also called salt cells, work by electrolysis. The salt water is electrically charged, which splits the salt molecules and generates chlorine (Cl).

What are the benefits of a salt water pool?

5 Benefits of a Saltwater Pool Saltwater pools are gentler on your body and clothing. Saltwater pools are gentler than traditional chlorine pools. There is no harsh chlorine smell. You won’t have that chlorine smell. The water is softer. The water is softer. You don’t need to store chlorine. They cost less to maintain.

What are the pros and cons of a saltwater pool?

The Pros and Cons of Saltwater Pools PRO: Saltwater pool is softer on your eyes and skin. CON: A saltwater pool is more expensive than a chlorine pool. PRO: They usually require less maintenance than chlorine pools. CON: Saltwater pools require expert technicians for repairs.

Is it hard to maintain a saltwater pool?

Yes, a salt water pool is easier to maintain! There’s no need to purchase, store and add chlorine to your pool. While all pools require chemicals to maintain clean, clear water, salt water pools are more stable than traditional chlorinated pools, so they require fewer chemicals.

What are the disadvantages of salt water pools?

Cons You will need to store and handle high amounts of salt. Muriatic acid will need to be added to the pool water on a regular basis. The pH levels will need to be continuously monitored. Any issues with the generator or pool system may require help from a professional.

Does salt turn into chlorine?

Salt cells work by transforming sodium chloride (aka table salt) into chlorine. Salt cells work through a process known as electrolysis. Since salt water has an electrical charge, it splits the salt molecules and produces chlorine.

Which is better chlorine or salt water pool?

Pros. Lower chlorine levels make saltwater pools gentler on skin and eyes. Chlorine levels in saltwater pools are enough to disinfect, but not enough to fade expensive swimwear and gear. Because of the natural chlorine, saltwater pools require fewer chemicals (and less attention) compared to chlorinated pools.

Is a salt pool better than chlorine?

Pros of Saltwater Pools There’s less chlorine and less of the heavy chemical scent and content. They’re gentler on the skin, with less irritation to the eyes, hair and swimsuits. The water has a softer, silkier feel to it compared to chlorine water. They have lower maintenance costs than chlorine pools.

Is it worth converting to saltwater pool?

Saltwater pools are cheaper to maintain in the short term: Annual costs to maintain a saltwater pool tend to be lower than annual costs to maintain a traditional chlorine pool. There’s no chlorine smell: The strong chlorine smell that’s often present in a chlorine pool will not be a problem in a salt pool.

How long do saltwater pools last?

Typical Lifespan of a Saltwater Pool This process means that the salt cell will eventually need replacing. With normal maintenance, the average lifespan of a salt cell is three to seven years. If you regularly replace the salt cell, your saltwater pool should last as long as a chlorine pool.

How much does it cost to install a saltwater pool?

Homeowners pay an average of $25,000 to install a new salt water swimming pool, compared to the cost of installing a traditional pool, which has a price tag of about $23,000 on average. Cost to build a standard, 20,000-gallon pool can be as low as $12,000 or as high as $67,000.

Are salt water pools cheaper to maintain?

While they do cost a bit more on the front end than a chlorine set up, the ongoing maintenance for saltwater pools is typically far less expensive. Generally, you can expect to pay somewhere around $300 to $800 a year on the chemicals you’ll need to maintain a chlorine pool.

Can salt water pools raise your blood pressure?

Saltwater Pools Come With Health and Environmental Concerns Providers have also linked higher heart mortality risks to sodium absorption through the skin, particularly among people with: High blood pressure.

How often should a salt water pool be serviced?

You should review the salt cell at least every two months. Most need cleaning a minimum of every six months, and sometimes more often, so checking the cell is essential to make sure it doesn’t need replacing.

How often do you have to add salt to a saltwater pool?

Annual booster additions of pool salt are usually required, but only to replace salt lost from backwashing, splashout or lowering the water for winter. If you fully drain the pool for maintenance, you will need to replace all of the pool salt.

Why do some hotels have salt water pools?

While there is still chlorine in a saltwater pool, they have significantly lower chlorine levels than a normal chlorinated pool. The reason is probably a saltwater pool is healthier than using chlorine. You must exit the pool and the changing rooms and showers are directly in front of you.

How long does it take for salt to turn into chlorine?

Broadcast the salt across the pool surface – it may take up to 24 hours to fully dissolve. Note: Consult your installation manual. The manual should provide a table detailing the amount of salt required. Click here to view our guide to salt chlorination.

Do salt water pools dry out your skin?

Generally speaking, skin problems occur twice more in chlorinated water than in salt water. In most cases, salt water causes dry and itchy skin but chlorine triggers irritated skin and sometimes even a nasty rash.