Salt Water Pools

Why it’s not the same as swimming in the ocean.

Salt Water Pools have grown in popularity the past ten years. Many customers believe they’re replacing the use of chlorine with salt to maintain their pool water, but that’s farthest from the truth—they’re just converting salt to chlorine.

Salt Water Pool owners simply add salt to their pool water, and a Salt Water Generator converts the salt to chlorine.

While the water will have a slight ocean flavor to it, the pool’s salinity is a very small fraction compared to that of the ocean.

We love educating our customers and other pool owners on swimming pools, so please find a helpful Pro’s and Con’s of Salt Water Pools list below.

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Pros & Cons Of Salt Water Pools

Salt Generators Pros

No more mixing, measuring or handling chlorine

System is automated, therefore no daily chore involved

Clearer, softer water

No chlorine smell

Gentler on skin and eyes

Fewer risks for allergies

Limits exposure to stored chlorine chemicals

Salt Generators Cons

Initial cost of installation, and the purchase of an electrolyzer, make salt water pool more expensive than traditional pools

Hard to tell if maintenance is past due or required because there isn't a clear sign, such as a noticeable smell or changing water appearance.

Basic pool maintenance takes longer than traditional pools.

Frequently elevated pH levels may require the purchase of a pH regulator

The liquid chlorine produced has a pH of 11.7 (proper range is 7.2 – 7.8), therefore constant use of pH down is required, otherwise pool is in a scaling mode.

Stabilizer must be added or pools chlorine will dissipate with sunlight

Salt may corrode pumps, heaters, ladders, and even the walls of steel pools (premature corrosion of pool or equipment is not covered under any manufacturer warranty)

Occasional use of algaecide, clarifier, stain and scale and shocking will still be necessary

System must be cleaned once a season or the system will scale up causing the cell to shut down.

Cell must be replaced every 2 – 4 years at a cost of $400 to $600 making it the most expensive sanitizer on the market.

More and more cities (i.e.: Toronto) are banning the backwashing or pumping of salt chlorinated water into the sewers or storm drains

If the system should run dry for any reason, the possibility exists that it might explode (manufacturers warning is in the directions)

Questions & Answers on Salt Water Swimming Pools

What are the benefits of a salt water pool?

One of the most popular benefits of a salt water pool is the reduction in your household’s chemical footprint. In place of storing chlorine and other chemicals in or around your home, salt water pool owners simply store bags of salt (solar, mechanically evaporated, or mined) that is used in combination with a Salt Chlorine Generator. Although the generator produces chlorine, the chlorine levels are much lower than chlorinated pools, which reduces the negative impact on your skin, hair, eyes, and overall health. Lastly, salt water pools require far less maintenance than chlorinated pools, and the water has been described as “silky smooth” and “more refreshing”.

Have a Question about Salt Water Pools? Call Rich at 607-786-0010

Are salt water pools better?

Another benefit of salt water pools is that your swim wear will last longer. Chlorine has been found to fade swim wear and other clothing and gear over a period of time. If you want a different perspective on salt water pools versus chlorinated pools, look no further than your local hotels and water parks who have been converting to salt water pools en masse. Hotels, water parks, schools and other professional organizations that offer a swimming pool(s) to their customers have made the hefty investment due to the lifetime savings in man power and maintenance.

Are salt water pools more expensive?

After reading the two previous Q&A’s, you may be thinking that most people choose to go with a Salt Water Pool over a Chlorinated Pool, but that too is far from the truth. While the benefits are plenty, chlorinated pools are far cheaper upfront and are far less complex to the average pool owner. Minor or major repairs to a salt water pool system, especially the salt chlorine generator, can require a specialized technician, and depending on where you live that expense could be costly. Lastly, both chlorinated and salt water pools can wear on your swimming pool’s materials over time, such as underwater lights, heaters, attachments, fixtures and more.

Have a Question about Salt Water Pools? Call Rich at 607-786-0010

Can any pool be a salt water pool?

If you currently own a chlorinated pool, there is nothing to worry about because you can easily convert your swimming pool to a salt water pool. Not all salt water pool systems are the same, so depending on the complexity and where you live, you may require one or two technicians for installation. The salt water pool system will be installed to your pool’s existing plumbing system, but it may also require electrical work. If you’re looking to keep expenses down, you can purchase a basic salt water generator for $300 to $600 and install it yourself, but if you’re looking for an advanced automated salt water generator, you’ll likely be spending over $1,000 on the system and around $500 on technicians.

Salt Water Pools

Salt Water Pools

Why it’s not the same as swimming in the ocean.

Click The Button For Our Secret To Safer, Healthier, & Worry-free Pool Water!

Pros & Cons Of Salt Water Pools

Salt Generators Pros

Salt Generators Cons

Questions & Answers on Salt Water Swimming Pools

Have a Question about Salt Water Pools? Call Rich at 607-786-0010

Have a Question about Salt Water Pools? Call Rich at 607-786-0010

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