Salt Water Pool Care

Salt water pool care products are an alternative to traditional chlorine products.

Swimming in a pool is a favorite summer pastime. However, proper care of the pool is necessary to keep the summer fun alive. Chlorine is the traditional method of sanitizing and cleaning pool water but it can leave skin itchy and make eyes sore. Salt water pool care is an alternative to the traditional chlorinated pool care and reduces the harsh side effects of chlorine. Salt water pool care is also considered a greener option to pool maintenance.

Advantages

Salt water pool care products have several advantages over traditional chlorine pool care products. The most noticeable difference is the comfort of salt water pool care products. Chlorine can cause skin to dry out and make eyes red. However, salt water products soften the water and won't cause the discomfort associated with chlorine. Salt water pool care products are also significantly easier on clothing, which means that swimsuits won't wear out as fast.

Disadvantage

Salt is a naturally corrosive substance and therefore will wear on metal surfaces such as ladders, hand rails and diving boards. This problem can be solved by purchasing pool items made of an alternative material that won't corrode when in constant contact with salt water.

Cost

The initial cost of altering a traditional chlorine pool to a salt water pool can be expensive. The cell in the chlorine generator can be expensive to replace but it is necessary to do so in order to maintain the proper pH level of the water. However, once the initial costs of the transitions are made, the costs to maintain the pool are relatively low and can repay for the cost of the conversion over time.

Algae Control

Salt is a natural algae inhibitor. So by treating pools with salt water pool care products a natural element of algae control is added to the pool. The natural algae control of the salt water products along with the reduction of phosphates in the water that algae like to feed on is a twofold combination of algae control.

Safety

Anytime a pool is present, safety should be a concern especially if children are nearby. Salt water pool care products offer a greater level of safety than what traditional chlorine pool care products can. Chlorine is a very harsh chemical and needs to be kept away from children. Salt water care products shouldn't be ingested, either, but won't cause skin irritation if they come in contact with skin.

Maintenance

The chemical levels of a salt water pool need to be checked on a weekly basis for proper pH balance with a pool test kit. Non-iodized salt will need to be added to the pool if the pool test shows that the pH level has dropped. If alkalinity of the pool needs to be adjusted add baking soda. Refer to the pool's chemical chart for the quantity of chemicals that should be added. Filters should be cleaned daily, and clean the electrolytic cell every three to six months.

References

• Fun Times Guide: Salt Water System vs. Chlorine in Swimming Pools
• Fun Times Guide: Salt Water Pool Systems--Facts From a Swimming Pool Expert