If you have a vinyl liner, you'll be happy to know you can use a salt chlorinator system in your pool without taking any extra precautions. The liner will be exposed to lower levels of chlorine, so it may even extend your liner's lifespan.
Saltwater is extremely corrosive to certain types of metal pipes and pool equipment. Occasionally, saltwater pools are equally corrosive to pool liners. If saltwater wears away the lining of a pool long enough, it will create holes or tears in the liner. Once the liner tears, you'll have no choice but to replace it.
What are the effects of salt water chlorine generation systems on vinyl pool liners and swimming pools? ... High levels of chlorine will damage liners and equipment much the same way as high salt concentrations would speed up the corrosion of metal components.
Many pool liners have a warranty of 20 to 30 years. However, we've found that time frame to be misleading as many liners only last 6 to 12 years, depending on how you take care of it and whether it's an inground or above ground liner.
Leisure Pools Composite Fiberglass Pools
The boating industry worked out years ago that fiberglass was one of man's greatest materials in dealing with salt water, which is why fiberglass pools are also a perfect choice for anyone wanting to use a salt chlorinator with their swimming pool.
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.
Yes, a salt water pool has a reduced cost of operation as compared to a traditional chlorinated pool. This cost savings is primarily because chlorine is generated from salt and there is no need to buy chlorine. Additionally, salt water pools require fewer chemicals to keep the water clean and clear.
Chlorinated and non-chlorinated pools freeze at the same temperature. However, salt water pools will freeze at a slightly lower temperature. It should also be noted that above-ground pools will generally freeze at a higher temperature than inground pools.
Salt cells are expensive and need frequent cleaning. Saltwater that spills onto your pool deck and grassy areas can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. Saltwater can corrode and damage your pool equipment. Chlorine levels are difficult to maintain in a saltwater pool.
A saltwater pool is more expensive than a traditional pool because it requires a higher initial investment. Compared to chlorinated pools, a saltwater pools system is more complex. Both minor and major repairs will call for the expertise of a licensed (and specialized) technician.
Can A Saltwater Pool Be Used on an Above Ground Pool? If you're wondering if a saltwater generator can be used for an above ground pool, the answer is- absolutely! Many people have above ground saltwater pools, especially as salt water pools slowly become the norm.
Expect to pay less than $100 per year for the salt and chemicals to maintain your salt water swimming pool. Compare this to $300 to $800 yearly for the chemicals to maintain a traditional chlorine pool. Homeowners should budget an additional $200 to $700 every 3 to 5 years to replace the salt cell.
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.
You definitely need to drain some water from the pool when salinity reaches a 6,000 ppm level. Most salt water pools should be maintained with a salinity level of 2,500-4,000 ppm. The amount you drain depends on how elevated salinity levels are.
If it's a saltwater pool, by all means, open your eyes. So long as you know perfectly well that the pool is clean and free of any bacteria or viruses.
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.
While green algae are endemic in salt water pools, they are the easiest to kill. Green algae tend to grow during summers when the temperatures can get high. They float freely in the pool, making the water green. You might even see them growing on the bottom of the pool, on the walls, or in the crevices.
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.
Chlorine is preferable over other treatment options for a variety of reasons: It is more affordable and cost effective. Chlorine hot tubs require less upkeep and last longer than salt water hot tubs. Chlorine achieves the cleanliness and oxidation levels that other chemicals and methods do not.
Salt Water Pool Cost
The average cost to build a new salt water pool is $36,400, with most spending between $29,000 and $57,000 depending on the size, shape, and material of the pool. This price includes the salt water chlorination system which converts a chlorine pool to a saltwater pool for $600 to $2,200.