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.
Besides normal and good water balance, all you need for a salt water pool is a chlorine generator and enough pool salt to raise the level to the salt system manufacturer's recommendation. You will still need to maintain good water balance on a salt water pool.
Many people use liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) or solid chlorine compressed with cyanuric acid (granular or in tablets). In the case of a salt chlorine generator, you use salt (NaCl).
So, not only is shocking a saltwater pool okay, but it's actually important to your pool's health. Shocking is the process in which you overload your pool with chlorine (3-5 times the normal amount) to improve your pool's cleanliness and kill off organic matter.
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.
This start-up investment may be recouped in a few years with less expensive day-to-day chemical needs. A saltwater pool requires less than $100 a year in salt and chemicals if it is consistently maintained. A chlorine pool, on the other hand, will cost between $300 and $800 per year in maintenance chemicals.
Unlike traditional chlorine pools, which require frequent chemical adjustments, saltwater pools require minimal maintenance and can work for extended periods without modification. This means significantly less time spent maintaining your pool.
You won't have to spend as much money to maintain an above ground saltwater pool, either. That's because the typical life span of a salt cell is three to seven years. And when you use a saltwater system instead of chemicals, you will no longer have to buy chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, or as many shock treatments.
A typical lifespan is 3 to 7 years at a replacement cost of $500–$900.
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.
Answer: It depends on a few factors. 1) are you closing your pool every year and therefore draining and refilling with fresh water at least a bit. 2) water chemistry - the more you have to add, the more your total dissolved solids will increase leading to the need to drain and refill.
Every 3 months, make sure you open and inspect your salt water cell. You'll want to check for scale build up, as well as deposits. If it's clear of any debris, you can reinstall it, but if there are deposits, you can use a high-pressure hose to flush them off.
This increases the salt content in the body, raising the blood pressure of patients with salt-related blood pressure and may cause heart attacks, ”said Meriç, adding that although swimming regularly has health benefits in all aspects, this is not true for some people.
Salt water pools offer a more convenient sanitization method over traditional chlorine. The reliable systems operate independently and are easy to maintain. Salt water chlorination produces clean, clear, silky-smooth water that's luxuriously soft.
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.
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. Saltwater can damage.
Most people are able to convert their inground pools to a salt system for around $1,700 to $2,500 plus the cost of salt (typically 25 cents to 63 cents per pound). This cost includes the salt chlorine generator, which can vary in price depending on the size and manufacturer.
It's recommended to wait at least 20 minutes to swim after adding salt to your pool. If you're adding calcium chloride to your pool water, it's recommended to wait two to four hours before swimming again.
If using 6% liquid chlorine bleach, add 5 gallons per 10000 gallons. Add the Shock: With the filter system running, and the pH on the low side, 7.2-7.4, add the chlorine (granular or liquid) slowly to the pool, dispersing it around the pool edge, or broadcasting the pool shock over the surface.
To add salt, turn on your filter pump and add the salt directly to your pool water. Use a brush to help the salt dissolve and to prevent the salt from piling up on the bottom of your pool. Run your pump for 24 hours to help distribute the salt evenly throughout your pool.
Some Misconceptions About Salt Water Systems
You need a special pump and filter to run a salt water pool. There is no such thing as a “salt water pump” or “salt water filter”; any pool pump or filter will do just fine.
You can convert your chlorine pool into a saltwater swimming pool and enjoy the benefits of salt water chlorination right in your own backyard. If your pool has a traditional chlorine sanitization system, you can easily switch to Hayward's advanced salt chlorination system.