Does salt water damage pool plaster?

Author: Prof. Lambert Moen  |  Last update: Thursday, June 30, 2022

Salt water can be up to 5 times more abrasive on plaster than traditional chlorine water. Translation: you'll need to resurface the pool that much faster, which costs a pretty penny. Salt gradually wears away at the cementitious finish.

Does salt water damage pool?

Corrosion is a common problem with saltwater pools. Saltwater systems pass salt through an electrolytic cell to produce chlorine. Pool water can become extremely over-chlorinated and corrosive if the sodium hypochlorite levels get too high.

Does salt water damage gunite pool?

As far as concerns about the gunite surfacing experiencing corrosion or pitting because of the salt in the water, rest assured salt is no more damaging to the structure of concrete than chlorine.

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.

What damages plaster in pool?

Magnesium, Calcium, and Salts within the water can come from either the sanitizers you use or the water you use to fill your pool. Thus, you should use a product such as Metal Out to remove these minerals before they cause damage. Improper pH levels. Low pH levels can etch pool plaster.

Is Salt Water Damaging To Pools?

What is the life expectancy of pool plaster?

PLASTER IS LONG LASTING: The secret to long life of any pool surface is properly maintained water balance. Improper water balance will destroy any pool surface and in many cases, void the warranty of that surface. A plaster surface, in a properly maintained pool, can last 15 to 25 years.

What causes pool plaster mottling?

Mottling is a natural phenomenon that occurs in all pool plaster to some extent. It is affected by environmental factors such as sunlight, heat, wind, water content, water temperature and humidity which are not within the plasterer's control.

Are saltwater pools easier to maintain?

Is a salt water pool easier to maintain? Yes, a salt water pool is easier to maintain! There's no need to purchase, store and add chlorine to your pool. Simply add salt and your pool's salt chlorinator will do all the work of making chlorine.

Is it worth getting a salt water pool?

You can spend less time checking levels and more time splashing around. For most people, the big selling point for saltwater pools is, well, the salt! The lower-chlorine saltwater is better for swimmers' hair, skin and eyes. Additionally, it also tends to be less harsh on pool toys and swimsuits.

Which is better salt water or chlorinated pool?

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.

Can you have too much salt in a salt water pool?

Bottom Line. A little bit of extra salt in your pool doesn't generally result in any concerning issues. However, putting in excessive amounts of salt, resulting in salt levels 5000 ppm or more, can lead to corrosion of your metal pool equipment. Not to mention, having too much salt will also make the pool saltier.

Does salt water pool ruin concrete?

It's been found that salt can be five times more abrasive to a concrete pool than regular chlorine. That doesn't mean you can't add salt to your concrete pool, it just means that it will start to break down your concrete a bit faster than chlorine would.

Will salt water pool ruin my deck?

It can damage soft travertine stone or the stainless steel surfaces used on pool ladders, pool lights, etc. Over time, constant saltwater contact can pit or erode soft stone surfaces. Sealing surfaces around the pool, with regular cleaning for areas with low rainfall, can help protect soft surfaces from salt deposits.

What are the pros and cons of a salt water 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.

Do salt water pools get algae?

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.

Do salt water pools need chlorine?

A saltwater pool is an alternative to a traditional chlorine pool. Although you don't add chlorine tablets to a saltwater pool, it does still contain chlorine. It just has a smaller amount that's generated through the filter system. A saltwater pool contains 10 times less salt than the ocean.

Can salt water pools be heated?

Saltwater pools can definitely be heated just like freshwater pools. The saltwater chlorinator does not affect heating units, so you will not have to worry about this when installing a heater in your swimming pool. The heating units will also be set up and installed in the same way as in chlorine pools.

Do I need to shock a saltwater pool?

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.

How often do you have to treat a saltwater pool?

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.

Can salt water pools raise your blood pressure?

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.

How do you brighten pool plaster?

For extreme staining or serious algae blooms, plaster pools can be cleaned with an acid wash with muriatic acid, or the safer to use Acid Magic. Acid washing removes a thin layer of plaster, exposing bright white and unstained plaster underneath.

How do you fix plaster pool mottling?

Sometimes, depending on severity, the appearance can be improved by an in-pool acid wash. Extreme cases may require the pool to be drained and acid applied directly on the finish. For quartz pool finishes, an acid wash might be able to reduce the appearance of mottling.

Does pool plaster darken as cure?

Why is curing your new plaster important? The installation of a new plaster surface causes fluctuations in the water chemistry. The alkalinity, pH and calcium levels will rise while the surface is curing. The new plaster is susceptible to staining and discoloration during the first four weeks.

Is it OK to leave a plaster pool empty?

If the pool ever needs to be drained to replace the water or to maintain the plaster, it should never be left empty for more than eight to ten days at the most. More than this may cause the plaster to dry out and crack. Keep your pool full for best results.

What happens if you don't Replaster a pool?

When you are swimming, you would get scratched or roughened when you step out of the pool. Also, you could get scratched or your swimsuit could get torn with the jagged plaster. If it's unpleasant to run your hand along the side of the pool or climb up the stairs then its because your plaster is wearing thin.

Previous article
What cabinet colors are trending?
Next article
Can liquid chlorine be stored outside in winter?