Does salt water pool damage concrete?

Author: Dorothea Gusikowski  |  Last update: Friday, July 1, 2022

Yes, it is safe to put salt in a concrete pool, there is just more to watch with concrete pools than with other pool types. If you don't have anything in between your water and your concrete, your concrete can erode faster, but it does not affect the quality of the water or your health.

How do I protect my concrete pool from salt water?

The two main types of concrete sealers that are used to seal salt water pool decks are Silane-Silloxane water repellent sealers and acrylic sealers. Silane-Siloxane concrete sealers: Silane-Siloxane water repellents will seal the pool deck without changing the look or color of the concrete.

Will pool salt hurt concrete?

The answer is yes, salt does indirectly damage your concrete driveways, patios and sidewalks. Bumps and potholes don't just appear due to regular wear and tear – salt damages concrete over time by causing corrosion to occur under the surface, leading to discolored, cracked and crumbling concrete.

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 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.

Does salt water pool damage concrete?

How long do saltwater pools last?

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.

Are salt water 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.

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.

Are saltwater pools healthier?

People who use saltwater pools are still producing chlorine through saltwater generators. Saltwater will sanitize your pool, but it does so through electrolysis, which produces bacteria-killing chlorine. In other words, saltwater pools are no healthier or safer than chlorinated ones.

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.

Can salt damage concrete be repaired?

However, concrete can deteriorate if the salt is left in place for a long time. If you have exterior areas of concrete that have dimples or shallow cracks in them, the best solution is to apply concrete patch. The concrete repair will be structurally sound but may show a slight color difference.

Why is salt bad for concrete?

Its harmful chlorides cause health risks to children and pets—salt damages concrete driveways, patios, and sidewalks indirectly. Salt corrodes concrete beneath the surface, resulting in discolored, cracked, and crumbling concrete. It is caused mainly by chemicals reacting with the pavement surface.

What salt does not damage concrete?

Magnesium chloride is a great choice! While magnesium chloride is more expensive than sodium chloride and calcium chloride, it is less likely to damage your concrete or your lawn. This type of salt only works in temperatures down to 0° F, which is better than sodium chloride but not quite as good as calcium chloride.

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.

How does chlorine affect concrete?

However, when chlorine is present in a water-based solution, it can permeate through concrete and reach the steel bars giving the concrete structural support. The chlorides corrode the metal framework, endangering the skeleton of your concrete floor.

Does salt water pool raise 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.

What is the advantage to a salt water pool?

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.

Which is cheaper to maintain saltwater or chlorine pool?

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.

Are saltwater pools expensive to maintain?

Low-Cost Annual Maintenance

The average annual cost to maintain a swimming pool is anywhere from $100 to $400. Saltwater pools will fall anywhere from $70 to $100 annually, as you don't need to balance the chemicals nearly as often.

Is it worth converting to saltwater pool?

(Just make sure to monitor your chlorine levels to keep them from getting too high.) Saltwater pools are cheaper to maintain in the short term: Annual costs to maintain a saltwater pool tend to be lower than annual costs to maintain a traditional chlorine pool.

How much does it cost to convert pool to salt water?

Expect to pay between $500 and $2,500 to convert a traditional chlorinated pool to a salt water system, depending on the size and type of pool you have. Salt systems can feature self-cleaning and diagnostics, digital salt readouts, and the ability to control pool equipment.

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.

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.

Are saltwater pools better for your hair?

Salt water isn't much better: "Like chlorine, the salts in ocean water dry out your hair and damage the cuticle." Ultimately, too many summer swims (you know, if there were such a thing) can weaken strands and cause breakage.

How often do you have to add salt to a saltwater pool?

Because salt does not dissipate from your water, the only time you would add salt to your pool is when you add fresh water or after heavy rain that dilutes salinity levels. An example of when you would add fresh water is after a heavy backwashing cycle. pool, or use a home saltwater test kit.

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