What's the difference between pool salt and water softener salt?

Author: Francisco Osinski  |  Last update: Monday, March 21, 2022

The water softener needs a coarser salt to function properly. The pool salt and water softener salt come from the same grade salt, but the difference is the additives added. Water softener salt includes additional components that are very corrosive. Know what can happen if you use water softener salt in your pool.

Can pool salt be used for a water softener?

Using pool salt for your water softener might cause the valves to clog. ... The salt that is meant to be used in any water softener is smaller in size and dissolves in the water. But when you use pool salt, the crystals will be bigger in size. This will cause them to dissolve slower than the ones meant for the softener.

Can I use water softener salt in a saltwater pool?

Water softener salt is just as pure as pool salt so it can be used in place of pool salt. ... The bag itself will confirm this by saying the salt is better than 99% pure sodium chloride. This salt can be used in your pool because it is the same salt that they sell as pool salt only a little bigger.

Is there a difference in pool salt?

What is Pool Salt? Pool salt is functionally the same as table salt, except with a coarser grind and larger crystals that work well with chlorine and bromine generators. Most pool supply places sell pool salt in bulk, rather than forcing you to get small canisters suitable for the kitchen.

What kind of salt do you use for a swimming pool?

What type of salt should I use for my salt water pool? You should use mined salt in a pool with a salt chlorine generator. Use salt that's 95% pure or more, as the higher purity makes it much less likely to stain the pool or damage the equipment. To extend your salt cell's lifespan, only clean the cell when necessary.

What is the BEST SALT to USE in My WATER SOFTENER?

How do you soften your pool water?

3 Steps To Soften Your Pool Water
  1. Determine The Hardness Of Your Pool Water. Before you can even begin treating your pool water for hardness, you need to find out just how much 'hardness' your swimming pool has. ...
  2. Add In Some Fresh Water. ...
  3. Use A Chemical Water Softener.

Can I put Epsom salt in my saltwater pool?

Epsom salt travels through saltwater pool filters and chlorine generator cells, softening buildup and making cleaning easier. When cleaning, add between 35 and 45 lbs. of Epsom salt to the pool. Allow the salted water to circulate for several hours before attempting to clean the filter or chlorine generator cell.

How do you Superchlorinate a saltwater pool?

How do I Super Chlorinate my Pool?
  1. Empty all baskets and leaf catchers.
  2. Adjust the pH of your pool with Acid or Sodium Bisulphate. ...
  3. Add a shock treatment of chlorine to your pool (best to use a pH neutral chlorine so that it does not affect the already altered pH of your pool water. ...
  4. Broom the entirety of the pool.

Can I add magnesium to my saltwater pool?

A Magnesium mineral system can be used with a standard salt chlorinator, as it still uses chlorine to sanitise the pool water, so there's no need to replace or upgrade a salt chlorinator to a specific magnesium system in order to use minerals in your pool.

How much does pool salt cost?

The overall cost of salt for a saltwater pool will vary by the type of salt that you use and the size of your pool, but you can expect to pay on average between $10 and $25 per every 40 pounds of salt (or 25¢ to 63¢ per pound of salt). Some brands may even sell a 40-pound bag of pool salt for as much as $40.

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.

How often does a saltwater pool need to be shocked?

Shock your pool once a week with Salinity Surge Shock or Salinity Oxidizing Shock. Pool shock works as an added defense against bacteria and contaminants. With Oxidizing shock, you can use your pool after just 15 minutes!

Do you 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.

Why is my pool water so hard?

Hard water occurs when there is too much calcium and magnesium present in the pool. According to San Francisco Gate, the top three things a pool owner has to worry about with regard to keeping the chemicals in the pool balanced are hardness, pH and chlorine.

How do I bring the hardness down in my pool?

Fill a portion of the pool water capacity with softened water or order water to be delivered by a truck. Softened water, such as tap water treated by a water softener, will lower the hardness. Too much, however, will decrease the hardness to detrimental levels and necessitate a hardness increaser.

What does pool softener do?

Water softeners are used in a variety of locations to improve the quality of water we are using. It works by removing calcium, magnesium, and other metal components in hard water. The process is completed by using ion-exchange resins. Water softeners are used in swimming pools and hot tubs to improve water quality.

Why is my salt water pool turning green?

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.

Why is my salt water pool cloudy?

Just like a chlorine-based pool, saltwater pools turn cloudy when chemicals are not balanced. You need to ensure that all chemicals are balanced all the time to avoid cloudy water and growth of algae. The major causes of cloudiness are chlorine, pH, Salinity, total alkalinity, cyanuric acid, and calcium hardness.

How many bags of salt do I need to start my pool?

To reach the initial salt level recommended by the salt system manufacturer (usually 2400-3200 ppm), you will need to add about 200 lbs of pure pool grade salt (NaCl), per 10,000 gallons of water.

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.

Which is better a salt or chlorine 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.

Which is better salt water or chlorinated pool?

Chlorine pools

Chlorine kills mould and bacteria faster than a salt pool will; this makes the pool water clear, clean and safe to swim in. Your swimming pool will have to be tested with a pH kit and chlorine tablets added as required to balance out the pH levels.

Which is more expensive saltwater or chlorine 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. Saltwater can damage.

Are saltwater pools worth it?

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. So saltwater offers better longevity for your accessories.

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