When people hear the phrase “salt water pool”, many of them picture a pool filled with ocean water. But in reality, the salt in salt water pools is hardly detectable to humans — smell or taste. This is due to the fact that salt water pools, or rather salt water generators, use a small amount of salt to produce chlorine.
And if you’re reading this post, then you’re probably thinking about building a salt water pool or installing a salt water generator into your current setup. If so, you came to the right place.
In this post, we go over a few salt water pool benefits and answer the most common questions pool owners ask on the subject. So if you’re looking to make a purchase decision, or just want to educate yourself on salt water pools, keep reading.
9 Salt Water Pool Benefits You Should Know About
1.) Higher quality chlorine
Unlike traditional pools, salt water pools use a natural, salt-based form of chlorine. Instead of adding chemical chlorine to your pool, a salt water generator sanitizes your pool through a process known as electrolysis. This process relies on the salt cell, the salt supply for the generator, and produces a gentler and more effective form of chlorine.
[Learn how salt water generators make chlorine]
2.) Uses a small amount of salt
Despite having the word “salt” right in their name, salt water pools don’t actually use all that much salt. As mentioned earlier, the salt water generator, which produces the chlorine, uses a salt cell. The cell acts as the “chemical” supply.
But the amount of salt needed to produce chlorine is quite low.
How low?
3,000 ppm low. Compare that to the ocean’s salt content at over 30,000 ppm, and it’s to see why the actual taste of salt can’t be detected in a salt water pool.
3.) Softer water
Since the chlorine in a salt water pool doesn’t include harsh chemicals, it produces water that is softer and silkier to the touch. In the same light, the water is much gentler on the skin and eyes, and far less likely to cause irritation, unlike traditional chlorine.
It’s also said that a salt water pool benefits swimmers on a physical level by smoothing and gently exfoliating skin. Nowhere near the level of ocean water, but you’ll still notice a difference.
4.) Hypoallergenic
For swimmers affected by chlorine allergies, a salt water pool is a perfect solution. While traditional chlorine can cause itchy throats, irritated eyes, and some of the worse sniffles imaginable, salt water pools can help deter most allergens.
Usually, it’s the presence of harsh chemicals in regular chlorine that triggers allergic reactions for swimmers. But since salt water pools don’t use chemical based chlorine, they’re far more hypoallergenic.
5.) Easy to maintain
Normally, you test and balance your water, sprinkle in some shock, and repeat the process every few days.
With salt water pools, pool owners can set it and forget it. Really.
Since a salt water generator has its “chlorine supply” (salt cell) built in, there’s no need to add chlorine to the pool. The generator does that for you.
And this means that if you miss a week or two of pool maintenance, you won’t come home to a war zone of murky imbalanced water.
[Learn 11 pool maintenance hacks that save you time and money]
6.) Prevents surprise algae growth
In the summertime, when it’s sunny and humid from dawn till dusk, missing a few days of pool maintenance can mean the difference between crystal clear water, and a cloudy green swamp of a pool.
That is, unless, you’re talking about a salt water pool.
Since salt water pools handle chlorine distribution automatically, your water stays balanced much longer. Now that doesn’t mean that you no longer have to balance all the other chemicals. A generator only manages chlorine levels.
But as long as your generator is running on a schedule, you don’t have to worry about removing pool algae.
7.) More cost effective
Chlorine and shock need to be restocked and added to your pool constantly.
A salt cell only needs replacement every 3 – 5 years. Need we say more?
8.) Safer than chlorine
If you’ve ever tried storing chlorine in a poorly ventilated area, then you likely noticed that distinct, chemical smell every time you got near.
Not only are those odors a complete turn off to the senses, they’re also harmful to inhale. And if pure liquid chlorine touches your skin, it can sometimes cause instant irritation.
Which is why almost all chemical-based chlorine products have long warning labels regarding proper storage and handling
On the other hand, a salt water pool benefits you by keeping its chemical supply tucked away and hidden within the generator. Far away from human contact. Also, salt cells don’t have a smell, nor are they toxic to humans.
9.) Pool automation compatible
Have a pool automation system?
Your salt water generator can be integrated into it. Which means that with certain pool automation systems, you can monitor and control everything from chlorine levels and temperature to the brightness of your underwater lights. All while being miles away.
Now that’s the future.
[Learn more about swimming pool automation]
A few disadvantages to consider
Although most salt water pool benefits outweigh the few disadvantages, they’re still important to be aware of..
Can be corrosive to pool equipment/fixtures
The salt in a salt water pool, although gentle on the skin, can cause corrosion damage to pool fixtures over time.
Of course, as long as you keep your salt levels balanced, the likelihood of corrosion damage is slim.
That said, over time, natural wear and tear will occur to some extent. This is why most salt water pools are built with “corrosion proof” equipment and fixtures. If you’re building your pool, be sure to research materials and fixtures designed for use with salt water.
Salt cells need replacement
Although you don’t need to add chlorine every few days, you do eventually have to replace the salt cell.
The cost of most salt cells falls within the $300-$600 range. And since they only need replacement every few years, they still end up being cheaper than buying chlorine.
Harmful to plants
The runoff/waste water from a salt water pool can harm and sometimes kill plants due to its salt content.
The salt in the water disrupts the natural balance of minerals in the soil, which causes the plant to starve and sometimes die out completely. So on that note, be sure to keep your salt levels balanced and your plants in a splash free zone.
Uses electricity
Even though it’s a relatively small amount, salt water pools still use electricity to power the generator. That said, the cost of electricity needed to run a salt water generator is always less than constantly restocking on chlorine.
High initial cost
A salt water pool does cost more to install, initially. But, the savings in chemical costs easily offset the price tag in the long run.
Closing thoughts
After reading this post, you should have much better idea of how a salt water pool benefits you. From saving you loads on chemical costs, to making your swimming pool a healthier, and more comfortable environment.
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