With the introduction of saltwater pools, many drawbacks of swimming in a traditionally chlorinated pool (such as red, burning eyes; itchy, dry sky; yellow-green hair; harsh chemical smells, and other irritating issues) have gone by the wayside. Saltwater pools have other benefits, too. Aquaman Pools LLC shares some “101” education about saltwater pools.
Saltwater pools use a salt chlorine generator to do exactly that — generate chlorine for the pool. This eliminates the need to purchase chlorine to add to the pool because the generator actually transforms the salt into chlorine by passing electricity through the pool water. Pool owners no longer need to purchase chlorine for their pool; however, salt does need to be added to the generator on occasion. The salt serves to clean and disinfect the pool water as well as stave off algae and other bacteria and organisms.
Saltwater pools tend to have, as expected a slightly salty taste, (but please, don’t test this by drinking the pool water!), and some users report saltwater chlorine systems gives the water a silky feel. But a saltwater pool isn’t the same as the saltwater of the ocean so very few people should be able to taste salt in the pool and there is no harsh chlorine odor at all.
While some may be concerned that saltwater pool systems are not as effective as traditional chlorine pools because they use less chlorine, there is no need to worry. Saltwater pools are just as effective, and truth be told, traditionally chlorinated pool is often overchlorinated, which is why swimmers end up with those aforementioned side effects like red burning eyes, dry skin and yellowy hair. The chlorine levels in a saltwater system are safe for families and also highly effective at keeping the pool water clean and sanitized despite requiring less chlorine. More good news — chlorinated pools can be switched to a saltwater pool with the installation of a salt chlorine generator between the filter and the pool.
Regular table salt can be added to the saltwater generator, however, purified pool salt is sold in the large quantities needed for the pool so more economical to purchase the salt that way. The advanced systems even self-clean after use to eliminate any corrosion or salt build-up. The systems also have sensors which gauge flow rate, and they are designed to automatically shut down if a problem is detected.
Ultimately there are many “pros” when it comes to saltwater pools versus traditional chlorine pools, making them “worth their salt.” For those considering making the switch from traditional chlorine to saltwater, the professional pool technicians can answer any questions or come out and look at the pool to discuss an estimate for the system. Meanwhile, happy swimming!
