Salt Water Swimming Pools
Are They The Right Choice?

More and more people are considering salt water swimming pools.

Salt water pool systems offer far less side effects than chlorine pools. In addition, since you don't have to continuously buy chlorine there is a cost savings.

The basic process is that salt systems produce chlorine when salt is placed into the water. The chlorine disinfects the water, it then reverts into salt, and the process repeats.

Here is some general information regarding salt water swimming pools and answers to the following concerns:

1. What causes problems in salt water pools?
2. Which parts of the pool might deteriorate?
3. What can I do to reduce or minimize any issues?

Answers and Information on Salt Water Pools

Salt and other ingredients make up "total dissolved liquids", or TDS. There is no way to remove this from the water. The solution is to dispose of the water in your pool or spa. However, in residential pools, the TDS stays low due to lower usage and therefore the water does not have to be replaced as often as commercial pools. Spa water is at a higher temperature and have more TDS, so they are treated differently.

Metals such as zinc, aluminum and magnesium will corrode more easily than other metals on pool parts such as ladders, rails, and light fixtures in the water. These items can also become discolored and the pool surface can become stained. All of this is referred to as a galvanic reaction.

To help keep the TDS in your pool or spa low, the following is suggested.

1. Have your water tested for such things as pH, Calcium Hardness, Metals, Total Alkalinity and TDS. A local pool retailer can do this and let you know what the correct ranges should be and what you can do to get your water there.

2. Maintain all equipment wires, such as those as the pad, heater, pumps, etc.

3. Consider using sacrificial anodes, such as zinc, so that they can actually "corrode first" and protect metal fixtures and pool finishes.

4. For spas, empty and rinse thoroughly periodically and add new salt.

5. Empty your pool's water every other year or so.

As far as all of the differences of salt water swimming pools when compared chlorine or bromine pools, it would be better if you met with a reputable pool company to discuss the differences. I know that Chlorine pools have come a long way and there are lots of options for ease of maintenance.

Another thing you could do is meet with some pool companies and ask them for references from people who they have installed salt water pools for. Those customers who have had the pools for quite some time would be the ones to contact.

*Note: The following was received from a reputable pool contractor that I work with.

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