You add a dash of salt to your dinner every night, but you might be wary of throwing it into your pool. Although it may seem strange, in fact, over 50% of new in-ground pools are now equipped with a salt chlorine generator system (or an automatic sanitizer system) and that number is growing every year. So, you might wonder: why is salt used in pools? Does it affect the water’s chemistry or will it simply add a bit of flavor? Scroll down to find out . . .
Why Is Salt Used in Pools?
You probably already know that chlorine is used to keep pools safe by disinfecting the water and killing disease-causing bacteria, algae, and other organic matter. Chlorine is necessary for a safe swimming environment, but in its liquid form, it can sometimes cause damaging side effects like skin irritation, stinging eyes, and brittle hair.
These days, many pools are equipped with a salt chlorine generator system (also known as a salt water chlorinator) instead. With this system, pool salt (NaCl, or sodium chloride) is dissolved into the water, and the mechanical system electrolyzes the salt and transforms the chloride portion of the salt into chlorine. This chlorine functions in the same way as traditional liquid chlorine, making it a great replacement for a vital piece of pool maintenance and sanitation. However, unlike liquid chlorine, chlorine electrolyzed from salt lacks a strong odor and it won’t lead to irritated eyes, dry skin, or green hair. Plus, it can decrease pool maintenance costs by as much as 80%! (source)
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SALT CHLORINE SYSTEMS
The salt that you add to your pool should be as pure as possible—you can purchase pool-grade sodium chloride specifically for this purpose. Also, you’ll be glad to know that the amount of salt added to a pool produces a concentration far less than the salt concentration of seawater (so when you exit the pool, your skin won’t have a salty residue). It is important, however, that you maintain the appropriate salt concentration to decrease the possibility of corrosion while still maintaining the pool’s cleanliness and sanitization.
As we mentioned above, over half of new in-ground pools are installed with a salt chlorine generator system or automatic sanitizer system. If you have an older pool, you can purchase this technology and have it installed. If you’re buying a new pool, be sure to discuss the option of a salt water chlorine system with your pool builder.
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Not only do salt chlorine generators lessen the sometimes unpleasant effects of liquid chlorine, but they’re also low-maintenance, easy to use, and affordable.
Interested? If you would like to buy pool chemicals, learn about pool maintenance (including salt chlorine generators), or purchase a new pool and you live in or near Springfield, Missouri, contact the top pool builder in the area: Fishel Pools. With nearly forty years of experience, you can feel confident trusting us with the design, installation, and upkeep of your residential or commercial pool. For more information, please give us a call at 417-886-6699 or email us at fishelpools@fishelpools.com. We look forward to hearing from you!