Salt Water Pools: How Do They Work and Are They Worth It?

Salt water pools have become a popular choice for homeowners looking for a gentler swimming experience and a more low-maintenance alternative to traditional chlorine pools. If you're considering making the switch, it's important to understand how salt water pools work, their benefits, and any potential downsides. In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about salt water pools and whether they’re a worthwhile investment.

How Do Salt Water Pools Work?

A salt water pool doesn’t mean you're swimming in saltwater like the ocean. Instead, it uses a salt water generator (also known as a salt water chlorine generator) to produce chlorine. The process, known as electrolysis, involves adding pool-grade salt to your pool water, which is then converted into chlorine through the salt water generator.

Unlike traditional pools where you manually add chlorine tablets, a salt water pool generates its own chlorine from the salt that’s added to the water. The result? A consistently sanitized pool with fewer fluctuations in chlorine levels, which helps prevent issues like algae and bacteria buildup.

Benefits of Salt Water Pools

1. No More Handling Chlorine One of the biggest benefits of a salt water pool is that you no longer need to handle chlorine tablets or granules. Instead, you only need to add salt at the start of the pool season or if there's a heavy rainfall that dilutes your water. Pool-grade salt is much easier and safer to handle than traditional pool chemicals.

2. Stable Chlorine Levels Salt water generators regulate the release of chlorine, meaning that your pool’s chlorine levels stay steady. This helps maintain consistent water quality, reducing the risk of cloudy water or algae growth. Additionally, salt water pools have lower levels of chloramines (the chemicals responsible for the strong chlorine smell), making for a more pleasant swimming experience.

3. Gentler on Skin and Eyes If you or your family members have sensitive skin or eyes, a salt water pool is a great option. The water in salt water pools tends to feel softer and silkier, thanks to the more consistent chlorine levels. It’s also less likely to cause irritation compared to traditional chlorine pools, which can fluctuate in chlorine concentration.

Potential Downsides of Salt Water Pools

While salt water pools offer many advantages, they come with a few downsides that you should consider before making the switch.

1. High Initial Costs Converting your traditional chlorine pool to a salt water system can be a significant investment. The cost of the salt water generator, installation, and any necessary modifications to your pool can easily reach several thousand dollars. However, you may recoup some of this cost over time, as you won’t need to constantly buy chlorine chemicals.

2. Ongoing Maintenance and Costs Salt water generators do require regular maintenance, including cleaning the salt cell every few months and replacing it every 3-7 years. Additionally, the system will consume more electricity, adding to your ongoing costs. While you’ll save money on chlorine, you’ll still need to budget for electricity and occasional repairs.

3. Water Chemistry Can Fluctuate Even though salt water systems help stabilize chlorine levels, it’s still essential to monitor and balance other aspects of your pool chemistry, such as pH and calcium hardness. For example, the pH in salt water pools tends to rise over time, which can cause skin irritation and scaling on pool equipment if not managed properly.

4. Cold Water Issues If you live in a cooler climate, it’s important to know that salt water systems will not produce chlorine when the water temperature drops below 60°F (15.5°C). In these conditions, a pool heater might be required to maintain chlorine production, adding to the overall cost of maintaining your pool.

5. Potential Corrosion While salt water pools are generally safe for most pool materials, the salt can gradually corrode certain types of metal equipment (such as ladders and railings) and soft stonework if exposed for long periods. If you have a pool made of vinyl or fiberglass, these materials are less prone to damage from saltwater, but it's still important to keep an eye on metal components.

Is a Salt Water Pool Worth It?

If you're looking for a gentler, low-maintenance alternative to a traditional chlorine pool, a salt water system is definitely worth considering. The upfront costs of converting to a salt water pool can be high, but the long-term savings on chemicals, along with the smoother, softer swimming experience, can make it a wise investment. Additionally, salt water pools are a great choice for anyone who values having stable chlorine levels and a more enjoyable, irritation-free swim.

AQUASTRONG Salt Water Pool Solutions

At AQUASTRONG, we offer high-quality salt water systems and pool equipment to ensure your salt water pool operates smoothly and efficiently. Our salt water generators are built to provide reliable chlorine production with minimal maintenance, so you can focus on enjoying your pool instead of managing its upkeep.

Whether you're building a new pool or converting an existing one, AQUASTRONG has the tools and expertise to make the process seamless. Contact us today for more information about our salt water pool systems and other pool care solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Salt Water Pools

1. Do salt water pools taste salty? No, salt water pools are not as salty as ocean water. The salt levels in a salt water pool are about 1/10th the salt concentration of ocean water, which is too low to notice. It’s also much less salty than human tears.

2. How much salt do I need to add to a salt water pool? Your pool’s salt level should be between 2,700 and 3,400 PPM (parts per million), with 3,200 PPM being ideal. You’ll typically need to add enough pool-grade salt to bring the salt level up to this range. For example, a 20,000-gallon pool may need about 14 bags (or 568 pounds) of salt.

3. Can salt water pools be heated? Yes, you can heat a salt water pool. Just ensure that your pool's pH and calcium hardness levels are properly balanced, as poor chemistry can damage pool heaters.

4. Will a salt water pool turn my hair green? Unbalanced water chemistry, not the salt itself, is what causes hair discoloration. Be sure to regularly test and balance your pool's water chemistry, particularly the pH, to avoid this issue.

Is a salt water pool right for you? Contact AQUASTRONG today to learn more about how our high-quality pool products can enhance your pool experience.