Additional Features For Ease Of Use
Some salt chlorine generators come with additional benefits. The Solaxx Saltron Retro Jet RJ, for example, found at www.ThePoolFactory.com has LED indicator lights with simple user interface push buttons. This Saltwater System by Solaxx is the perfect choice for above ground pool owners.
Specifically made for Above Ground Swimming Pools, The Solaxx Retro Jet system produces a pure, elemental form of chlorine by electrolysis of salt added to the pool water. After the salt is converted to chlorine and bacteria has been killed, the chlorine reverts back to salt and this process is ongoing.
What Should I Know About Salt Water Pools
You add salt to your pool water, and the salt chlorine generator converts it to chlorine . You should use salt that’s 99% pure or higher. Salt chlorine generators typically cost $1,700$2,500 upfront and last about 37 years. They’re easy to maintain, keep the water clear, and annually cost less than traditional chlorine.
How Much Does It Cost For A Magnesium System
Magnesium minerals are generally more expensive than traditional pool salt, and retail at around $35 for a 10kg bag. On average, you would need to purchase 2-4 bags a month to maintain your pool.
Whichever option you choose, both Saltwater and Magnesium Minerals will ensure a healthy swimming pool experience for you and your family.
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What Are The Benefits Of A Salt System
One benefit of a salt system is that the pool owners do not have to handle the chlorine in its physical form. There is no storage of chlorine on the premises and no buying of chlorine tablets or shock on an ongoing basis. In fact once the salt system is up and running and reaches normal balance levels within the water, there is generally less interaction with the chlorine. Although this is still a chlorine pool, the water does feel softer than pools with a traditional chlorine system. Another benefit is that when the salt is added to the water and salinity is at the optimal level there will not be as many continual trips to a pool store to get chlorine or shock which is used with traditional types of chlorinators.
How To Convert Your Pool
Unfortunately, it can be a little too common for people hear from their pool guy or pool store that it mightcost thousands for the equipment to convert the pool to saltwater, plus a few hundred more for installation.Don’t believe it for a second! We love that moment when you learn how quickly and cheaply you can convertyour pool on your own. Our mission is to help you enjoy your pool for once, and save some big bucks at thesame time! If you have some basic tools and knowledge, then you can change your backyard lifein about an hour! Use our expert knowledge and DIY resources to make it even easier!
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Everything You Should Know About Saltwater Pools
Saltwater pools have been available since at least the early 90s and have become quite popular quite fast. Youve probably heard about them or even used one at a hotel or resort. And youll be happy to know you can have one in your backyard without much fuss.
In this article, weve put together all the basic things you need to know about pools and some of the more in-depth details as well. By the end, youll have a complete understanding of saltwater pools and whether its the right choice for your home.
Lets dive right into the deep end.
How Do Salt Swimming Pools Work
On-site chlorine generation in swimming pools has gained tremendous popularity over the years. Reports suggest saltwater chlorine generators account for over 35% of all residential pool automated sanitation systems. Swimmers and homeowners love their salt pools. They practically sell themselves through word of mouth. Smart pool pros should love them too salt systems and the consumables associated with them do wonders for business bottom lines.
This article breaks down how salt chlorine generators work in swimming pools. These popular backyard pool chlorine generator systems are commonly called salt systems, saltwater chlorinators, salt chlorinators, salt generators and more. Whether building new pools or retrofitting existing pools, consider some important factors involved with saltwater pool chlorine generating systems.
What Is A Chlorine Generator?
In short, chlorine generators create free chlorine in swimming pool water. By doing so, chemical storage, transportation, installation of chemical feeders, and handling chemical are reduced. A qualified pool professional should install chlorine generators.
Electrolysis is a method by which chemical reactions are carried out by passing an electrical current through a substance. In salt chlorine generation, electricity is passed through the salt solution mentioned above, breaking apart the salt molecules and ultimately producing free chlorine.
Is Salt Chlorine-Free? Is Salt Better Than Chlorine?
Powerclean Salt®
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How Salty Are Saltwater Pools
Saltwater pools aren’t salty like the ocean, says Ray Denkewicz of Hayward Pool Products, a manufacturer of salt chlorination machines. Seawater has concentrations of salt of about 35,000 parts per million .
Saltwater pools have much lower salt concentrations of 3,000 to 5,000 ppm — about the saltiness of a teardrop. Pool saltwater closely resembles the water that naturally bathes eyes and therefore, doesn’t irritate them.
Types Of Salt Water Pool Filters
The 3 main types of filters that can be used with your salt system are sand, cartridge and diatomaceous earth or D.E. When considering each type of filter for your salt water pool they each have their distinct advantages, ideal application and disadvantages. There are several things that should be considered including pool size, bather load or usage, filter quality, and maintenance.
If you would like to learn more about the specific types of salt water pool filters be sure to follow the links provided. Information about each type of filter is available including proper maintenance, cleaning and product recommendations.
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Can You Heat A Salt Water Pool
Depending on where you live, your pool season may last as little as 3-4 months. For many people in a northern climate, June August are prime swimming months but by the time September rolls around and kids are back in school, the weather starts to turn, leaves begin to fall and thoughts of closing your pool for the winter abound. A pool heater cant change the weather but may extend the pool season slightly and help you get better use of it while you can.
Salt water pools are just like chlorinated pools and can be heated with the exact same methods. The same gas, propane, solar and heat pump heaters that work for a chlorine or bromine pool will also work for your salt water pool. They are attached to the pool system in the exact same way and there is no difference at all.
One of the biggest myths about salt water pools is that they dont contain or use chlorine, but they do. A salt water pool creates its own chlorine from salt. So salt water pools are also chlorine pools because thats what a saltchlorination system does: It electrically converts salt to chlorine to sanitize the pool and keep it clean for swimming. From a heating perspective, salt water pools are exactly the same as other chlorinated pools.
Saltwater Pools Are Gentler On Your Body And Clothing
Saltwater pools are gentler than traditional chlorine pools. If youve ever spent time in a traditionally chlorinated pool, youve probably experienced the red and irritated eyes that often come along with the fun. Traditional chlorine pools also add some major wear and tear on your swimsuits. In contrast, saltwater pools are gentler on the eyes, hair, and clothing.
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What Are The Benefits Of A Salt Cell
- Stop buying and storing bulky jugs of chlorine
- It is easier to alter chlorine levelsits as simple as pressing a button
- Water has a softer feel and is easier on skin, swimsuits, hair, and other materials
- Reduced chlorine smell
- A salt cell offers even distribution of chlorine whenever the pump is turned on. As a result, chemical levels show reduced fluctuation and you can maintain healthier pool chemistry without as much work.
Can You Convert an Existing Pool to a Salt Water System?
- Yes! You can add a salt generator to a new pool or an existing pool.
They Cost Less To Maintain
Lower chemical maintenance cost. Salt is much cheaper to purchase than chlorine. Depending on the size of your pool, you could save hundreds of dollars a year in chemical costs with a salt system.
Interested in learning more about salt chlorinated pools? Contact Aqua Blue Pools for more information on making your dream pool a reality!
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What Is A Salt Water Pool
Most people think of the ocean when they think of salt water, but a salt water swimming pool is not the same thing.
In other words, when you get a mouth full of ocean water, you can taste the salt.
But in the world of swimming pools, a salt water pool is one that uses a salt chlorine generator instead of traditional chlorine for sanitizing. This means that the pool is still chlorinated, just with a different type of chlorine.
The way the salt generator works is by creating its own chlorine with an electrical reaction between the salt in the salt cell and the electrode in the generator.
So, instead of pouring chlorine into your pool or adding tablets, the generator is constantly creating it.
And if it’s working right, it will also monitor the levels you set it to in order to keep your sanitizer levels balanced.
Check The Salt Cell Every Three Months
Most salt generators have automatic alerts that flash when the cells need to be changed, but even if they dont, you need to inspect them consistently.
You’ll be looking for buildup or debris that might have gotten past your filter.
If there’s anything in it, flush it thoroughly with a high-pressure hose.
You may even need to chip calcium buildup away with a plastic tool.
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Can I Use Any Kind Of Salt In A Saltwater Pool
Not really, but you have several options. As a general rule, you want to use a high-purity salt. The more impurities it has, the less efficient it will be for pool use.
The good news is that pool salt is readily available and inexpensive. After initial salination, you wont need to re-salt the pool all that often.
Some types of salt you should avoid include:
- Iodized salt
Does A Salt Water System Work With All Pool Types
A salt chlorine generator works best with fiberglass pools. It also works fine with vinyl liner pools with polymer wall panels and concrete pools with a tiled interior surface.
Dont use salt water systems in vinyl liner pools with metal wall panels. The salt will corrode the panels as well as any handrail and ladder anchors made with galvanized steel.
Salt water is abrasive on the interior surface of a concrete/gunite pool, especially plaster.
Not sure if you’re set on salt or might prefer a chlorine-based pool for other reasons? Take our quick Pool Type Quiz and find out what you really want for your backyard:
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Why Buy A Salt Chlorine Generator From Us
- We have been involved with Salt Chlorine Generators for many years and have worked with this technology both in Canada and abroad. We know how to set up pools properly with these systems and are skilled in the water chemistry specific to these systems. Total Tech Pool & Spa carries the Pentair Intellichlor systems. Our in-house service technicians will install it for you.
So What Are We Talking About
Salt water pools are not filters, not pumps, or even chemicals that are added to a pool. What makes them salt water is the salt system which consists of the salt cell, the control box, and the salt that is added into the pool in a granular form. This is done in an initial application and then in an ongoing basis as needed. The control box has up and down arrow buttons that are easily accessed. Depending on preference, you can increase or decrease the salt production. Most of these boxes also have a boost mode that allows you to run the system at 100% production, which is the equivalent of manually shocking a pool.
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Choosing A Good Pool Shock
- Fast-Acting Quick-Dissolving Swimming Pool Sanitizer
There are a lot of good pool shock products out there , but here’s one we really recommend:
Calcium hypochlorite, or cal-hypo as it is often called in the pool industry, is the leader is shock products because is the most powerful and fastest working shock available.
This is a granular pool shock, which tends to work best with saltwater pools and its easy to use.
Its also made with pure calcium hypochlorite, which means it doesnt contain the chemicals that would normally raise the cyanuric acid levels in the pool.
Use Of Water Softener Salt In Pools
Other for water softening purposes, water softening salts can also be used in place of disinfecting pool salts, which are a natural hygiene solution for swimming pools. Pool salt needs to be in high purity and safe for swimming pools. In that respect, water softening salts are just as pure as pool salts.
The most significant thing to remember when using water softener salts in swimming pools is that these salts have grades. So, next time when buying water softener salt, take a look at the bag to tell the difference.
If the salt seems like road salt with impurities such as brown, pink, or grey lumps in it, do not use it in your pool. These impurities might be minerals like iron and manganese, which may cause unwanted results such as discoloring the water and staining the pool.
On the other hand, if the salt looks pure with its clean white pellets or chips, you can use it in pools. You may find the analysis of salts chemical properties on its bag as well. If it is pure sodium and chloride, it can be used in place of pool salt.
The difference to bear in mind is that water softener salt takes longer to dissolve in water. It is nothing to worry about. If you dump the salt in the shallow end of a pool and brush it, it dissolves relatively more quickly. Lastly, if you ask, why should I use water softener salt in my pool, we can say that it is cheaper and natural. Yet, if you intend only to disinfect your pool then, you can consider pool salt as well.
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Q: How Much Salt Do I Need For A Salt Water Pool
The amount of salt you need will vary for each salt generator and will also be dependent on your pool size in gallons.
But in general, adding 8 lbs of pool salt raises the level by 1,000 ppm per 10,000 gallons of water.
So, if you have a 20,000 gallon pool, you would probably need about 12 40 lb bags of salt to get it to the recommended 3,000 ppm level.
Of course, that assumes you are starting from zero, which most new pools will be at.
Salt Water Pools Salt Cell Tips
If you were told a salt chlorinator needs NO maintenance, sorry, but its not true. What is accurate, however, is that the general maintenance required for salt water pools is minimal.
Its imperative to inspect your salt cell regularly and keep it free of scale. Scale is one of the most common challenges in saltwater chlorinator maintenance. It typically forms first on the salt cell plates, where it can remain undetected. Once scale forms, it lessens the salt cells effectiveness and life span, leading to premature cell replacement.
How much salt to add to your pool
The number of bags of salt is dependent upon how many gallons you have in your pool. Please talk to your dealer/installer and get the specific information available for your pool. Most salt bags come in 40 lb. sizes, but the number of bags you use will vary depending on the number of gallons you have.
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Cleaning Your Pool Regularly
The next part of maintaining a saltwater pool is cleaning the pool regularly. This is where things start to differ from cleaning a regular chlorine pool. Many popular tools and cleaning devices arent as durable in saltwater pools, so you need to make sure you get one designed for the environment youll be using it in.
You also need to pay attention to how the cleaning functions. Constant splashing from pool water could lead to high concentrations of salt on the outside of your pool liner, ultimately leading to significant damage over time.
Ideally, you wont have any water splashing outside of the pool during your cleaning, but this is probably inevitable, so consider using a hose and regularly spraying down the area to push salt back into the pool. This step should minimize the risk of buildups while ensuring adequate cleanliness in your pool.
You should not see salt crystals anywhere in your pool. If you see them starting to grow on anything, theres something wrong with your pool, so refer to the manufacturers instructions and address the problem as soon as possible.
Same as a traditional chlorine pool, make sure you keep your filter, pool pump, and skimmer clean.
Do Salt Water Pools Really Require Zero Maintenance
A common misconception about salt water pools is that they never require any maintenance. It is true that they require less maintenance, but chemicals still must be regularly checked and followed up with. In addition, youll need to add salt to your pool based on usage and time of year.
Salt cells should be looked over at least once every three months, looking for things like excess buildup of calcium on blades .
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