You Dont Need To Store Chlorine
No more storing chlorine. Lets face it, storing and handling chemicals is a nuisance. Especially if you have young children or pets in the home, it can be dangerous to store chlorine. In general, saltwater pools do not use chlorine in its man-made form, as the generator will convert salt into chlorine. The exception to this is if your pools balance gets substantially off track. Most of the time though, storing and handling chlorine are not things you will need to worry about.
Generator Cell And Sensor Maintenance Is An Investment Of Time And Money
Saltwater generator cells require a cleaning every 90 days, or you will end up with calcium buildup. Skipping regular cleanings for six months or more shortens cell life, increases the likelihood that the cell will break, and the pool will eventually become swampy.
The cell in a saltwater generator cell must be replaced every two to three years. The replacements are an investment of about $500 to $800 .;
You will also need to have a professional closely monitor and clean the sensor that determines how much salt needs to be added to the water, or you can end up with a serious chemistry imbalance.
Inground Pool Salt System
Total: $1910 for ten years of salt chlorination. This assumes using granular pool shock twice per year, at opening and closing times, although you may need more. It also assumes replacing the salt cell once, at 5 years, although its possible it wont last that long. Most properly maintained T-Cell salt cells will last 3-5 years. It also assumes no control board problems, and no draining of the pool, which requires a new salt treatment.
NOTE: a salt system only makes chlorine if the pump is operational, and there are no issues in the controller, sensors or salt cell. Any technical difficulties in these areas will require supplemental tablets/shock to maintain the water clarity and prevent algae.
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Saltwater Pool Vs Chlorinated Pool
A saltwater pool gets cleaned using a filtering system called a salt chlorine generator. The system uses electricity to turn salt into chlorine, which cleans the pool.
In a chlorinated pool, chlorine tablets or granules are physically added on a regular basis for the same purpose.
In both pool types, its important to still check the pH levels and alkalinity of the pool so it stays sanitized and the chemicals stay balanced.
Myth : With A Saltwater Pool I Wont Need A Pool Filter
If only! As with any other type of pool, youll still need to have the right pool filter for you. This is because while a saltwater pool keeps chlorine super stable, it doesnt magically vanish contaminants. Once bacteria is neutralized , it still has to exit your pool somehow. Plus, theres also microscopic bits of contaminants and debris throughout your water that your pool vacuum will missespecially if they float up from the pool floor. Its just better to keep them far, far away from you and your fellow swimmers.
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More Natural And Cost
The initial cost of putting salt water in is not very high. Although the saltwater chlorine generator system isn’t cheap, the cost will definitely be offset by the time you save maintaining your pool.
Moreover, the sodium chloride is applied only once, and it recycles and lasts for a long time before adding more salt.
Sodium chloride, the same stuff you use on the table, is cheaper and locally available than all that chlorine bleach you use in the traditional pool.
How To Buy Pool Chlorine
Pool Chlorine is readily available in various popular forms such as Tablets, Granules, or Liquid and by way of an amazing engineering and scientific breakthroughdrumroll pleaseit can be made with a Chlorine Generator machine right in the comfort of your own home! Well, not in your home exactly, but out by your existing pool or equipment area. Let me explain some important differences
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Pros And Cons Of Chlorine Water Treatment
Chlorine is preferable over other treatment options for a variety of reasons:
- It is more affordable and cost effective.
- Chlorine hot tubs require less upkeep and last longer than salt water hot tubs.
- Chlorine achieves the cleanliness and oxidation levels that other chemicals and methods do not.
- Chlorine does not cause any damage to the features of hot tubs and pools.
Some cons of chlorine are:
- People with sensitivities to chlorine can experience irritation to their skin, scalp, and eyes upon exposure to a chlorine pool or hot tub.
- If there are large amounts of chlorine gas hovering over your hot tub or pool, it can be harmful for your lungs.
- Chlorine carries a very distinctive smell that some people find unpleasant.
Myth : Saltwater Pools Need No Maintenance
Oh, boy. Saltwater pools need less maintenance for sure, and they require maintenance less frequently, but they absolutely need consistent care. And when you have a saltwater pool, you might have less chemicals to worry about. But you still need to make sure your:
– pH levels are between 7.2 and 7.8
– Free chlorine is between 1 and 3 parts per million
– Salinity level is between 3,000 and 3,500 ppm
– Stabilizer is between 70 and 80 ppm
– Calcium is between 200 and 400 ppm
Its not a lot, but it certainly does take some time. Make sure to check your levels every other week. Still sound like a lot? Compare that to the frequency of maintaining a chlorinated pool… thats half!;
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Types Of Salt Chlorinators
Some In Ground Salt Chlorine Generators like the Hayward AquaRite , and Salt & Swim . Pool Pilot is another well respected saltwater systems. They all have a weatherproof box that you hang on a wall by your equipment which is the Power Supply and Controller and a Salt Cell, which is plumbed into your return line.
Salt systems include a Flow Switch which is basically a PVC Tee that you plumb before the salt cell and connect to your power supply. The sensors also measure water temperature and salt level.
Salt controllers feature a digital display for chlorine production level, salt level, error codes, on-off switch, a dial to adjust chlorine production, and a super chlorinate switch to boost chlorine output.
In ground salt chlorinators, like the Pentair IntelliChlor have the Controller built right into the cell so you can make your adjustments right at the cell instead of climbing over your equipment to get to the power supply on the wall.
Above ground salt chlorinators are designed for quick installation and simply hang over the pool wall just under the top seat inside the pool and plug into a wall mountable control box and standard electrical outlet like the AquaTrol by Hayward and Solaxx Saltron Retro.
Easier On The Skin And Eyes
Chlorine has a tendency of drying out your skin and hair, and stinging your eyes. **With a salt water chlorinator,**these effects will be greatly reduced, and the salt water will actually hydrate and soothe your body. It is a lot easier on your skin and eyes. Especially for regular swimmers with skin issues and a tendency to get red eyes, a salt water pool will be a much better option with less eye and skin irritation, and less bleaching of any clothing or swimwear worn into the pool.
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Whats The Main Difference Between A Saltwater Pool And A Traditional Chlorinated Pool
In a traditional chlorine pool, chlorine is added directly to the pool. With a saltwater pool, salt is added to the water in which the levels are maintained by the chlorinator. In turn, the electrodes in the chlorinator will convert the saltwater into chlorine for clean, clear, and luxuriously soft water.
Once You Start Up Saltwaters Easier To Maintain
Are you all about the DIY approach, but constantly feeling strapped for time? A saltwater pool might be the solution. Youll still need to vacuum your pool , and check that everything is operating properly, as well as routinely clean your equipmentthis isnt quite the world of The Jetsons. Yet.
Youll also still need to check your chemical levels, but heres the thing: the amount of chemicals you need to check up on will be seriously reduced, and can be looked at less frequentlyeven up to two weeks.
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Potential Drawbacks Of Salt Water Pools
The up-front cost of a salt water generator is, admittedly, much pricier than the chemicals youd use in a chlorine pool, to say nothing of the utility costs that come with running a generator for up to 12 hours a day during pool season.
Furthermore, the salt can be corrosive to certain pool liners and pool lights, but those issues can be avoided simply by purchasing liners and lights in the first place that are designed specifically for salt water pools.
What Are The Drawbacks Of A Saltwater Pool
While saltwater pools are pretty great, theyre not without inconveniences. Because the greater circulation system can be a little more complicated with the addition of the salt cell, it might be harder to fix any problem that arises without calling in a professional. Plus, they take a little more energy to run than a chlorine poolwhat amounts to about $35-$50 a year. Thats what Id call a minor inconvenience, especially if you have a variable-speed pump.
Although saltwater pools are cheaper than chlorinated pools over timeand thats a big deal if youre thinking long term like I recommendtheres also a major up-front cost to get your saltwater pool converted: a saltwater generator costs between $400 and $1,800 and the installation can be $300 to $500, unless you can do it yourself. Plus, youll want to install a sacrificial anode on the equipment, which only an electrician should do for safety purposes. This will keep your system from corroding due to salt exposure.
My recommendation? Get a salt chlorine generator you can trust, like the Salt Ways Eco Friendly Salt Chlorine Generator, which is the most cost-effective model on the market and comes with a lifetime warranty. Plus, it self-regenerates, meaning you wont have to buy chlorine or salt ever again. Why wouldnt you make maintenance as easy as can be?
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Salt Water Pool Vs Chlorine Pool: A Complete Review
Getting a pool installed in your home but confused about the type that will suit you best? If youre stuck in the debate of saltwater pool vs chlorine pool, dont be. Our article will give you the complete lowdown on both kinds. We have analyzed the two in terms of cost, maintenance, health factor, and storage.
But first, a basic question for a new homeowner or a person who is contemplating a pool resurfacing.
Some Negatives To Having A Saltwater Above Ground Pool
Coming from a pool guy of 35 years, I dont think there is any substitute for a pool owner learning and then knowing well how to chemically maintain their pool. This is why I will rarely recommend any supposed chemical aids or add-ons for pool equipment.
If I had to recommend an add-on component though, it would most certainly be a salt-chlorine generator . Chlorine generators have some definite advantages, but there are some drawbacks too. Here they are:
1 Cost of the unit and salt Although the price for some has come down a little, a quality salt-chlorine generator for an above-ground pool is going to cost in the range of $300 $500.
When comparing this to not having one and instead adding chlorine to the pool, then $300 $500 buys a lot of chlorine.
This upfront cost alone will never be recovered by the chlorine that you wont have to buy, so just know that a salt pool ultimately costs you more. Period.
2 The SCG cell requires maintenance About three or four times a year, the salt cell will need to be removed and cleaned. This isnt a big job or anything but has to be done and cant be neglected.
Again, this isnt a big maintenance job, however this is worth mentioning as you are getting a salt pool to make things easier for you.
Salt cells are easy to replace, but they are not cheap. So dont think that you will ever recover the cost of having a salt pool. As stated above, you can buy a lot of chlorine for what you will pay to purchase and maintain a salt pool.
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Inground Pool Chlorine Tablets
- ;$100 Chlorinator Replacement
Total: $1300 for ten years of tablet chlorination. This assumes using granular shock monthly, and 25lbs of tablets per year, although you may use less. It also assumes replacing the chlorinator or several parts at least once during ten years.
So, it seems that the long term costs of salt vs. tablets are fairly even however your mileage may vary. If your salt cell is overworked, it may not last 5 years, but only 3 years.
Your salt system is reliable as long as its clean, there is electricity and the pump and filter are working. The other forms of chlorine are tried and true methods of pool maintenance but require keeping an eye on your supply and applying the chlorine at regular intervals.
So to Sani-Summarize, Salt Systems are a great way to automate your pool sanitizing but require a sizable up-front investment, require installation, and would be expensive to replace. Traditional tablets and granular forms, although less expensive to start, require annual or multiple in season purchases, trips and transporting to and from the store, manual loading of feeders and floaters, and more attention to keeping appropriate levels in the pool
Salt Vs Chlorine For An Above Ground Pool
Making an above-ground swimming pool a saltwater pool has become a popular option in the last ten years. But what does that mean exactly?
And what is the difference between a saltwater pool and a chlorinated pool?
Theres really not much difference between a salt pool and a pool using chlorine. The salt pools make chlorine from the saltwater, so both will have a level of chlorine in them. The biggest difference is that a salt pool will be easier to maintain chemically.
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The Biggest Misconception: Saltwater Pools Are Chlorine
Lets start by busting the biggest misconception about saltwater pools a saltwater pool is not a chlorine pool. Wrong. Chlorine is required in both types of pools to keep the water sanitized it just gets added to the water differently.
A saltwater pool is a chlorine pool. The difference is instead of adding chlorine to the water, you add salt, and a salt-chlorine generator converts salt to chlorine.
Unfortunately, the chlorine created by the generator is unstabilized chlorine that dissipates more quickly. This means the chlorine in a saltwater pool doesnt have as much sanitizing power.
Why chlorine systems beat saltwater systems: the basics.
Here At Seaway Pools:
At Seaway pools we only utilize top quality materials and best development standards. For both saltwater pool or chlorine pool necessities. We promise to offer products that last and to keep in communication with you throughout your pool building process. We will offer you uncompromised post-retail benefit including free lifetime water examination at one of our two retail location areas. You can depend on us to have the items you require for your swimming pool in stock at our retail outlets. Our staff is knowledgeable in all aspects of the pool industry, so stop by our retail office to get all your questions answered.
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Salt Chlorination Vs Tablet Chlorination
Pool pH Levels: Tablets are low in pH and may lower your pool water pH level, which may require additions of pH increaser to maintain suitable pool pH levels.
Salt chlorinators create sodium hypochlorite, which is high in pH so it will be necessary to add an Acid to balance it out in most cases on a weekly basis, to bring the pH level down into proper range.
Maintenance: Another thing to factor in is the maintenance, and reliability of your choice. With the salt system you must initially invest in the system and have it installed, purchase the salt, and stock up on pH reducer and stabilizer.
The salt level must be maintained and the salt cell must be periodically cleaned, and at some point, youll need a replacement salt cell.
Another thing about salt is that at high levels it can be corrosive and take its toll on anything metal in your pool so Sacrificial Anodes are available to protect your pool light, ladders, and heater cores. They are easy to install and are designed to corrode so your other accessories dont. Another little accessory you may need to add to your budget if you go with a salt pool system.
Cost: A regular chlorine user will spend less up front but probably spend about the same amount in pails of tablets, other maintenance chemicals, floaters and feeders in the same time period. After that you must keep on buying these things.
Salt Water Pool Systems: What Is It Pros & Cons Better Than Chlorine
The salt water pool is the next step in the world of swimming pools. Especially for the people who love the pool for its health benefits, salt water pool is a boon. Lower maintenance and higher benefits, what more can you ask. Salt water pools are becoming increasingly popular because they offer all benefits of traditional chlorine pools, plus more.
Salt water pool systems create their own electrolysis, which generates chlorine, usually in sodium hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid. It acts as an oxidizing agent and offers similar effects as chlorine does. In a chlorine-based pool, chlorine is added in solid or powdered form, whereas a salt water pool has its own mechanism. It means that the salt water pool is not chlorine-free; it just has a dedicated system in place to do that. Thats why it is the first choice of pool owners.
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