[gustavo]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

I'm thinking about adding a pool in the future,
I know I wouldn't use chlorine so plan on saltwater in addition a UV sterilizer.

That alternative appears to be safer than allowing chlorine and now I see muriatic acid absorbed thu the skin..

I want a swimming pool
not
A chemical pool

ok, did a bit of Google research, apparently the SAFE alternative is Sodium bisulfate pH reducer.

pH Reducer Safe Alternative to Muriatic Acid - Chemicals to Maintain Proper pH Balance in Swimming Pools
or
pH Reducer for Swimming Pool Water - Sodium Bisulfate for Pools
or
No Mor Muriatic Acid


.

Jimbo,

Please realize a salt pool is a chlorine pool. The chlorine is generated by electrolysis in a chlorine generator. Yes you use less chemicals but when the plates in your generator fail in 3 to 5 years look for a $500 bill for the replacement if you do it yourself, more from a pool service.

If you're talking about a UV ozone generator, they are not sanitizers but will oxidize material that chlorine attacks thereby reducing the chlorine requirement, i.e less chemical cost. They too have replacement costs associated with the UV bulbs in the ozonator.

The safe alternative to muriatic acid, sodium bisulfate (dry acid) refers to the fact that it is not liquid so no chance of spills. It still creates H+ ions in the water as do all acids added to pools like muriatic, sulfuric etc. It is also costlier than the liquids acids, the price of the spill prevention.

Also understand that a salt water generator makes chlorine gas pH near 2 so it lessens the need for added acid, the downside is you are immersed in Sodium ions from the salt that does absorb through your skin, so back off on the added salt on your french fries to counter act your daily swim.

Liquid chlorine is high pH so it exacerbates the need for acid.

DiChlor is near pH neutral and Trichlor is pH low helping to lessen the acid demand.

Bottom line, if you want a pool that is free of algae and won't give you a disease, you need chlorine.