Salt Water pool versus Chlorine Pool

[Brendanyc]

We are in the process of considering putting in a pool. Any advice on salt water versus chlorine. I read that salt water can cause problems with oxidation and this can result in birdcage, as well as, motors and surrounding areas becoming coated with white gunk that breaks down. We also read that if the pool was installed as a salt water pool in lieu of changing to a salt water pool from chlorine some of these issues can be avoided. It seems like this type of corrosion takes about 3 years. We originally wanted to go with salt water so as to avoid harsh chemicals. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Bogie Shooter]

Try doing a search on salt water pool. Lots of threads.

[virgind]

If I may say first I have a pool. What people dont realize or are not told a salt pool is really a chlorine pool. The salt generator make chlorine. Now a generator costs upwards of 1000.00 some more some less. I have a regular old pool have the chlorine feed set and only run the pump for about 2 hours a day. Water looks great and it tests great. If your pool will have a cage which mine does I only clean it every other week. Fifty pounds of chlorine lasts me over a year.I buy it at (intheswim.com) they deliver it to me so I dont have to go get (UPS) if want more info PM or I can sent you my phone number

[hulahips]

We are in the process of considering putting in a pool. Any advice on salt water versus chlorine. I read that salt water can cause problems with oxidation and this can result in birdcage, as well as, motors and surrounding areas becoming coated with white gunk that breaks down. We also read that if the pool was installed as a salt water pool in lieu of changing to a salt water pool from chlorine some of these issues can be avoided. It seems like this type of corrosion takes about 3 years. We originally wanted to go with salt water so as to avoid harsh chemicals. Any advice would be appreciated.
We have had our salt water for 7 yrs now and love it! Soft on skin, no chemicals, love, love it!

[Roaddog53]

I have had chlorine, bromine, and ozone pools. Do yourself a favor and look into ozone, or UV pools. MUCH easier to maintain, cleaner, less chemicals, not harsh on the skin, and no residual issues. T&D builds UV pools now. All Seasons builds ozone only. I would recommend T&D though with their service and pool accessories some others don't put in regularly. Such as auto filler,drain, anti-freeze system, and better deck structure.

[joldnol]

Which is easier to cool?

[spk7951]

We are in the process of considering putting in a pool. Any advice on salt water versus chlorine. I read that salt water can cause problems with oxidation and this can result in birdcage, as well as, motors and surrounding areas becoming coated with white gunk that breaks down. We also read that if the pool was installed as a salt water pool in lieu of changing to a salt water pool from chlorine some of these issues can be avoided. It seems like this type of corrosion takes about 3 years. We originally wanted to go with salt water so as to avoid harsh chemicals. Any advice would be appreciated.


We have had a salt chlorinated pool here since 2008 and love it. Much prefer it to the plain chlorine pool we had up north. For us our pool requires less maintenance from us. One point I would make is that the salt chlorinator cells do wear out. We just ordered a replacement part on Amazon for $400 and will install myself, fairly easy to do.

[ConnieNonnie]

Hi! We have our salt water pool for 3 years now. LOVE IT!
Skin feels wonderful afterward. Birdcage is a must. Very
Little maintenance.

[Shimpy]

Is salt water pools the same as real ocean salt water? Back in the late 50's I used to swim in hotel pools in Miami Beach that water was pumped in from the ocean. I can't imagine anyone wanting a salt water pool that left them salty after drying off. I had a regular pool and much prefer the fresh water.

[champion6]

Is salt water pools the same as real ocean salt water? <snip>No. Read posts #3 & #7.

[Shimpy]

No. Read posts #3 & #7.

OK got it.....I wish people would quit referring to pools as "salt water" if in fact they are not. Most have never been in a real salt water pool.

[Sable99]

Ok, so I'm a little slow here but I have never had a pool. If its "not really" a salt water pool does it still use salt? I'm asking because I'm really sensitive/allergic to salt! It doesn't matter if its in my food or the water! I swell up like a balloon! We used to have a condo on the ocean. I loved to walk on the beach but I couldn't go in the water!!

[john1953]

We also have a salt water pool.Have had it now for 4 years.Maintance is low and the water always looks crystal clear.The pool water does NOT leave you salty what so ever.

[john1953]

You do put salt in it when its needed.Usually after some major rain storms.Its around a 40 pound bag.Its water I put salt in it so for me its a salt water pool!!!!!!!

[Greg Nelson]

Before coming to TV we spent a little time at the Del Webb near TV. They had a non chlorine pool that seemed wonderful..BUT I did develop a rash that lasted for weeks...

[hulahips]

We love our salt water pool. Yes it's salt. Chlorine burns the eyes, smells, etc. Salt leaves my skin baby soft and we love it. Matter of fact it's the best decision we made to put it in as we use it all the time!

[jimbo2012]

it really is not salt water, can't believe some still think it is.

it really is Salt water chlorination

Salt water chlorination is a process that uses dissolved salt (2,500–6,000 ppm) as a store for the chlorination system.[1] The chlorine generator (also known as salt cell, salt generator, salt chlorinator) uses electrolysis in the presence of dissolved salt (NaCl) to produce hypochlorous acid (HClO) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), which are the sanitizing agents already commonly used in swimming pools.

As such, a saltwater pool is not actually chlorine-free; it simply utilizes a chlorine generator instead of direct addition of chlorine.


THe pool industry came up with a marketing game to sell these $2,000 generators.

So if you think you're swimming in chlorine free water you are sadly mistaken.


.

[Villager Joyce]

it really is not salt water, can't believe some still think it is.

it really is Salt water chlorination

Salt water chlorination is a process that uses dissolved salt (2,500–6,000 ppm) as a store for the chlorination system.[1] The chlorine generator (also known as salt cell, salt generator, salt chlorinator) uses electrolysis in the presence of dissolved salt (NaCl) to produce hypochlorous acid (HClO) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), which are the sanitizing agents already commonly used in swimming pools.

As such, a saltwater pool is not actually chlorine-free; it simply utilizes a chlorine generator instead of direct addition of chlorine.


THe pool industry came up with a marketing game to sell these $2,000 generators.

So if you think you're swimming in chlorine free water you are sadly mistaken.


.

Do you add chlorine to the pool? Do you add salt to the pool?

[hulahips]

Yes understand but still definitely an improvement over the chlorine pools. Never smell chemicals, softer skin etc. Would never go back to the chlorine. If thinking of purchasing, we would recommend the salt generated pools just go for it and enjoy! Best investment we ever made!

[jimbo2012]

In a standard pool you should NOT smell chlorine,

if you do your chlorine levels are way to high.

I think those that use service companies to maintain their pools will find they over chlorinate them big time to avoid complaints so they up the levels.


Pool owners should have their own tests kits to check the levels.