Saltwater Pools - Wilmington, NC
What is a Saltwater Pool? It is a pool that uses salt which is converted into chlorine which becomes the sanitizing agent for the pool. It does it by using a salt chlorine generator. This generator uses electricity to convert the salt into chlorine. The term saltwater pool comes from adding salt into the pool until you have a level high enough for the generator to produce chlorine. The also has the side effect of making the water feel very smooth. You may be asking why would you want salt in your pool because every time you get in the ocean you hate the taste of salt in your mouth. This is because the salt level is so high in ocean water. The level of salt in a saltwater pool is only 10% of what is in the ocean. The average person will begin to not like the taste of water if the salt level rises above 5000 parts per million (ppm). For a salt chlorinator to function correctly the range in the pool will be between 3000 and 4000 ppm which you will find to be mild and even enjoyable. Highlights of Saltwater Swimming Pools A saltwater pool functions by you adding salt to the water which is then converted to chlorine through the salt chlorine generator. Only use mined salt that is at least 99% pure to keep your pool functioning correctly. A generator will cost between $600 and $2000 to purchase and will last between 3 and 7 years. The biggest benefit is they are very easy to maintain, keep your pool water sparkling clear, and they even cost less on an annual basis than a traditional chlorine system. |
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What makes a salt chlorine generator?
A generator has two primary components which are the control board and the cell. As salt water from the pool moves through the cell metallic grids and electricity make a reaction converting the salt into bubbles of pure chlorine. When this pure chlorine exits the chlorinator it reacts with water and forms hypochlorous acid which keeps your pool sparkling clean!
Many pool service professionals have different opinions on what "chlorine" really means. Multiple chlorine variants can be added to water but after all the chemical reactions occur what is really cleaning your pool is hypochlorous acid, not the pure chlorine.
The chemistry involved to make these reactions can also make your head hurt so what you need to remember is that a saltwater pool uses a salt chlorine generator and salt to make hypochlorous acid. After pouring the appropriate salt in the water and mix it will go through two different chemical reactions resulting the in the chemical that will destroy dirt and kill algae and bacteria.
The first reaction is when the salt water moves through the salt chlorine generator. Through electrolysis the saltwater is converted into pure chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and hydrogen. The sodium hydroxide and hydrogen are absorbed into the pool in their current state.
The chlorine however reacts with the surrounding water molecules and is transformed into hypochlorous acid.. This acid is what kills algae and bacteria quickly and is the chemical being tested for when "chlorine levels" accessed.
What type of salt should I use in my saltwater pool?
Options that you have for salt to use in your pool include:
DO NOT use rock salt in your pool! It doesn't dissolve well and is not pure enough. If you are worried about slipping on ice or making ice cream you can buy rock salt but do not put this in your pool.
How much salt should I use?
Salt levels should be maintained between 3000 and 4000 ppm. For the exact amount, you can check what your specific cell is rated for as the range varies depending on brand and model of the salt chlorine generator. A brand new pool will require 40-50 pounds of salt per 2,000 gallons of water.
What is the cost of a salt chlorine generator?
Installing a salt chlorine generator will cost between $600 to $2500 dollars. While this is a substantial initial investment many customers find it worthwhile as they do not need to buy chlorine from a store.
A traditional chlorine pool will cost between $250-$300 per year to maintain, where as a salt water pool only cost between $50 to $100 for maintenance per year. You will have to consider replacing the generator cell every 3-7 years which will be between $700 - $900. After running the numbers you will find that a salt water pool will cost roughly the same as a traditional chlorine pool to maintain.
What are the pros and cons of a salt pool?
Pros:
What pool types will work with a salt water system?
Fiberglass pools are the best choice for use of a salt chlorine generator. Pools that have vinyl liners and polymer wall panels and also concrete pools with a tiled interior surface are also good candidates for use of a salt chlorine generator.
You do not want to use this system on pools that have a vinyl liner with metal wall panels. Corrosion will occur on the panels and any handrail or ladder anchor manufactured from galvanized steel. Saltwater can also be abrasive to the interior surface of plaster and concrete/gunite pools.
Next Steps
We know that this is a lot of information but if you have any further questions or would like a free estimate on what it would cost to add a saltwater pool to your home please reach out to us at 910-832-1055. One of our service providers will be in touch to schedule your free consultation.
A generator has two primary components which are the control board and the cell. As salt water from the pool moves through the cell metallic grids and electricity make a reaction converting the salt into bubbles of pure chlorine. When this pure chlorine exits the chlorinator it reacts with water and forms hypochlorous acid which keeps your pool sparkling clean!
Many pool service professionals have different opinions on what "chlorine" really means. Multiple chlorine variants can be added to water but after all the chemical reactions occur what is really cleaning your pool is hypochlorous acid, not the pure chlorine.
The chemistry involved to make these reactions can also make your head hurt so what you need to remember is that a saltwater pool uses a salt chlorine generator and salt to make hypochlorous acid. After pouring the appropriate salt in the water and mix it will go through two different chemical reactions resulting the in the chemical that will destroy dirt and kill algae and bacteria.
The first reaction is when the salt water moves through the salt chlorine generator. Through electrolysis the saltwater is converted into pure chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and hydrogen. The sodium hydroxide and hydrogen are absorbed into the pool in their current state.
The chlorine however reacts with the surrounding water molecules and is transformed into hypochlorous acid.. This acid is what kills algae and bacteria quickly and is the chemical being tested for when "chlorine levels" accessed.
What type of salt should I use in my saltwater pool?
Options that you have for salt to use in your pool include:
- Mined Salt
- Solar Salt
- Mechanically evaporated salt
DO NOT use rock salt in your pool! It doesn't dissolve well and is not pure enough. If you are worried about slipping on ice or making ice cream you can buy rock salt but do not put this in your pool.
How much salt should I use?
Salt levels should be maintained between 3000 and 4000 ppm. For the exact amount, you can check what your specific cell is rated for as the range varies depending on brand and model of the salt chlorine generator. A brand new pool will require 40-50 pounds of salt per 2,000 gallons of water.
What is the cost of a salt chlorine generator?
Installing a salt chlorine generator will cost between $600 to $2500 dollars. While this is a substantial initial investment many customers find it worthwhile as they do not need to buy chlorine from a store.
A traditional chlorine pool will cost between $250-$300 per year to maintain, where as a salt water pool only cost between $50 to $100 for maintenance per year. You will have to consider replacing the generator cell every 3-7 years which will be between $700 - $900. After running the numbers you will find that a salt water pool will cost roughly the same as a traditional chlorine pool to maintain.
What are the pros and cons of a salt pool?
Pros:
- Lower annual cost
- No chlorine smeel
- Gentle on skin and eyes
- Clear, Clean, Smooth Water
- Parts are more expensive
- Remembering to test the water is difficult
What pool types will work with a salt water system?
Fiberglass pools are the best choice for use of a salt chlorine generator. Pools that have vinyl liners and polymer wall panels and also concrete pools with a tiled interior surface are also good candidates for use of a salt chlorine generator.
You do not want to use this system on pools that have a vinyl liner with metal wall panels. Corrosion will occur on the panels and any handrail or ladder anchor manufactured from galvanized steel. Saltwater can also be abrasive to the interior surface of plaster and concrete/gunite pools.
Next Steps
We know that this is a lot of information but if you have any further questions or would like a free estimate on what it would cost to add a saltwater pool to your home please reach out to us at 910-832-1055. One of our service providers will be in touch to schedule your free consultation.