They're the hottest technology in cooling off to come along in years. And they could make the stinging eyes, itchy skin and bleached bathing suits of old-fashioned chlorine pools a thing of the past.
First introduced in Australia in the 1960s, saltwater pools have taken off in the last few years to become the fastest-growing technology in new pool installation, even though the initial cost is considerably higher than a standard chlorine system. But converts say that once you've tried it, you can never go back.
Just ask Priya Mohan, a secondary school teacher and mother of three who lives in Burlington, Ontario. "When we did our backyard renovation a few years ago, we definitely knew we wanted a saltwater pool," she says. "It's better, in almost every way, than a chlorine pool. It's easier on your eyes, the water is much softer and less irritating, and maintenance is much easier too -- you add a bit of chlorine at the beginning of the season, and that's just about it."
The merits of saltwater pools
Though the water in a saltwater pool is saline, it's actually nothing like swimming in the ocean. The salt concentration in the pool tops out at about 2800 to 4000 parts per million, compared to 50,000 parts per million in ocean water. Saltwater pools are less salty than tears (you usually can't even taste the salt) but the soft, luxurious feel of the water, not to mention freedom from the burning feeling of too much chlorine, is immediately noticeable.
Understanding how the technology works requires a quick review of Grade 10 chemistry. Standard chlorinated pools rely on an erosion feeder system, whereby chlorine pucks are inserted into a canister to melt or "erode", adding chlorine to the water. Apart from the costs involved with regularly replenishing the chlorine pucks, the danger of spikes or dilution after a rainstorm requires that you test and adjust the chlorine levels regularly, as well as "shocking" the pool from time to time with larger infusions of chlorine.
Saltwater pools also use chlorine as a disinfectant, but in a lower concentration, and it's supplied to the water in an entirely different way. Instead of an erosion system, a built-in generator uses a form of electrolysis to separate water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, and then combine them with salt (sodium chloride) to form sodium hypochlorite (chlorine), which sterilizes the water. At the same time, the chlorine thus created is also constantly recombining with the sodium, becoming good old salt again. It's a closed, continuously regenerating process that once started -- with an initial application of chlorine and salt at the beginning of the season -- needs adjustment no more than once or twice a season at most.
Less costly long-term
According to Markus Brunner of Forest City Pool and Patio in London, Ontario, initially installing a saltwater system can cost as much as two to four times as much as a standard chlorine erosion system. But once you factor in the savings in chlorine pucks and other chemicals, as well as reduced maintenance and wear and tear on the pool itself, he estimates that a saltwater pool can pay for itself in as little as three years.
Existing chlorine pools can be converted to saltwater relatively easily as well, by simply adapting the existing plumbing to accommodate the generator. Brunner claims the only possible risk is to metal ladders, that if not properly grounded, can oxidize over time when exposed to the electrolyzing process.
As for the Mohans, they couldn't imagine any other way to beat the heat. "We're spoiled," says Priya. "None of us will even go in a regular chlorine pool any more."
7 Comments
I can't speak to pools, but we now have our salt water hot tub. Apparently, you cannot switch from a chlorine hot tub to a salt one because you will get corrosion. The parts for salt water systems are titanium. You have to start off with the right system. So, if you are installing either a pool or hot tub, and think you want salt, you need to know that right up front. I HIGHLY recommend a salt system. I have rosacea and my skin is extremely sensitive. I have been in our tub everyday for 2 weeks straight with zero ill effects.
We also have a chlorine pool and spent time this summer investigating switching to salt water. what we found out was that many of the pools in Australia, where this trend started, are switching back to chlorine. Apparently the saltwater was very corrosive to all the mechanical and moving parts in the pump and heater etc. This caused maintenance and replacement costs. I think for now we will stick to chlorine.
We also have a chlorine pool and investigated switching to salt. what we found out was that many of the pools that have saltwater in Australia where this trend started some time ago have switched back to Chlorine. Apparently the saltwater is corrosive and wears hard on the mechanical parts of the pool hence needing replacing and repairing more frequently.
we have had a salt water pool for three years, we love it. As mentioned, there is no smell, no stinging of the eyes and very little maintenance. Everyone tried to steer us away from putting in a pool, saying it required alot of maintenance. We live in an area with lots of trees, well we empty a basket every few days and we vacuum the pool once on the week-end. Our son has very sensitive skin, eczema, and psorasis, he has had no difficulties. Besides swimming, it is beautiful and it brings us to the outdoors, with pool lights we enjoy both sitting by the pool during the day and night. I would definitely recommend salt water pools. Lynn
We just bought a salt water hot tub. I have rosacea (skin condition), so can't sit in a chemical tub. It's being installed in 3 weeks. Chanseuse, I'll let you know how I like it!
This article was helpful. We have a chlorine pool and considering changing to salt. It would be nice to hear from people who have changed to salt,. Let us know if it was worth it.
We have a chlorine pool, and have heard good things about salt. We have been considering investing in converter, to salt. This information has helped answer some questions. Maybe next summer!! It would be nice for those who have changed over to salt, to tell us what they think.