Some people are chemically sensitivity to chlorine. For these folks, swimming in a recently chlorinated pool can create skin or lung irritation that makes their swimming experience not so pleasant.
At Daigle Pools, we understand the drawbacks of having a chlorine-based sanitizer. That is why we are happy to work with our customers and provide them with a saline system for the in-ground pools we install. In addition, we can often retrofit an existing pool to have a salt water system.
Although many people refer them as salt water pools, it is still technically a chlorine pool. It is the salt that produces the chlorine naturally which clarifies the water. Perhaps the greatest benefit of a salt water based chlorinating system is the precision in which it performs its chlorinating duties. You can operate a saltwater pool with the absolute lowest residual amount of chlorine in the water.
The salt-based system will continually deliver pure chlorine-based sanitizer, helping to reduce the health issues that some experience with a traditional chlorinated pool system. The salt chlorination method is also known for delivering super-soft water that is gentle on the skin, clothing and pool toys. It also does not contain the strong odor that regular pool chlorine is known for.
Another benefit of salt chlorination is the price. While upgrading from a standard pool filtration to a salt system adds an initial installation cost, we have found that a saltwater system upgrade will easily pay for itself within four seasons. The average pool owner can realize savings as much as $800 per year on traditional maintenance products alone!
Saltwater filtration systems are also extremely convenient. No more lugging buckets of pool chlorine or water clarifiers. While the pH still needs to be balanced in a salt-chlorinated pool, the salt will act as a natural algaestat. The saltwater system will automatically keep the water at the ideal level of cleanliness, which takes the guess work out of how much chlorine to add.
The only real downsides to the salt filtration system are the initial cost of setting it up and the periodic cost of replacing cells in the system – which should last 7 years if the water balancing is done correctly. And, while salt is naturally corrosive and can damage metals over time, the ideal saline concentration for a saltwater pool is extremely low—less than 3,500 ppm – or about 10 times less than ocean water. Equipment that is properly installed and maintained should not be damaged.
Daigle Pools Company is an Authorized Hayward Goldline Repair Center and Hayward Dealer. We are always ready and willing to discuss salt chlorination options with pool owners—whether it’s a new pool yet to be installed, or one that was installed some time ago.
“Love to swim but can’t tolerate chlorine? Consider a Saltwater option for your pool!”