Salt
water pools used to be the exception, but now they are becoming a widely
accepted method of water treatment in swimming pools. A lot of builders are now
making salt water systems standard on their new pools.  Most equipment
manufacturers have also become aware of the fact that salt water pools are not
just a passing fad.  They are here to stay.

Why
have salt water pools become so popular?

In
this author’s opinion, most people who consider themselves “sensitive”
or “allergic” to chlorine are not reacting to the chlorine at
all.  What is creating a problem is packaged pool chemicals and the
additives and carriers in those chemicals.  Those
same swimmers who claim allergic reactions to chlorine, typically experience no
problems when they are in a salt water pool.  The answer isn’t the absence
of chlorine.  Salt systems create their own chlorine.  The answer
is the absence of all the packaged chemicals and by-products in those chemicals.

What
is the cost benefit of a salt water pool?

Most
people do not buy a salt water pool system for the sole purpose of saving
money.  They buy it for the increased swimmer comfort.  With that
said, they do save quite a bit of money on pool chemicals, but it probably takes
about 2-3 years before the system pays for itself. 

Here
is the best rationale for buying a salt water system:  People spend $25,000
and up to build a beautiful pool, so doesn’t it just make sense to spend about
$1000 on the water quality.  After all, shouldn’t the best thing about the
pool be the water?  In the end, you get what you pay for.  A little
money spent on the salt water system will allow the typical homeowner to enjoy
their swimming experience so much more.

What
is the down side to a salt water pool?

The
only real problem we have seen is the fact that it does change the way you do
your water chemistry and people are sometimes slow to adapt.  It is very
important to follow directions carefully with regard to water chemistry. 
Some pool owners have experienced problems trying to keep the pH down, but in
our experience it is simply a matter of keeping up with the water chemistry and
not letting the pH get too high before trying to adjust it.  Overall, the water chemistry does get easier, but
there is a small learning curve.

More
Frequently Asked Questions

What’s
the difference between a saltwater pool and a pool maintained with packaged
chlorine?

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salt systems