The Benefits of Installing a Saltwater Pool System
Chlorine reacts with pool contaminants to create strong-smelling chloramines, while saltwater pools have fewer of these, resulting in a milder odor.
Instead of using manufactured chlorine to treat water, saltwater pools use natural chlorine derived from pure salt. As a result, the water is softer, and the swimming experience is better than traditional pools.
Please keep reading to learn more about the benefits of a saltwater pool system.
How does a saltwater pool work?
Saltwater pools derive their name from pure salt being added for treatment instead of manufactured chlorine. In addition, their salinity ranges between 2.8 to 4.2 grams of salt per liter, which is relatively low compared to seas and oceans. Generally, salt is poured into the pool and dissolved, and the water is drawn into a generator to undergo electrolysis. This uses an electric current to split the salt solution into chloride ions (Cl-) and sodium ions (Na+). The resulting chloride ions then react with water to form hypochlorous and hydrochloric acids used to clean the water.
Understanding the benefits of a saltwater pool
Here are some benefits of a saltwater pool:
Less swimwear fading
When chlorine reacts with water, it forms an acid. The change in pH gives it bleaching properties, which causes dyed fabric to fade. In traditional pools with high chlorine content, swimwear fades faster, and swimming enthusiasts must replace them regularly. Conversely, saltwater pools keep swimwear colors intact for longer because of low chlorine levels. Increasing buoyancy
Salt molecules in saltwater pools occupy space between water molecules, increasing the density of water. As a result, water can exert a strong upward force, giving swimmers buoyancy or the ability to float.
Soothe the skin
One downside of traditional chlorine pools is that they leave the skin feeling tight and dry. The chemicals strip away natural oils that moisturize the body and disrupt the skin's pH, making it prone to moisture loss.
However, salt water is a tad softer. It helps keep the skin smooth, without dryness or irritation. At the same time, salt water is neutral, which means it doesn't affect the skin's natural pH.
No strong smell of chlorine
When chlorine is used to clean pools, it reacts with contaminants to produce a chloramine by-product. These by-products are usually responsible for the harsh odor in most treated pools. On the other hand, saltwater doesn't produce that much chloramines, making the pool odor much more tolerable.
Minimal maintenance work
Saltwater pools don't require much work in terms of service checks. Pool owners will only have to add salt once throughout the swimming period. Also, unlike traditional pools, where chlorine fluctuates weekly, the saltwater pool generator keeps chlorine at the desired level. For that reason, intensive monitoring is not necessary.
Make pools cleaner with salt
Saltwater pools have a wide range of benefits. However, since salt is likely to cause corrosion, pool owners need professional assistance in choosing and installing the right material.
In Depth Pool Service is a residential pool service for El Dorado Hills and surrounding areas. We provide cleaning, maintenance, and pool equipment repairs. Call us at (916) 633-7729.
