What’s the best thing about a salt pool, you ask? Those who have it will probably tell you that they no longer need to buy chlorine. However, are these all the joys that you can get from a saltwater pool, how to care for such a pool, and what is the main thing you need to know about salt? Read in our article.
How Saltwater Pools Work
Saltwater pools are a great way to enjoy swimming in an environment that won’t damage your skin.
Saltwater pools work by using a process called electrolysis to convert the salt in the water into chlorine. This chlorine is then used to kill bacteria and other contaminants that can cause problems in your pool. Also, the salt content in the water helps to keep the pH level balanced, which is important for maintaining a healthy pool.
The saltwater process is a great alternative to using traditional chlorine products, which can be harsh on your skin and eyes. In addition, saltwater pools are much easier to maintain than traditional pools because you don’t have to constantly add chemicals to the water.
Let’s take a closer look at the points that relate to salt.
The Complete Guide to Pool Salt
How many bags of salt do I need for my pool?
Saltwater pool owners typically use between 0,5 and 2 pounds of salt per gallon of water. This means that for a standard-sized pool, you will need between 40 and 80 bags of salt. It is important to note, however, that the amount of salt you will need can vary based on some factors, including the weather and the size of your pool.
Below is a salt usage chart to help you estimate how much salt your pool will need.
| Raising ppm by | 10,000 litres | 20,000 litres | 40,000 litres | 60,000 litres |
| 1000 ppm | Half a bag | 1 salt bag | 1,9 salt bags | 2,9 salt bags |
| 2000 ppm | 1 salt bag | 2 salt bags | 3,8 salt bags | 5,8 salt bags |
| 3000 ppm | 1,5 salt bags | 3 salt bags | 5,8 salt bags | 8,6 salt bags |
| 4000 ppm | 2 salt bags | 4 salt bags | 7,7 salt bags | 11,5 salt bags |
| 5000 ppm | 2,4 salt bags | 5 salt bags | 9,6 salt bags | 14,4 salt bags |
| 6000 ppm | 3 salt bags | 6 salt bags | 11,5 salt bags | 17,3 salt bags |
How often do you need to add salt to the pool?
There is no one set schedule for all saltwater pool owners. Since salt does not dissolve in water, salt can only be added when freshwater is added or, for example, after rain, which lowers the salinity level. Also, you add fresh water after an intensive backwash cycle.
“Working” tip for adding salt to your pool: add fresh water first and then measure the salinity level to determine how much salt should be added to the pool. After adding fresh water, test the water with a home saltwater test kit. Then you mark the salt level, refer to the salt table to determine how much salt is needed to raise the pool water level.
What kind of salt do I need for my pool?
You must use only sodium chloride (NaCl) that is 99% pure. This is commonly available at most pool stores. Do not use rock salt, salt with yellow soda more than 1%, salt with more than 1% anti-caking additives, iodized salt. If you use the wrong salt, or the right one but at the wrong dosage, it can directly affect your safety. Saltwater can erase the base of a ladder to enter a pool or a diving board. Therefore, it is very important to take the type of salt and dosage seriously.
What happens if I put too much salt in my pool?
Salt is an important component in maintaining a pool, as it helps to keep the pH levels balanced. However, if you put too much salt in your pool, it can have the opposite effect and make your pool water more acidic. It can corrode metal fixtures and cause skin irritations.
If you notice that your pool water is starting to become cloudy or has an unpleasant smell, it may be a sign that you have put too much salt in your pool.
Saltwater Pool VS Chlorinated Pool
Cleansing
The saltwater pool is equipped with a chlorinator. As the water passes through, the chlorine generator produces chlorine gas. This gas then breaks down into salt and dissolves into the water. The chlorine that’s produced is constantly working to sanitize your pool and keep it clean.
The chlorinated pool also has a mechanism for producing chlorine gas. However, instead of using salt water, it uses chlorinated tablets or sticks that you must regularly add to the water. The chlorine gas then breaks down into chloride and dissolves into the water.
To maintain the right levels of chlorine, you should use a test kit for pools at least once a week.
Costs
Saltwater pools cost more to install than chlorinated ones. The main reason for this is that you need to purchase a chlorinated saltwater system that can cost you around $1,500 – $2,000, as well as installation fees. However, in the long run, saltwater pools are less expensive to maintain because you don’t have to constantly buy and add chlorine to the water.
By comparison, a saltwater pool will cost you $100 per year, and a regular chlorinated pool will cost between $300 and $800 per year, taking into account the purchase of all the necessary chemicals.
Service
Maintaining a saltwater pool is generally easier and less expensive than maintaining a chlorinated pool. The main reason for this is that you don’t have to constantly buy and add chlorine to the water.
With a chlorinated pool, you must regularly monitor the levels of chlorine and make sure they’re at the right levels. You also need to add chlorine tablets or sticks regularly.
Smell
Saltwater pools don’t have that distinct chlorine smell like chlorinated pools. Also, since salt is natural, so your skin and eyes won’t get irritated as much.
Impact
A saltwater pool is not as aggressive as a chlorine pool. Your hair will not turn green and the swimsuit will not fade. In a chlorinated pool, copper and chlorine combine in water to form a film that adheres to the proteins in your hair, causing it to turn green.
Salt Water Pool Maintenance: 3 Main Things
Although the main advantages of a saltwater pool are the absence of a strong chlorine smell, softer water, and lower maintenance costs, this does not mean that such a pool does not need to be maintained at all.
There are main things you need to do to keep your saltwater pool in pristine condition. You should complete tasks on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
Daily tasks
Daily tasks for a saltwater pool are pretty straightforward and include skimming the surface of the water for debris, such as leaves, bugs, and dirt. You should also brush the walls and floor of the pool to help prevent algae growth.
Weekly tasks
It should include backwashing the filter, checking and cleaning the skimmer baskets, and testing the water quality with special test strips.
Monthly tasks
Monthly tasks for maintaining your saltwater pool include:
- Check the alkalinity levels and adjust accordingly
Alkalinity is important in keeping your pool’s pH levels balanced. Normal alkalinity levels should be between 80 and 120 ppm.
- Check the calcium hardness levels
Calcium hardness levels that are too high or too low can cause problems with your pool’s water quality. The ideal range is 180 to 220 ppm.
- Salinity test
You should test the salinity levels in your pool monthly to make sure they are between 3000 and 4000 ppm. But if you have an automated system, you may not need to do this as often.
- Stabilizer test
One of the add-ons you’ll need for your saltwater pool is a stabilizer. This helps to prevent chlorine from evaporating too quickly. You should test the stabilizer levels monthly and add more as needed to keep the levels between 30 and 50 ppm.
Saltwater Pools and Health
Swimming in a saltwater pool has a greater impact on people who suffer from asthma or allergies (they breathe easier and their skin allergies are reduced), while swimming pools with chlorinated water (especially indoor) have a pronounced chlorine smell due to the mixture of chlorine and ammonia. A clinical trial demonstrated that children with asthma who swim in chlorinated pools have a significant worsening in their symptoms. However, more research is needed to be sure.
Summary
Saltwater pools are healthier. They have no irritating odour, softer water, and their installation fully compensates financially over time since you no longer need to buy chlorine. Follow all pool care recommendations and enjoy the warm season to the fullest!
FAQ
💦 How many bags of salt do I need for my pool?
For every 1000 ppm increase in salinity, add 0.5 bags of salt per 10,000 liters of water. If your pool has 20,000 liters, you need to add one full bag of salt.
🤽♀️ How often do you need to add salt to the pool?
There is no one set schedule for all saltwater pool owners. Since salt does not dissolve in water, salt can only be added when freshwater is added or, for example, after rain, which lowers the salinity level. Also, you add fresh water after an intensive backwash cycle.
🌊 What kind of salt do I need for my pool?
You must use only sodium chloride (NaCl) that is 99% pure. Do not use rock salt, salt with yellow soda more than 1%, salt with more than 1% anti-caking additives, iodized salt.
💧 What happens if I put too much salt in my pool?
Too much salt in the pool’s water can lead to corrosive and harmful effects. The only way to reduce the salt concentration in your pool water is to dilute it.
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