Complete Guide To Saltwater Chlorinators for Swimming Pools
Saltwater pools are the new trend of this decade. They offer so many excellent benefits over the traditional chlorine pool. The time spent maintaining the pool is drastically reduced. In addition, saltwater pools are gentle on the skin, eyes and bathing suits. The only downside is the harshness of some pool equipment if the proper care is not taken.
Saltwater Chlorinator Startup
Installing a new saltwater chlorinator system or switching from chlorine to saltwater is not difficult. There is no need to drain the water. The new saltwater chlorinator system is installed with the other pool equipment at the pool pad. The saltwater chlorinator generally will need to be set at approximately 3200 ppm. Always check the saltwater chlorinators manual to ensure you put the correct ppm setting amount for your pool.
Before starting up, it is essential to know how many gallons of water the pool holds. Then, make sure all chemical levels are in their ideal range.
Alkalinity (80-120ppm)
Calcium Hardness (200-400 ppm)
Chlorine (1-3 ppm)
Cyanuric Acid (50-80ppm)
Once you reach these pool chemical ranges, start adding the salt. Start with small amounts and add more as needed. Use a pool brush to move the salt around, so it does not clump up on the bottom of the pool. You never want to add too much salt. This can result in having to drain the pool’s water. Please note: the correct type of salt, Sodium chloride, must be used. Table salt can be used but it needs to be anodized and with the quantity needed this type of salt will end up being more expensive. Never use solar salt or rock salt as they can stain the pool.
Once all the chemical and salt levels are at their ideal range, turn on the saltwater chlorinator system. Keep a watch on all of the chemical and salt levels for a few days as they can change. Soon, you will have a swimming pool where the water feels soft, does not irritate eyes and skin, and you will have so much more time to sit back, relax and have fun when you find the maintenance of a saltwater pool is so much easier.
We recommend scheduling a pool maintenance service to ensure the salt cell is thoroughly cleaned to avoid calcium buildup and to avoid the corrosion of other pool parts and equipment.
Now What About Saltwater Pools and Chlorine?
Have you heard that saltwater pools use chlorine, and asking, so what is the difference? Here’s the difference. Saltwater chlorinators make the chlorine onsite vs. a chlorine pool where chlorine liquid, powder or tablets need to be added. With chlorine pools, the levels always need to be monitored. In addition, there will be considerably less chlorine with a saltwater pool, and the levels will stabilize, unlike the fluctuation of a chlorine pool. You still may need to give your pool an occasional shock treatment. This will depend on various factors like the weather and the swimming pool’s usage.
Is The Water Salty and Does It Smell of Chlorine?
As for a salty taste, the answer is “no.” The ocean has approximately 35,000 ppm of salt, whereas a pool has a fraction of that amount at about 3,200 ppm. This is well below the threshold of a salty taste.
As for a chlorine smell, saltwater pools generally have no detectable odor.
As the answers are “no” to both questions, if the pool’s chemical balance is off or there is a problem with the salt cell, one can experience a salty taste and the smell of chlorine. But this is not the norm.
Does a Saltwater Chlorinator Kill Germs Like Chlorine?
Yes, it does. Even with the low levels of chlorine, there is enough to keep the pool crystal clear and germ-free. No need to worry!
Are Saltwater Pools Superior to Chlorine Pools?
In so many ways, yes! But as we are all different and our pools and lifestyles are as well the best type of pool for each and every one of us can be different.
Let us set up a free consultation with no obligation and discuss all of the pros and cons of both types, a saltwater chlorinator system vs. chlorine. Let us help you decide which is best for you and your pool.
