| One of the great recreational innovations of the | | | | many times over in savings on chlorine tablets. |
| past ten years is salt water swimming pools. Their | | | | - Will the water be salty like the ocean? Answer: |
| incredible popularity can be traced to two specific | | | | No; the water may have a slight taste of salt, but |
| issues; maintenance and cost. For many years, | | | | will only have about one tenth the salinity level of |
| pools had a reputation for being labor intensive on | | | | ocean water. |
| the maintenance side and running up big monthly | | | | - Will it eliminate the need for chemicals? Answer: |
| bills for chemicals and upkeep. Salt water | | | | No; while it will eliminate the need for chemical |
| swimming pools have eliminated a large part of | | | | chlorine and reduce the needed amounts of other |
| these issues. While the initial costs are higher and | | | | chemicals, some amounts of muriatic acid, calcium |
| some maintenance is still required; most | | | | chloride, stabilizer, and other chemicals will need to |
| homeowners find the systems preferable to | | | | be used from time to time to control ph, total |
| traditional chlorine tablets. The following are | | | | alkalinity, calcium hardness, and other occasional |
| answers to some commonly asked questions you | | | | conditions. |
| should know before purchasing your system. | | | | - What are the major advantages of salt water |
| - How Does It Work? Answer: As the name | | | | swimming pools? Answer: Easier maintenance |
| would suggest; salt water swimming pools involve | | | | reduced chemical costs, no chlorine odor, less |
| the process of adding salt (about 20 lb. Per: 1,000 | | | | irritation of the eyes and skin, and better control |
| gallons) to your pool water. The water is then | | | | of water chemistry. |
| moved by the pump through cells consisting of | | | | - Are there disadvantages to salt water |
| titanium plates that are electrically charged; | | | | swimming pools? Answer: The salt can be |
| converting the salt into pure chlorine. | | | | corrosive to metal equipment and patio furniture |
| - What's the Cost? Answer: Electronic chlorine | | | | (granular and tablet chlorine is also) and it can |
| generators for above ground pools run from $150 | | | | cause scaling on tile and decks, which can be |
| to around $ 500 depending on the manufacturer | | | | rinsed off with water. Overall, the effects are |
| and the size of the pool. The price range for in | | | | about equal to chemically chlorinated water. |
| ground models is between $ 600 and $ 1,200. | | | | Hopefully, we've helped clear up some of the |
| Even though the upfront cost is more than | | | | issues concerning salt water swimming pools. |
| traditional systems; the expense will be recouped | | | | Thanks for reading and good luck! |