While chlorine has historically been used in pool systems for sanitation, other sanitation methods are coming to the forefront as being reliable and healthy methods for keeping pools clean. For example, salt pools are popular among pool owners who do not like the irritating or toxic effects chlorine may have on their well-being.
How Salt Chlorine Treatments Work in Pools
A salt chlorine generator uses a process, known as electrolysis, to produce hydrochloric acid or a sanitizer from the salt and water. The key feature that separates salt chlorine from other sanitizing methods is the capacity for the salt to recycle itself. After the hydrochloric acid disinfects a pool, it turns back into salt before the process is repeated. As a result, salt generators for pools have gained a lot of popularity with pool owners, and the market for them will no doubt expand in the future.
Because the chlorine that is generated is so concentrated in salt pools, swimmers in these kinds of pools experience less irritation to the eyes or skin than when pools are traditionally chlorinated. That is because salt chlorine creates an almost neutral pH level. As a result, you need fewer additional chemicals in order to balance out the chlorine in the pool.
The Disadvantage of Using Salt
Unfortunately, this method can cause you to re-surface your pool more often than when you use a process such as ionization. While the use of salt causes owners of concrete pools to surface their pools on a more frequent basis, anyone with a fiber glass pool will be spared the task. However, certain parts of any kind of pool usually need to be replaced more frequently when salt is used.
That being said, using an alternative such as salt pools or ionization, is usually better from a cost standpoint. If you chlorinate your pool water, you can easily spend $300 during the pool season to treat the pool. On the other hand, if you choose to use a salt chlorine generator or a system that promotes ionization, the cost can drop substantially. While salt pool generators can be pricey, you save on the amount of chemicals you use. Salt pools with generators usually cost the homeowner about $1000 to $2000 to install.
If you choose a mineral sanitation process such as ionization, the system is not only more affordable, the overall pool treatment is lower in cost as well. Compare that with the replacement costs for the salt cells used in salt chlorine systems and you will see the wisdom of using ionization. Salt cells can cost from $1,000 to $1,500 and have to be replaced once every three to five years. Any excessive salt concentration is also corrosive and can lead to the breakdown of lighting systems, pool liners, and handrails. Therefore, ionization is often the preferred alternative over chlorination.
