Salt Water Chlorinators
Why they are so very good to install and use
The key thing about the products we recommend, is that we test them ourselves before advising customers to use them. Product information is great but it’s also good to talk to people who are using the items you are interested in.
Salt water chlorinators are becoming more understood, more economical and more reliable. With the addition of micro-computer technology plus an easier to use design, we tested them for a year. We are now actively installing and promoting their use.
The Salt Water Chlorinators we recommend are:
- Simple to use
- Easy to operate
- Quick to install
- Straightforward to maintain
Salt Water Chlorinators are perfect for small to medium size pools (though we can help with information about larger pool systems too!)
Advantages of Salt Water Pools
Here are some of the benefits of salt water systems that seem to be driving their popularity:
Gentle on Eyes and Skin
Chlorine levels are generally lower with a salt generator as they are produced much more consistently. People who are sensitive to chlorine or have sensitive skin often report fewer irritations when using these pools. Remember if you have a pool cleaner who only visits periodically they tend to overcompensate with chlorine adding more to get you to the next visit.
Safer Than Chlorine
In tablet or liquid form, chlorine can be dangerous to store and transport. Studies have shown that chlorinated water may also pose a long-term health risk, which may not apply to saltwater systems to the same extent (on the other hand, they do still produce the same disinfection by-products as traditional pools). The standard pool operator has a tendency.
“Soft Water” Feel.
If you have a water softener in your home, you know that the addition of salt to makes the water feel smooth and silky to the touch – like rainwater. Most people prefer this to the sometimes-abrasive feel of chlorinated water.
Less Maintenance
Pool maintenance is more “hands-off” with a salt water system, as the salt cell simply produces chlorine as needed. That said, you still must monitor chlorine levels periodically to make sure everything is working okay.
Water balance
Is much more easily achieved than with the traditional chlorine product, especially if you are currently using multi-action tablets as these add by-products to the pool. With a salt system, you are in total control.
Disadvantages of Salt Water Pools
Given those advantages, salt water chlorination is the perfect solution to the many hassles of chlorine. Not so fast. Here are some qualities of salt water swimming pools that might make you think twice:
More Expensive
A saltwater system requires a hefty initial investment, which may total €1000 or more. Of course, with the money you’re saving on chlorine, the system could pay for itself in a few short years. But, any potential savings are theoretical and dependent on a lot of factors. In other words, it’s quite possible that you’ll never recoup your money if the system is not looked after carefully.
More Complex
If you have a sanitation problem with a typical swimming pool, the answer is often to add more chlorine (or some other chemical). With modern electronic saltwater systems, any problems that crop up are more likely to require the help of an experienced technician.
Potentially Damaging to Pool Accessories
There are reports of saltwater systems damaging fixtures, heaters, liners, underwater lighting, and even masonry work. However, some of this information may be outdated or apply only to older equipment. Also, as with any system, a lot depends on whether it is properly installed and maintained. We also have to take into account that the new systems are much more efficient in using much less salt, almost 40% less than 2 years ago.
Please note:
It is still important to ensure your pool is cleaned minimum twice weekly and chemical balances are correct. Use of salt simply means that the chemical usage is slightly different to that in a non-salt chlorinated pool – but our trained pool operatives will be happy to help you clean your salt chlorinated pool.!
For further information and quotations, please email to enquiries@thepoolpeople.eu We’ll be happy to help you!
Wikipedia: Salt Water Chlorination
