How do Saltwater Pool Systems Work?

One cannot just throw salt in and expect it to sanitize. First, you will need a professional to install the system. These systems consist of additional plumbing equipment into your return line, and this is where the water goes after it is pumped out of the pool. It makes several “stops” along the way before going back into your vessel. It goes through the pump to the filter and possibly a heater and finally through the salt system to create chlorine that is then returned to the pool. A salt pool system contains two components: The main control panel and a salt cell (where the magic happens). Salt systems come in a variety of brands.

Depending on the brand, you will need to establish the correct parts per million (ppm) of salt in the water by adding pool salt bags. An average 20 kg bag of pool salt will raise every 40,000 Litres of water by approximately 480 ppm. Typical salt systems require somewhere in the mid-3,000ppm. (Consult your owner’s manual for the exact desired range).

As the water passes through the salt cell, the salt is converted by a process known as electrolysis to separate the salt (sodium chloride)(NaCl) in the water. Thus CHLORINE is produced! It is in the form of sodium hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid. These agents not only sanitize and disinfect but oxidize. So, in effect, a saltwater pool is still a chlorine pool; you are just “making” your own instead of manually adding it. There is no smell of chlorine and no taste.

The Benefits of a Saltwater Pool

Because a salt generator oxidizes (breaks down contaminants and organic load), a saltwater pool has less of a tendency to have chloramines, aka combined chlorine. When you smell lousy chlorine in a pool or “public pool”. Those are the chloramines that you are smelling. Chlorine in this state is irritating and does not disinfect or prevent algae. 

Many people state that salt pools “feel better” or “smoother” on their skin – in part due to the lack of chloramines.

You don’t have to buy traditional chlorine most of the year. I say “most of the year” because many salt systems will not work when the water drops below a specific temperature. (Approx. 14-15 degrees Celsius). If you winterize your pool, this doesn’t affect you. If you live in Cyprus, it will, and you will have to chlorinate until the water becomes naturally warmer. Something a lot of people considering saltwater pools may not realize.

Maintaining a Saltwater Pool

A common misconception among pool owners is that saltwater pools are less expensive and have less maintenance. It is false. They require the same amount of work and about the same amount of money when you average it out. Depending on where you buy and the make or type of product, salt systems can vary from €500 to €2000. Most salt cell warranties are good for 2-4 years (around 5000 working hrs). When a cell needs to be replaced, it can be pretty expensive, so check the service costs when buying a system. You also need to ensure you have a heating system compatible with salt, or you could end up having to replace the heating system very quickly.

Salt systems produce chlorine with a higher PH. Typically you need to add either dry or liquid acid to lower the PH and alkalinity weekly to bi-weekly. Try keeping the PH to around 7.2. When PH/Alkalinity becomes elevated, the water becomes known as “scale-forming”. Calcium builds up around the edges and spillways of your pool, in your plumbing and your salt cell. 

So, it is super important to keep both the calcium level and the PH within the desired range.

Excess calcium buildup can damage a cell.

Most salt cell manufacturers recommend cleaning your cell every three months. We don’t want to over clean a cell because it harms the plates. Salt cell cleanings can be done by a pool professional or at home with a 4 to 1 muriatic acid mixture or the manufacturer’s recommended salt cell cleaner.

As with a traditional chlorine pool, you need to test your saltwater pool often and make necessary chemical adjustments. You still want to brush the pool weekly. You need to remove leaves and other debris. Pretty much everything stays the same except the source from where the chlorine is made.

Which salt system to use?

Salt systems, as advised above, can vary in cost. The budget ones are installed in-line where the computer controls are built into the same unit. These systems are generally used in tight spaces and, although lower in cost, can be just as effective and efficient as higher priced models. The standard systems are usually where the actual salt cell is built into the pipework as standard, and the control panel is separated, generally fixed to the wall. These units offer more flexibility, and you can add items such as a temp gauge, flow meter or PH probe and dispenser later. They are also generally more robust and easier to maintain. The choice boils down to how much you want to spend

Salt or Not?

Saltwater pools are a more natural way to sanitize your pool water. Every time you run the pump, you create chlorine in small amounts, enabling the water balance to be more easily maintained. The water tends to feel better/softer, and they are becoming more and more popular over the years. A saltwater pool might be for you if you are looking for these features and benefits. If you were considering saving time or money, you could see that may not be achieved. Either way, keep your pools safe by testing, testing, testing!

I can sum up the benefits of a saltwater pool very quickly.

If you want softer water and a more stabilized pool balance, shift to a salt system.