Significance

• Saltwater pools are pools that are initially filled with saltwater and use dissolved salt; between 3,500 and 6,500 parts per million---to create its own chlorination system. The myth with saltwater pools is that many people think that a saltwater pool contains no chlorine and that is not true---salt contains traces of chlorine and a chlorine generator is utilized in a saltwater pool and uses electrolysis to generate enough chlorine to sanitize and clean the pool. The main difference between saltwater pools and fresh or sanitized water pools that use chlorine or bromine is that the chemicals need to be dumped into the pool in order to sanitize---with a salt water generator the chlorine is created naturally.
  
  

Function

• Saltwater pools are used for swimming and lounging in, especially in an outdoor atmosphere. Saltwater pools can be made from gunite, concrete, stone or have a vinyl liner which holds the water inside. Saltwater pools can be used in months when the weather is warm---typically above 75 degrees. Heaters can be utilized to maintain a warm water temperature so that the pool can be enjoyed on cooler days. Saltwater pools are popular all over the world but are most prevalent in residential neighborhoods, although they are also popular at spas and retreats. Saltwater pools offer an eco-friendly alternative for those practicing a green lifestyle and are less harmful to the environment due to not having to use of harsh chemicals.
  
  

Benefits

• Spending less on granular chlorine, clarifiers, Ph adjusters and other swimming pool chemicals is the biggest benefit to using a saltwater pool. The chlorine generator can be adjusted to create more chlorine and maintain a healthy chemistry to the pool. For people who are ultra sensitive or allergic to granular chlorine---they may not see any side effects from the chlorine generator due the lack of the chemical compounds that are typically dumped in the water. Saltwater pools do not have the strong chlorine odor like freshwater chlorinated or bromine treated pools do---making them more inviting for swimmers. Saltwater pools tend to be crystal clear when operating properly and algae is unable to grow, making the pools appearance more clean and inviting.
  
  

Considerations

• One should consider that saltwater pools will have to have more salt water added every three months due to rainwater filling up in the pool and normal water spillage from swimmers getting in and out of the pool. Keeping the pool clean with a water cleaning vacuum unit such as a Baracuda, which vacuums dirt out of the bottom of the pool and also leaves, debris and bugs---the vacuum unit keeps the pool's filter system working better therefore producing cleaner and clearer looking pool water.
  
  

Effects

• The chlorine produced by a chlorine generator in a saltwater pool is less likely to be destroyed in direct sunlight unlike actual chlorine tablets that are used in freshwater pools which lose their strength in high heat and the sun. Saltwater pools leave skin feeling soft and smooth with minimal residue and chalkiness. Saltwater pools do not bleach out swim wear like traditional chlorine granulated fed pools may---making them also cost effective with not having to buy or replace swim wear as often.