To: Don Green who wrote (16 ) 2/16/2024 11:48:03 AM From: Don Green Respond to What are the pluses and minuses of a chlorine pool vs salt water in ground pool in S. Florida Chlorine Pools Plusses Upfront cost: Chlorine pools are typically less expensive to install than saltwater pools.Effectiveness: Chlorine is a very effective sanitizer and can kill a wide range of bacteria and algae.Readily available: Chlorine is widely available and can be purchased at most pool supply stores. Minuses Harsh chemicals: Chlorine can be harsh on skin, eyes, and hair.Strong odor: Chlorine can have a strong odor that some people find unpleasant.Requires regular maintenance: Chlorine pools require regular maintenance to keep the chlorine levels balanced. Saltwater Pools Plusses Gentler on skin, eyes, and hair: Saltwater is gentler on skin, eyes, and hair than chlorine.No strong odor: Saltwater does not have a strong odor like chlorine.Lower maintenance: Saltwater pools require less maintenance than chlorine pools. Minuses Higher upfront cost: Saltwater pools are typically more expensive to install than chlorine pools.Requires a saltwater generator: Saltwater pools require a saltwater generator, which can be expensive to purchase and maintain.Less effective in cold weather: Saltwater pools may not be as effective at sanitizing water in cold weather. Considerations for South Florida Overall Here is a table summarizing the key differences between chlorine pools and saltwater pools: What is involved in changing your chlorine pool to salt water and potential costs and other factors Balance your pool's water: Before installing any new equipment, you'll need to balance your pool's pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and chlorine levels. These levels should be within the following ranges: pH: 7.2-7.8 Total alkalinity: 80-120 ppm Calcium hardness: 200-400 ppm Chlorine: 2-4 ppm Add pool-grade salt: Once your pool's water is balanced, you can add pool-grade salt. The amount of salt you need to add will depend on the size of your pool. A good rule of thumb is to add 2.5 pounds of salt per 100 gallons of water. Install a saltwater chlorination system: A saltwater chlorination system, also known as a salt chlorine generator, is the heart of a saltwater pool. It uses a process called electrolysis to convert salt into chlorine, which sanitizes the pool water. Saltwater chlorination systems are relatively inexpensive to operate and require less maintenance than chlorine pools. Install a sacrificial anode: A sacrificial anode is a metal rod that is placed in the pool water to protect the pool's metal components from corrosion. This is important because saltwater can be corrosive to metal. Rebalance your pool's water: Once the saltwater chlorination system is installed, you will need to rebalance your pool's water. This is because the salt will have changed the chemical levels of the water. Monitor your pool's salt levels: You will need to monitor your pool's salt levels regularly to make sure they are within the recommended range. The recommended salt level for saltwater pools is 3,200-3,400 ppm. Potential Costs Other Factors to Consider Maintenance: Saltwater pools require less maintenance than chlorine pools, but they still require some regular maintenance. You will need to monitor your pool's salt levels, clean the salt cell, and check for leaks.Effectiveness: Saltwater pools are less effective at sanitizing water in cold weather. If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to supplement your salt chlorination system with chlorine.Corrosion: Saltwater can be corrosive to metal. If you have a pool with metal components, you will need to take steps to protect them from corrosion. Overall Get professional estimates: Before you buy a saltwater chlorination system, get quotes from several different contractors. This will help you get the best possible price.Choose the right size system: The size of the saltwater chlorination system you need will depend on the size of your pool. Make sure you choose a system that is large enough to sanitize your pool properly.Follow the manufacturer's instructions: When installing your saltwater chlorination system, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. This will help ensure that the system is installed properly and works effectively. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily convert your chlorine pool to a saltwater pool and enjoy the many benefits of this type of pool.
