Although salt chlorinated pools are becoming more popular in South Africa, there is still a lot of confusion about how they work, and what the pros and cons are. Hopefully this article will help to clarify things a bit more for those of you who might still be wondering whether to take the plunge (so to speak) and covert to a salt chlorinator, or stick with a regularly chlorinated pool.

“Salt Water Pools Are Corrosive”

Many people think that salt water pools are like having a small sea in their gardens, and we all know how corrosive marine environments can be. But the fact is, the salt concentration of sea water is upwards of 25 000 parts per million (ppm), whereas the concentration from salt chlorinators in pools is around 4000ppm. At these levels, you won’t even taste the salt, and it is no more corrosive than regular chlorine. With both systems, however, the water chemistry needs to be kept in check as incorrect pH causes acidic conditions which can damage pool cleaning equipment and fittings.

“Salt Chlorinated Pools Are Maintenance-Free”

It’s true that once you have the correct levels of salt in your pool, it will generate its own chlorine and you won’t have to add this manually, but it is essential to regularly monitor the pool’s salt concentration and the pH levels of the pool water, adjusting and correcting as and when necessary.

“Salt Chlorinated Pool Water Can Damage Concrete”

Water that is splashed out of newly built, salt chlorinated pools has been blamed for damage to the pool’s concrete surrounds. Most builder believe that this only happens if you let your concrete dry properly for between one and three months before using your salt chlorinator (just use regular chlorine in the meantime). Some pool experts say that it’s not necessary to wait as long as three months, but there seems to be a consensus that you should wait at least one month from the date of starting your pool’s circulation system.

There are many factors to consider, and questions to ask, before you make the final decision on which pool chlorination system is going to be best for you. Salt chlorinated pools are great if you have sensitive skin and don’t like the smell of regular chlorine, but they are more expensive to set up than regular chlorination systems.

Do your research thoroughly, and please don’t hesitate to come and chat to the knowledgeable and friendly people at Pool Spa & Filtration Supplies. We have everything you need to keep your pool at its sparkling best – whichever chlorination system you have.