Ecosmarte Pool

Several years ago many swimming pool dealers began switching exclusively to salt water systems. These salt water systems require that pool owners maintain a chlorine generation system in order to produce the chlorine needed to fight germs and bacteria. Since then many owners have begun switching back to the problems associated with salt water swimming pools.

Not Maintenance Free

Many people purchased salt water swimming pools under the impression that salt water pools were practically maintenance free. No more testing and no chlorine to add are certainly major factors in switching over to salt water system. The truth though is that there is quite a bit of maintenance needed. The salt that is added to water requires constant monitoring because it affects the alkalinity of the water. Alkaline affects pH levels. The pH levels in turn affect how effective chlorine is. Once the pH levels have risen too high, chlorine is no longer able to disinfect the system. High pH levels also increase irritation for swimmers.

Cost

Installing a salt water pool is a very costly venture. Many new pool owners quickly discover that the cost of salt is much more expensive then chlorine. Sadly that isn’t the end of your investment. If you choose a salt water pool, then within a few years you will discover just how much more you will be spending.

In just a couple of years you will have to deal with corroded parts. Salt is a corrosive chemical and since your pump parts are in constant contact with them, it is only a matter of time before they succumb to it. You will also have to replace a chlorine generation cell after just three years. These units are not cheap starting at about $400. Depending on the features you have surrounding your pool you may also be replacing furniture and expensive stone. Most of the owners that surround their pools with natural stones like lime stone are finding that salt eat away at it quicker then other natural factors.

Most salt water pool dealers will be happy to sell you chemical agents that help protect against salt buildup and corrosion, but isn’t that why you wanted to stop using chlorine?

Still Using Chlorine

What many fail to realize is that salt water pools still use chlorine. Using expensive cells to create the chlorine still exposes your skin to this chemical. While many people will claim that the soft water feel of a salt water pool cannot be beat, it is rare that an owner will be able to achieve the perfect balance. Many people live in areas where the tap water is extremely “hard”, the amount of water needed to soften this water will affect the salinity of the pool and can cause many other issues.

So what is your alternative? For a truly chemical-free experience you will want to avoid needing to add salts, chlorine or other dangerous chemicals to your water. There are several alternatives that do not require salt or chlorine to give you clean and safe pool water.