Yes, millions of people have salt water pools, which are actually traditional chlorine pools with a saltwater chlorine generator (SWG) that produces chlorine from salt rather than adding liquid chlorine manually.
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Yes, millions of people worldwide have salt water pools! In fact, saltwater pools have become increasingly popular over the past two decades, now representing approximately 20-25% of all residential pools in the United States. These pools use a saltwater chlorine generator (SWG) to produce chlorine from dissolved salt, creating a more comfortable swimming experience while still maintaining proper sanitization.
Despite the name, salt water pools are still chlorinated pools. The key difference is how the chlorine is produced. Instead of manually adding liquid chlorine or chlorine tablets, a saltwater chlorine generator uses electrolysis to convert dissolved salt (sodium chloride) into chlorine gas, which immediately dissolves into the water as hypochlorous acid - the same sanitizing agent found in traditional chlorinated pools.
The salt level in these pools is typically maintained between 2,700-3,400 ppm, which is about one-tenth the salinity of ocean water. This level is barely detectable to most swimmers and creates a softer, silkier feel to the water.
Salt water pools have experienced tremendous growth since the early 2000s. Several factors have contributed to their popularity:
The primary reason people choose saltwater pools is the enhanced swimming experience. The lower chlorine byproducts (chloramines) mean less eye and skin irritation. Swimmers often report that saltwater pools feel softer and more natural, with less of the harsh "chlorine smell" associated with traditional pools.
With an SWG system, pool owners eliminate the need to regularly purchase, transport, and store liquid chlorine or chlorine tablets. The system produces chlorine automatically, reducing the risk of chemical burns or accidents during handling.
Saltwater chlorine generators provide steady, consistent chlorine production based on your settings and runtime. This helps maintain more stable free chlorine (FC) levels compared to manual dosing, which can create peaks and valleys in sanitizer levels.
Saltwater pools require different chemical balance targets compared to traditional pools:
The higher CYA requirement exists because SWG systems benefit from additional stabilizer to protect the generated chlorine from UV degradation, maximizing efficiency.
Saltwater pool owners must test water chemistry 2-3 times weekly using a reliable test kit like the Taylor K-2006C. Pay particular attention to pH levels, as the electrolytic process naturally drives pH upward, requiring regular addition of muriatic acid to lower pH back to the optimal range.
The generator cell requires periodic cleaning to remove calcium scale buildup. Most manufacturers recommend inspection every 2-3 months and cleaning with a mild muriatic acid solution when scale becomes visible. Proper water balance helps minimize scaling.
Salt doesn't evaporate, so levels remain relatively stable unless water is removed from the pool. Test salt levels monthly using salt test strips or a digital tester. Add salt as needed, typically requiring 240 pounds of salt per 10,000 gallons to raise levels by 1,000 ppm.
A quality saltwater chlorine generator system costs $1,200-$2,500 for residential installations, plus professional installation fees of $300-$800. Popular brands include Pentair IntelliChlor, Hayward AquaRite, and Jandy AquaPure systems.
While electricity costs increase due to the generator's power consumption, most owners save $300-$600 annually on chlorine purchases. Generator cells typically last 3-7 years depending on usage and water balance, with replacement cells costing $200-$600.
Many people believe saltwater pools are "chlorine-free," but this is incorrect. They produce the same sanitizing chlorine compounds as traditional pools. Another misconception is that saltwater pools require no maintenance - they actually require more attention to pH and alkalinity levels.
Saltwater systems work best for pool owners who:
Safety Note: Always follow manufacturer instructions for cell cleaning and never swim when the generator is producing chlorine at high output levels.
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