Thinking 🤔 of a salt system for the pool?

Thinking 🤔 of a salt system for the pool? 

Sometimes a homeowner needs support from their local pool expert - just like sometimes a salt system needs a boost from a bit of chlorine here and there. I have been in the pool industry for over 20 years - I have serviced, repaired, and installed probably a thousand or so salt systems.

The technology of salt systems is amazing - but there are many consumer misconceptions on how it works. In this blog, I will share how the salt system works, a bit about ideal water chemistry using a salt system, and the realistic pros and cons of having one. 

Basic of Water Chemistry

The key components of water chemistry include pH, which measures the acidity or alkalinity of the water; chlorine (sanitizer), which kills bacteria and algae; alkalinity, which helps stabilize pH levels; and calcium hardness, which prevents corrosion and scaling. 

Ideal Ranges (considering a residential average pool in Texas during spring through summer)

1. Free Chlorine  1-3 ppm
2. P.H.   7.4-7.6  (Human Body 7.5)
3. Alkalinity  80-120 ppm
4. CYA  60-80 ppm
5. Calcium Hardness 200-400 ppm

For further evaluation of the chemical effects on your pool and equipment refer to the saturation index or Langelier Saturation Index.

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The Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) is the unbiased measure of water balance. Most water treatment industries use the LSI, and so do we. In the 1930s, Dr. Wilfred Langelier developed his index to know if/when water becomes corrosive or scale-forming. In short, the LSI tells us how saturated our water is with calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Perfect saturation is 0.00 LSI, and the acceptable range is between -0.30 to +0.30 LSI.

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How a Salt System Works

Your salt system is using the power of electrolysis. Inside the salt cell, an electrical current of 18 -24 DC Volts is passed through the saltwater, causing the sodium chloride (NaCl) molecules to break apart into sodium (Na) and chlorine ions(Cl). The chlorine ions then combine with water molecules to form hypochlorous acid, a powerful sanitizer that effectively kills bacteria and algae in the pool. The salt returns back to the solution as sodium. Salt loss is only from water loss or dilution as the system is producing it does not use the salt. 

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Most salt system controls are really simple based on a percentage rate. The percentage is based on every hour the system has power and flow. If the system is set at 50% and the pump runs 8 hours a day, the salt cell will produce for 4 hours. Boost or super chlorinate is a 24-hour function. The salt system will run at 100% until 24hrs is achieved and then will return to the percentage output that it is set on.

• Aquapure 1400 / 24 hr production 1.25 lbs equivalent
• Aquapure 700 / 24 hr production .625 lbs equivalent
• Jandy Tru-Clear / 24 hr production .9 lbs equivalent
• Hayward Goldline system  / 24 hr production 1.1 lbs equivalent 
• Pentair Intellichlor / 24 hr production 1 lb equivalent

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Pool Chemistry w/ Salt System

This is where a homeowner gets confused. What are the ideal chemical ranges for a salt pool? I’ll tell ya, the exact same! CYA (Conditioner/Stabilizer/Cyanuric acid) is commonly misunderstood. This is the sunscreen for your chlorine or sanitation in the pool. In a sense, the available chlorine can get sunburnt and wasted if this level is not provided.

A homeowner with a salt system has to focus more on maintaining the pH. With the unique chemistry of the salt system, a chemical reaction of the salt (NaCl) to split into sodium & chlorine ions can cause the pH to climb.

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Salt Systems will require a rebalance using muriatic acid, creating more acidity instead of a “basic” pH as it is producing. In Texas, in extreme heat, there are also times that a salt system will not be able to keep up. Even with a salt system, a homeowner should be checking their chlorine and add granular chlorine when needed.

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Pros & Cons of a Salt System 

Pros:

1. Gentler on Skin and Eyes: Saltwater pools produce chlorine gas on sight for sanitation without additives as granular would contain. Hence, a softer water and more pure sanitation for the water.
2. Convenience: Saltwater pools require less worry than traditional pools since they continuously produce chlorine from salt dissolved in the water. 
3. Cost Savings: The initial cost of installing a saltwater system is higher than using chlorine. However, the system can produce the equivalent of 1.25 lbs of chlorine every 24 hours based on a 40K salt system. 3 years would produce 1,368.75 lbs of chlorine. This is the typical warranty of the salt system.

Cons:

1. Initial Cost: The upfront cost of installing a saltwater system is higher than using chlorine for your pool. 
2. Corrosion Risk: Saltwater pools can be more corrosive to certain materials, such as metal fixtures and equipment, if not properly maintained. With the nature of the salt system raising the Ph a common mistake is to assume that the water is clear and feels good so regular chemical checks are no longer needed. This is false. I can tell you I have seen more remodeled pools with a new salt system installed ruined in 3 years because of this thesis. Please perform weekly checks with a salt system to adjust Ph. or you will be sorry for the after-effects on equipment and pool finishes.
3. Maintenance Requirements: While saltwater pools require less frequent chlorine additions, they still require regular maintenance to ensure proper water balance and salt levels. This includes periodic testing, cleaning the salt cell, and adjusting settings as needed.
4. Salt cells typically last 3 to 5 years and replacement cost is $1000 - $1500. 

If you are considering switching to a salt system, here are the pros and cons to evaluate if it is right for your pool and for your budget. Of course, it is handy to have a pool expert on call if you have questions or want to get an estimate for a new install. Thank you for reading our blog, I hope you learned something new!

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