Salt water pool monthly maintenance cost (Miami: how much, price, vs)

[lynne4t]

I have heard that salt water pools are cheaper to maintain. I've also heard that having a "pool guy" for a regular pool runs from 80-100/month. Does anyone have a "pool guy" for a salt water pool, or does anyone know how much it costs? We wouldn't be there year 'round to do it ourselves, so that's out of the question.
Thanks!

[HenryHelmhazzard]

I've been a saltwater pool advocate for a couple years now since we converted- we don't really do a thing to our pool during the 'off' season when we don't use it, the thing maintains itself (it is under a cage, so no leaves/debris gets in there). After periods of disuse, the pool chemistry hasn't been hard at all to get back to 'perfect'.

About once a month (at most) during the "on" season when we're regularly using it, we take the water to the local pool store for a quick analysis. For 2009, we MIGHT have spent around $10/month when averaged out in chemicals. A few bags of salt, a few gallons of acid here and there, stabilizer, and Jack's Magic... that was about it.

HHH

[lynne4t]

So, if my off season is summer and we wouldn't be there, would I have to have a pool co. come and do anything with it for me?

[HenryHelmhazzard]

Well, we get away with months of neglect during the cold season, no chemicals, no brushing.

In your case you might want to have someone check on the equipment from time to time, though. Things to be aware of: Water loss to evaporation, leaks (they happen, though rarely), etc. Our solar occasionally springs a minor leak, so if you have solar, you probably will want to bypass it for the unattended months.

I think we run the pool for 8 hrs/day during the most active months, 10 hrs/day as the weather turns to extend the swimming season with the solar. Without use during the summer, you could probably get by with much less than 8 hrs/day of filtration if you're under a cage and have salt. 4-6 perhaps (or so I've read).

HHH

[brucecadle]

The Swimming Pool Place in Miami, Florida has tons of unbiased articles on Salt Water Swimming Pools vs Liquid Chlorine of Chlorine Tablets.

Here a chart: http://theswimmingpoolplace.com/Salt...-Chlorine.html

They don't sell pool supplies or equipment, so it rally is neutral, well researched information

[photoman_6]

ii have a small salt pool. I have a company come in twice a month to clean the pool and heck the ph and such. I pay $45 per month and it's well worth it. Never had a problem with the pool water, although I just had to replace the salt unit at 11 years old.
pm me if you want the name of my pool company

[llrivero]

We have a salt water pool, and LOVE IT! We have a great pool company that only charges $75.00 and they come weekly. They clean the filter, brush and vacuum the pool weekly. They test the levels and if they need to add salt or anything to it that is also included in the price.

If you are considering converting your pool from chlorine to salt water..... do it! You will be happy you did!

Our skin is softer, swim suits last longer, and it is definitely easy to maintain.. PM me if you want the name of our pool company. It is a great locally owned company... not a big chain!

[Restrain]

I have a salt water pool. Occasional brushing, removal of usual leaves, all I do myself. NO chlorine, no worrying about maintaining the balance of chemicals. Just clean the filter cartridge regularly. I had to add some salt, adjust the ph at one point a few months after start-up, cost was less than a single monthly visit by the pool guy.

[Harbor Hopper]

y'all aware this thread is from 2009, right??