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I read up a bit (Alan Muskat - Articles - Are Saltwater Pools Really Chlorine-Free?) plus a couple of other articles via google. Some articles agree with you -- and I was unaware -- that the target ppm is both pool types is 3ppm. However, there are some links that say saltwater pools are successful at or even below 0.5 ppm (http://islandsaltwater.com/index.php...bout_saltwater).
Btw, still confused about the "fresh water" comment about chlorinated pools - they certainly are not. Articles also talk about that in practice, saltwater pools tend to have less ups and downs and this is better as it produces less toxic chemicals.
For me, I can go to my saltwater pool and have no issues. When I go to pools (city etc), I tend to itch for at least a day. The original post asked about why - for me, and others, looks like there is less irritating chemical junk in saltwater pools, regardless of the ppm and the chloramines in each. This experience is by no means unique.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gates
I noticed in some houses there are salt water pools, why?
For the life of me I can not figure this out.
Thanks
A salt water system is really a misnomer. The pool will not be salty like ocean water, you can detect a trace of salt by taste and will notice some residue on your bathing suit as it dries, but that's about it. Chlorine is still the agent that controls bacteria and algae. The difference is that you don't require the pH buffers and never have to shock the pool, resulting in pool water that is definitely easier on your hair, skin and eyes. Salt water systems have a chlorine generator that, well, generates chlorine. Basically a small pump circulates the pool water through the generator, which is two opposing conductive surfaces that pass a current through the water as it circulates, effectively breaking the salt, which you simply pour into the generator, down into chlorine and sodium. The problem is that the generator is fairly fragile and very susceptible to corrosion if the salinity is too high. You're walking a very thin line with the proper salt balance; too little and your pool grows hair and legs, too much and the generator breaks down ($500). To maintain the pool in working / swimmable order requires daily attention to pool chemistry and most people aren't willing to pay that much attention to the pool. Also, if you have metal or slate (or any stone with high mineral content) in contact with the water, it will rust.
In summation, the upside is that you have a pool with "gentle" water that is inexpensive to maintain. The downside is that you have a big commitment to keep the pool inexpensive and if you go lax on your commitment, the pool will get expensive fast.
I read up a bit (Alan Muskat - Articles - Are Saltwater Pools Really Chlorine-Free?) plus a couple of other articles via google. Some articles agree with you -- and I was unaware -- that the target ppm is both pool types is 3ppm. However, there are some links that say saltwater pools are successful at or even below 0.5 ppm (Island Saltwater Pools - What's Different about Saltwater?).
Btw, still confused about the "fresh water" comment about chlorinated pools - they certainly are not. Articles also talk about that in practice, saltwater pools tend to have less ups and downs and this is better as it produces less toxic chemicals.
For me, I can go to my saltwater pool and have no issues. When I go to pools (city etc), I tend to itch for at least a day. The original post asked about why - for me, and others, looks like there is less irritating chemical junk in saltwater pools, regardless of the ppm and the chloramines in each. This experience is by no means unique.
In the context of swimming pools, freshwater simply means not the salt based chlorinating system. When I had a pool, I had to check the chemistry every day, usually add chlorine, HCL, algeacides, or Yellow-out, etc. $$$ I wish we had a salt system. The pool at my university was Bromine based. It is less of an irritant, more stable, but costs more.
In the context of swimming pools, freshwater simply means not the salt based chlorinating system. .
OK - not arguing with the context. It is amusing that -rightly or wrongly - calling a pool with many chemicals "fresh water" -- even when saltwater pool may be "gentler" -- is akin to Microsoft Windows using the START button to switch the computer OFF.
Regardless of whether you use liquid chlorine, unstabilized granular chlorine (calcium or lithium hypochlorite), stabilized chlorine (like trichlor tablets and dichlor shock), or a chlorine generator (salt system), the common denominator is hypochlorous acid, which is the sanitizing form of chlorine or "free chlorine". Same chemistry regimen takes over from there.
The average salinity requirement for a salt pool is 3000 to 4000 parts per million. The average salinity of the Gulf of Mexico is approximately 30,000 PPM.
That's all I have to say about that (said in a Forrest Gumpesque inflection).
I have a salt chlorinator, check my pool water weekly, my pool is 4 years old and looks the same as it did brand new. I love the softness of the water.
Can someone tell me where to find a thorough article or good book on how to maintain these levels. I need specifics on the amount of muratic acid needed at what ph levelbetc. I have had a salt water pool for 4 years and love it, but would like to get better at maintenance instead of always having to over come an out of wack problem. The ph levels are the real booger so I need a writtenguide regarding amounts of the chmicals you mentioned.
Thanks so much!
Can someone tell me where to find a thorough article or good book on how to maintain these levels. I need specifics on the amount of muratic acid needed at what ph levelbetc. I have had a salt water pool for 4 years and love it, but would like to get better at maintenance instead of always having to over come an out of wack problem. The ph levels are the real booger so I need a writtenguide regarding amounts of the chmicals you mentioned.
Thanks so much!
Go to Leslie's Pool Supply, they'll help you out.
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