Pools

[DavidBilly]

thanks for the tips again
maybe a noisy pump would mask my snoring LOL,
what about salt water vs fresh water?
I like swimming in salt water but does it cost much more?
can a fresh water pool be converted to salt water?
TIA

[kell490]

Salt water pool creates its chlorine by chemical reaction an electric anode connected to a small current which this anode is inline with your pump. The salt water systems usually run over 1000$ and the ROI on chlorine is about 10 years depending on if you have it installed how much you paid for it. The cheaper units last less time and have shorter warranties. The anode has a life of about 3 years and has to be replaced that can cost a lot drive the cost up. If the electronic box burns out you basically have to replace the whole system. It's more about convenience there is no cost savings that I could figure out my pool uses about $140 a year in chlorine not counting shock. If I had a salt system that was working correctly I would not forget to put tabs in and have to use shock .

In the last few years I have seen systems selling for around the $700 range but the pool store said that they had higher failure rates with those lower cost systems. One last thing I forgot many pools with coated decks like acrylic lace sometimes peels off near the pool edge where the salt water splashes on. That is something to keep in mind. Here is a link I found with more negative things about Salt systems I didn't even know about.

Things You Should Know Before Converting Your Swimming Pool From Chlorine To A Salt Water System | Fun Times Guide to Household Tips

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by DavidBilly

thanks for the tips again
maybe a noisy pump would mask my snoring LOL,
what about salt water vs fresh water?
I like swimming in salt water but does it cost much more?
can a fresh water pool be converted to salt water?
TIA

kell490 made some good points on the working and economy of a salt system. I wanted to add that you will not be swimming in salt water. The salt level is far, far below that of the ocean and is barely noticeable. The added sodium in the water gives it a "soft" feel to some, but with all love and respect for those people, I think that is mostly in their heads. Others will say it does not bleach their clothes, hair, or burn their eyes, but again, that has more to do with improper use of chlorine tablets than the salt. Salt pools are still based on chlorine disinfection. The level of control is usually better than tabs or powder though.

[DavidBilly]

wow I didn't know that.
Thanks a lot.
Will investigate even further now.

[MotleyCrew]

Just got back from dry CA. People please do not build more pools or put in lawns. Our lesson for the decade should be our neighbor and its desire for luxury living over environmental concerns. Low and behold, San Diego is still building luxury condo's, importing more poor migrants to come and suck up what water they have left. Just sayin.

[hikernut]

Also consider when the pool is hit by sun and when it's shaded.

During the summer the shade from our house starts hitting the pool around 4pm. So on these 110-115 degree days it works out well for us. Cocktail hour starts just as shade is hitting the pool!

In full sun it would not be pleasant in the pool on hot days until nearly sunset, and while of course you can add some shade by using umbrellas, etc, it's not the same (to me) as having the whole pool in shade.

hikernut