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How Does a Pool Salt System Work?
- The idea that there is no chlorine in a saltwater pool is a misconception. Chlorine is present, but at a much lower concentration than and without the additional chemicals needed in a traditional chlorine pool. The saline system creates a concentration of 0.5 to 1 parts per million (ppm) chlorine, compared to the 3 to 10 ppm chlorine found in traditional pool systems.
- Electrolysis is the key to saltwater pool systems. Electrolysis is a process by which bonded elements in a liquid solution are separated by passing through two charged electrodes or plates. The positively charged ions move toward the negatively charged plate (cathode), and the negatively charged ions move toward the positively charged plate (anode).
Salt is made up of sodium and chloride. When saline water passes through the charged plates in the salt cell, the chlorine, which is positively charged, separates from the sodium and is released into the pool water as free chlorine. - The most obvious component of a saltwater pool system is salt. The salt is dissolved into the pool water at a concentration of 3,500 ppm, roughly one-third the salinity of human tears and with one-twelfth the salt content of ocean water.
In the salt cell, the saline water passes between charged plates, and by the process of electrolysis, chlorine gas is released. The control mechanism determines how many hours the salt cell runs each day. You set the control based on testing of your pool water. It is only while the salt cell runs that chlorine is being produced.
A regular pool pump, while not an actual piece of the saline system, is an important part of the process, as it keeps water moving through the salt cell. - There are several health benefits to saline pool systems. With a salt water pool, there is no transporting or handling of large quantities of strong pool chemicals. The free chlorine the system produces is considered less caustic than the combinations of chemicals used in a traditional chlorine pool. Additionally, the saline system prevents the formation of chloramines and other harmful chlorine compounds.
Though there is an initial investment when switching to or building a saltwater pool, there are also significant maintenance savings. Because the salt in the system is recycled, it is only necessary to "top off" the salt occasionally. Saline system owners spend an average of $10 to $20 in salt each year to replace salt.
Another benefit is comfort. Because a saline pool does not use the additional chemicals needed in a traditional chlorine pool, the water is less irritating to eyes and respiratory systems. - Consistent maintenance is essential to the performance of a saltwater pool. Read and follow the manufacturer's directions for your saline pool, including regular cleaning and checking of chlorine and pH levels.
When researching a pool, be sure to consider the cost of electricity to run the salt cell the necessary hours each day. Additionally, consider the effects of saline water on plants surrounding the pool and design your landscape accordingly.
Electrolysis
Components
Benefits
Maintenance and Considerations
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