Question 1

How do saltwater pools work?

Accepted Answer

While freshwater pools rely on chlorine to disinfect the water and keep it free from algae, bacteria and other organisms that can be damaging to our health, saltwater pools use an electrolytic chlorine generator or ECG. This generator separates salt in the pool water into two primary elements, one of which is chlorine. This is then circulated around the pool to sanitise it. The main advantage of this process is that it doesn't produce chloramines which is an irritating by-product of store-bought chlorine. These chloramines are what give the water in swimming pools that distinctive chlorine smell and can sting your eyes.

Question 2

What kind of salt is used in a salt chlorine generator?

Accepted Answer

There are several options for the salt used in a saltwater pool: Solar salt, Mechanically evaporated salt, and Mined salt. You should only use salt that's intended for swimming pools, food-grade and non-iodised. The higher the purity level of the salt, the less maintenance will be required for your pool. It's recommended to choose a salt that's 99% purity or higher for the best results. It's not recommended that you use rock salt or calcium chloride – rock salt won't dissolve enough and isn't of a pure enough quality, while calcium chloride impacts the hardness of the water and can lead to deposits forming on the pool walls.

Question 3

How much salt does a saltwater pool need?

Accepted Answer

Salt levels in pools are typically 2,700-3,400ppm but it depends on your cell's rating, as generators have different ranges. The optimal concentration is around 3,200ppm. PPM stands for Parts Per Million and it's the amount of salt in milligrams that's present in one litre of water. So, depending on the size of your pool and how much water it holds, the concentration of salt will vary. However, there are online calculators you can use to determine how much salt is required for your pool. You can also check the reading on your salt chlorine generator to make sure it's at the right level, or use a salt testing kit for an accurate measurement.

Question 4

How long will a salt chlorine generator last?

Accepted Answer

Salt chlorine generator cells will usually last between 3 and 7 years. However, maintenance and salt levels will impact this. Maintaining your salt generator regularly will help it to last longer and improve the quality of the water in your swimming pool.

Question 5

Can I still use an automatic cover with a saltwater pool?

Accepted Answer

There are a lot of metal components with an automatic cover, which saltwater can rust and damage, so we recommend using an inline erosion feeder if you have an automatic cover.

Salt Water Swimming Pools