Salt Chlorination: Truths and Myths

When we talk about salt chlorination , we always get questions. Will it cost me a lot? Is it safe for users? Isn’t it like bathing in sea water? Pool season is here and, as usual, many users are interested in salt chlorination systems to disinfect their pools. Although there are many advantages they offer, so are the doubts of the users. To clarify any doubts you may have we are going to review the truths and myths that surround the salt chlorination method.

TRUTHS

1st – It is the most natural disinfection system. True

Pool disinfection exclusively uses an essential chemical substance; chlorine. To keep bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms at bay, the method of directly adding a specially manufactured chemical has been used. Salt chlorination systems, on the other hand, use the natural chlorine present in an element as common as common salt ( sodium chloride or NaCl)

For this, the electrolysis that is generated inside the salt chlorinator is necessary. The device has electrodes inside that generate an electric field and break down the salt molecules present in the water. The result is the obtaining of natural chlorine, the main disinfectant of our pool. At the end of the process, the salt molecules come together again so the process can be restarted.

2nd – It is totally safe for users. True.

As we have seen in the first point, the result of electrolysis is a totally natural compound. In this way, by avoiding any artificial chemicals in the water, concerns about irritated skin and eyes disappear, making salt chlorination a totally safe method for the whole family.

Another advantage of being a careful system with users is the possibility of enjoying the pool while the chlorinator works. As it is a constant process, with a reduced amount of salt and no chemical products are used, stable disinfection levels are generated and chlorination peaks are avoided. In addition, swimming pools that have salt chlorination systems will avoid unpleasant chemical odors.

Salt chlorination is an efficient method to keep your pool free from any pathogens and respectful of users.

3rd – Salt chlorination is an ecological and sustainable system. True

The disinfection of water by salt chlorination is much more sustainable. In this process the salt is reused continuously and the operation of the salt chlorinator entails low energy consumption. Therefore, we can say that it is a sustainable and ecological cleaning method , respectful to the environment.

4th – It is suitable for all pools. True.

Salt chlorination is suitable for all types of pools regardless of their use and the material from which they are made. Therefore, it is a very interesting option for users.

5th – Much savings are produced by not needing chemical products. True.

The most widespread myth about disinfecting swimming pools with salt chlorination is that it is much more expensive than the usual one with chemical chlorine. While it is true that these systems require an initial investment in the chlorinator and common salt to make it fulfill its function, the savings after that become significant.

Being a cyclical process, the salt is reused, greatly increasing the salt recharge time (1 time per season may be enough). This, together with the fact that it is not necessary to add any other product to the pool water, generates savings in the medium and long term that chemical chlorination does not generate.

For this saving to be the maximum and take advantage of all the efficiency of our chlorinator, it is important to know well our needs, as well as the characteristics of the chlorinator that we want to install. We have several models for the user who, depending on the requirements of their pool (volume, influx, use …), can choose the best solution to keep their pool free of viruses, bacteria and all kinds of microorganisms.

In addition to the salt chlorinator, we can also consider installing pH regulators . Although they will increase the cost of the set, the usefulness of these devices is undeniable since they favor the correct operation of the pool and save a lot of time in maintenance hours. This is achieved by having the pH regulator itself do the work of adding pH reducer to the pool on a frequent basis.

MYTHS

1st – It is like bathing in salt water or sea water. Myth

Many think that since salt chlorination uses common salt to disinfect swimming pools, it is like bathing in seawater. This is not the case since the reality is that the existing concentration of salt is much lower than that of seawater. In this way, we achieve total disinfection and, at the same time, result in a gentle system with the skin and eyes.

2nd – It is a complex system to install. False

The installation of a salt chlorination system is really simple . It is only necessary to place the chlorinator in the return pipe of the pool so that the water passes through the cell and can carry out the electrolysis. After them, it will be necessary to install the rest of the elements necessary for the complete system to work or, if we have them, other elements such as the pH reducer.

As can be seen, it is a simple process that does not require any previous preparation or the need to carry out works in our facility. Even so, it is always recommended that qualified professional personnel carry out the installation to avoid malfunctions or subsequent breakdowns and ensure correct operation from the first moment.

3rd – The salt water damages the plants of the garden and other elements of the furniture. False.

Many pool owners worry about whether these systems can damage the vegetation in the garden or other furniture that surrounds the pool.

This is another myth and as such it is completely false. As we have seen, the concentration of salt in the water is minimal and, in the same way that they do not affect users, they will not affect the plants or other elements of the garden, nor with the construction materials or other elements of the furniture in the house. .

 4th – It is only necessary to put salt and forget about the rest of the maintenance. False

Although salt chlorination is a simple and very cheap system to maintain as it does not require constant care or having to add products to the water, it does not mean that minimum maintenance guidelines have to be neglected.

If you do not have additional elements, such as an automatic pH regulator, it will be necessary for the owner to check that the level of chlorine and pH are optimal for the enjoyment of the installation.

The maintenance of the salt chlorinator cell is another task that must be carried out from time to time. Fortunately, it is not a recurring, expensive or complicated task. The electrodes must be removed and immersed in a special product that removes the remains of lime and dirt that accumulate due to the use of the device. In this way, we will greatly improve the long-term performance of our salt chlorinator and therefore its useful life.

What is certain is that, even if you have to assume certain tasks, the system can be programmed so that you do not have to be so aware of it, and that considerably increases the comfort of use.