Saltwater Chlorinators for Swimming Pool Maintenance

Swimming pool maintenance is necessary in order to keep the pool water clean, healthy and free of disease-causing microbes. Some of the basic tips for maintaining swimming pools and/or pool water are regular monitoring of pH (7-7.5 is favorable), water chemistry (twice in a week in summer and once a week in winter), total dissolved solids (TDS), alkalinity and cleaning the walls and floor.

One of the major pool problems with the conventional and saltwater swimming pools is the uncontrolled growth of algae in the water and pool waters. In such a condition, the pool water turns green and cloudy instead of translucent water quality. Growth of algae also indicates an increased level of the nutrients like phosphates and nitrates. The best way to inhibit microbial and algal growth is adding chlorine regularly or using chlorinators in the pool.

Saltwater Pool Chlorinators for Swimming Pools

For the saltwater swimming pools, there are chlorinators that covert the salt present in the water into chlorine and hydrogen through chemical reactions in the presence of electric current. Prior to operation of this chlorinator, salt should be added in the pool as per the guidelines of the manufacturer. With a saltwater pool chlorinator, it is not necessary to add chlorine externally, as chlorine is synthesized and released in the pool water.

Promoters often claim that with salt chlorinators, checking chlorine amount is no longer necessary. Most swimming pool owners are also of the opinion that monitoring the amount of chlorine in the pool water is not necessary with the use of salt chlorinators. However, it is to be noted that the chlorine amount and water chemistry should be checked regularly to maintain the pool water, even after using the salt chlorinators in the swimming pool.

There are certain drawbacks and problems of saltwater pool chlorinators. Mentioning a few, the salt content in the pool water should be sufficient to generate chlorine by using saltwater pool chlorinators. Otherwise, it will not function properly. Saltwater pool chlorinators should be operated for a longer period in order to produce sufficient amount of chlorine required for the swimming pool maintenance.

In majority of the saltwater chlorinators, harsh cleaning chemicals are used, which can cause skin problems after a prolonged exposure. Considering this, the swimmers and/or pool users should shower immediately after coming out of the saltwater pool. These strong chemicals can also damage various equipment used in the swimming pool such as handrails, ladders, filters and heater parts.

Some of the side effects of salt and chlorine are eye irritation, eye reddening, dry skin and hair problems. For asthma patients, a combined effect of salt and chlorine can trigger the symptoms of asthma. Another issue is the backwashing of the water from the saltwater swimming pool, which may kill the plants growing in the surrounding areas of the pool.

Since chlorine is generated, the maintenance of saltwater swimming pools may vary based on the sunlight, temperature, phosphate and calcium amount. Overall, the disadvantages of salt chlorinators outweigh the advantage. The decision whether to opt for saltwater swimming pool chlorinators or not depends on the pool owner. One word of conclusion is to research and gather information regarding the salt chlorinator and compare with the regular chlorination conducted in the conventional swimming pools.