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Pools - Saltwater vs Chlorine
Posted on 6/24/22 at 2:08 pm
Posted on 6/24/22 at 2:08 pm
What is the official Tigerdroppings position on this very important issue?
If it matters, the pool is already chlorine, the argument is whether or not to convert it to saltwater.
If it matters, the pool is already chlorine, the argument is whether or not to convert it to saltwater.
13
Posted on 6/24/22 at 2:24 pm to deeprig9
I have this same question - if I have a pool with airbnb in mind and relatively high usage from strangers I'd assume that chlorine is safer than saltwater in regards to germs, urine, etc?
Going to build a convenient wet swimsuit friendly bathroom very near the pool but that will take a year and I'm worried about people peeing in it until it's built (and even after)
Going to build a convenient wet swimsuit friendly bathroom very near the pool but that will take a year and I'm worried about people peeing in it until it's built (and even after)
This post was edited on 6/24/22 at 2:27 pm
Posted on 6/24/22 at 2:31 pm to SirWinston
quote:
I have this same question - if I have a pool with airbnb in mind and relatively high usage from strangers I'd assume that chlorine is safer than saltwater in regards to germs, urine, etc?
You do realize that salt water systems convert the salt in the water to chlorine, right? So, it’s the same relative to sanitation.
Posted on 6/24/22 at 2:37 pm to GeauxldMember
As a recent new pool owner, saltwater (or more specifically a Saltwater Chlorine Generator) is far easier and consistent than a chlorine pool. My pool ran as a chlorine pool from startup for about 6 months before the SWG was installed.
Before it was installed, I was constantly buying pucks for the inline chlorinator or dumping gallons of bleach into the pool to try to maintain and keep any algae blooms in check.
Since adding the SWG and dumping in the initial 500 lbs of salt, it’s been rock solid and I haven’t done anything except add a little acid every now and then. The SWG keep the water clear and sanitary with very little input or additions from me.
I would 100% recommend a saltwater pool.
Before it was installed, I was constantly buying pucks for the inline chlorinator or dumping gallons of bleach into the pool to try to maintain and keep any algae blooms in check.
Since adding the SWG and dumping in the initial 500 lbs of salt, it’s been rock solid and I haven’t done anything except add a little acid every now and then. The SWG keep the water clear and sanitary with very little input or additions from me.
I would 100% recommend a saltwater pool.
Posted on 6/24/22 at 2:42 pm to deeprig9
I've had both, first chlorine and now saltwater. My saltwater has been far easier to maintain. It also helps that I have a good robot to keep it clean and automation so I can monitor and even "shock" my pool from an app.
Posted on 6/24/22 at 2:52 pm to MamouTiger65
The SWG's, how long to they last? HGTV article says they only last a few years before they have to be replaced. Also, they aren't serviceable so any little thing that goes wrong with it has to have a professional come out to maintain it.
And what do they cost? I know the chemical maintenance is much lower than a traditional chlorine pool, but if you have to replace your generator every 4 or 5 years, and run it 24/7 resulting in higher electric bills, and your metal pool furniture gets eroded every few years requiring replacement, then is it really more economical, financially?
And what do they cost? I know the chemical maintenance is much lower than a traditional chlorine pool, but if you have to replace your generator every 4 or 5 years, and run it 24/7 resulting in higher electric bills, and your metal pool furniture gets eroded every few years requiring replacement, then is it really more economical, financially?
Posted on 6/24/22 at 2:55 pm to LSUtigerME
SWG is easier to maintain....but there are some that can taste very low amounts of salt and do not prefer it..... me. So i keep mine regular chlorine. I am working on a liquid chlorine doser DIY project right now.
Posted on 6/24/22 at 3:01 pm to deeprig9
I don't have a pool, but 2 of my friends do with both of them now having saltwater pools.
Both once had them set up as chlorine pools and swear they'd never go back to chlorine.
Personally, I have no experience with pool maintenance, but if I did get a pool, it would be saltwater.
Both once had them set up as chlorine pools and swear they'd never go back to chlorine.
Personally, I have no experience with pool maintenance, but if I did get a pool, it would be saltwater.
Posted on 6/24/22 at 3:17 pm to CarRamrod
As for the long term costs, how much do you value your time? Or ability to swim without having to clean/clear up the pool first?
The SWG can be cleaned with acid, but they will eventually corrode and fail after some time. I’m not sure the reliability of automatic chlorine dispensers or other chlorine automations, but likely a little better. However, you do have to purchase and refill the chlorine. A saltwater pool can always be supplemented with chlorine either as a shock or if the SWG fails/maintenance. But a chlorine only pool will ALWAYS require chlorine or additions for treatment.
I was going through a gallon of bleach a week, or about 2 pucks every 1.5 weeks. Since adding the salt, I haven’t added any salt or chlorine (3 months now). Acid additions are about the same regardless of sanitizer.
SWGs only run with the pool pump, and even then only a % of the time. I have my pumps set to run 14 hours a day, and the SWG is set at 35%.
This is certainly true, but for those not familiar with it, it’s not remotely close to ocean water. You can taste the salt in the pool, but it’s very low and not at all harsh like ocean water. I just finished a Margarita and it tastes saltier than my pool water.
The SWG can be cleaned with acid, but they will eventually corrode and fail after some time. I’m not sure the reliability of automatic chlorine dispensers or other chlorine automations, but likely a little better. However, you do have to purchase and refill the chlorine. A saltwater pool can always be supplemented with chlorine either as a shock or if the SWG fails/maintenance. But a chlorine only pool will ALWAYS require chlorine or additions for treatment.
I was going through a gallon of bleach a week, or about 2 pucks every 1.5 weeks. Since adding the salt, I haven’t added any salt or chlorine (3 months now). Acid additions are about the same regardless of sanitizer.
SWGs only run with the pool pump, and even then only a % of the time. I have my pumps set to run 14 hours a day, and the SWG is set at 35%.
quote:
there are some that can taste very low amounts of salt and do not prefer it
This is certainly true, but for those not familiar with it, it’s not remotely close to ocean water. You can taste the salt in the pool, but it’s very low and not at all harsh like ocean water. I just finished a Margarita and it tastes saltier than my pool water.
Posted on 6/24/22 at 3:48 pm to LSUtigerME
The salinity of a saltwater pool is 1/10 of what the ocean is.
The saltwater generators can be cleaned at home without professional help. They do have to be replaced but have a life span of 3-7 years. Under 1K to replace mine.
My pool furniture is fine after 3 years. I've heard this before, but don't see how a chlorine pool would be any less harsh on metal.
The saltwater generators can be cleaned at home without professional help. They do have to be replaced but have a life span of 3-7 years. Under 1K to replace mine.
My pool furniture is fine after 3 years. I've heard this before, but don't see how a chlorine pool would be any less harsh on metal.
Posted on 6/24/22 at 5:59 pm to deeprig9
Heck no
I had salt and converted to chlorine and never been happier
I hated the salt bags, and cleaning the salt cell.
I put a chlorinator in and it’s easy peasy
I had salt and converted to chlorine and never been happier
I hated the salt bags, and cleaning the salt cell.
I put a chlorinator in and it’s easy peasy
Posted on 6/24/22 at 6:26 pm to deeprig9
Only cost about $100 or less a year in salt so after 3 to 7 years, replacing the salt cell will still be worth it.
Posted on 6/25/22 at 4:55 am to deeprig9
quote:My Pentair IC40 lasts about 7 years with maintenance.
The SWG's, how long to they last?
quote:Not sure what you mean by unserviceable. I've changed flow switches and acid washed it. There's not much to do. If the circuit board blows on it then, yeah, you're screwed but then you can buy a new board if it's not under warranty.
Also, they aren't serviceable so any little thing that goes wrong with it has to have a professional come out to maintain it.
quote:You're doing it wrong. 4 to 5 hours a day at 100% output during the summer. You can reduce the time/output in cooler months. Hell, you can install a bypass pipe in the Winter if you want.
run it 24/7 resulting in higher electric bills
quote:Not necessarily true. You still have to (should?) manage the water quality (stabilizer, pH, calcium hardness, etc.). Yeah, it's more forgiving because it provides better chlorine control, but those other chemicals don't go away.
the chemical maintenance is much lower than a traditional chlorine pool
Posted on 6/25/22 at 7:25 am to deeprig9
The cost of chlorine is through the roof right now.
Once Biolab reopens maybe the cost will come down. We've had our SW pool since September and I have yet had to add salt, only PH Down/Acid. Just have to clean the cell periodically.
Once Biolab reopens maybe the cost will come down. We've had our SW pool since September and I have yet had to add salt, only PH Down/Acid. Just have to clean the cell periodically.
Posted on 6/25/22 at 8:01 am to LSUtigerME
quote:This. My pool is about 14 years old. Has been a salt-water pool the entire time. I do very little as far as water maintenance. I ever coverted my hot tub to salt system. One HUGE advantage is, the water is soft and won't leave your skin dried out like a traditional, chlorine pool, that and the fact that you save big $$$ over time not having to buying all that damn chlorine.
As a recent new pool owner, saltwater (or more specifically a Saltwater Chlorine Generator) is far easier and consistent than a chlorine pool. My pool ran as a chlorine pool from startup for about 6 months before the SWG was installed.
Before it was installed, I was constantly buying pucks for the inline chlorinator or dumping gallons of bleach into the pool to try to maintain and keep any algae blooms in check.
Since adding the SWG and dumping in the initial 500 lbs of salt, it’s been rock solid and I haven’t done anything except add a little acid every now and then. The SWG keep the water clear and sanitary with very little input or additions from me.
I would 100% recommend a saltwater pool.
Posted on 6/25/22 at 12:56 pm to LSUtigerME
quote:
Since adding the SWG and dumping in the initial 500 lbs of salt, it’s been rock solid and I haven’t done anything except add a little acid every now and then. The SWG keep the water clear and sanitary with very little input or additions from me.
I would 100% recommend a saltwater pool.
Same for me.
My original salt chlorine generator failed right at 4 years. Replacement was about $550 I think. In the grand scheme of things, that’s very worth it for a low maintenance system with no headaches.
Posted on 6/25/22 at 1:28 pm to habz007
I’ve had both. If I had to do it again I’d stay away from the swg. I replaced my cell 3 times in a 12 year span. While I think they’ve possibly improved, it wasn’t worth it in my experience.
Posted on 6/25/22 at 2:40 pm to deeprig9
" generator every 4 or 5 years, and run it 24/7"
Say what 24/7 ?
Ive had a saltwater pool for 15 years, been great
All ive ever ran it is at most is a 14 hour day.
Rite now, heat of the summer its only running 12 hours.
Water is and stays perfect.
And yes, if your not a bimbo, yo can replace parts, the circuit board on the Gen box, easy. MIne usually last 5 years.
Say what 24/7 ?
Ive had a saltwater pool for 15 years, been great
All ive ever ran it is at most is a 14 hour day.
Rite now, heat of the summer its only running 12 hours.
Water is and stays perfect.
And yes, if your not a bimbo, yo can replace parts, the circuit board on the Gen box, easy. MIne usually last 5 years.
Posted on 6/25/22 at 7:05 pm to deeprig9
I run my SWG about 3.5 hours a day. Pool looks great so I haven’t touched it or even checked chemistry in about 6 wks. Checked my FC for the first time in over a month today — right where I wanted it. CYA was a little low, which I expected, so I’ll add a little tomorrow and back off of the SWG a touch. I’m amazed how hands-off it’s been. Getting a TF-100 and testing myself was the game-changer for me.
Posted on 6/25/22 at 11:07 pm to deeprig9
quote:you don’t run em 24/7.
know the chemical maintenance is much lower than a traditional chlorine pool, but if you have to replace your generator every 4 or 5 years, and run it 24/7 resulting in higher electric bills, and your metal pool furniture gets eroded every few years requiring replacement, then is it really more economical, financially?
I don’t know why any furniture would corrode. Hell it doesn’t even kill grass
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