Is a Salt Pool in Your Future?

For years salt has gotten a bad rap; however, for in-ground pool purposes Sodium Chloride, otherwise known as salt, is making a big splash.

The installation of salt generators has increased in popularity in recent years, mainly in part, due to the low maintenance properties.  Working by electrolysis, these salt generators electrically charges the saltwater, splits the salt molecules generating chlorine. This produced chlorine is then dispersed consistently, which in turn controls the appearance of the pool.  The water becomes an unlikely   This, of course, is a considerable benefit, decreasing the cost of chemicals needed for upkeep.  In addition to cost savings, it's a time saver, too, eliminating the process of checking chlorine and adding chlorine.

breeding ground for algae and the cloudy cover we often see in bacteria-ridden in-ground pools.

This all sounds 'too good to be true,' and with all things, there are some perceived drawbacks.  $1000-$2000 initial investment is a steep proposition, however the savings in the long run, in chemical cost and time, may out the way the upfront investment and ends up paying for itself in time. 

  These salt generators are not maintenance-free either. The salt cell, where the salt passes through, needs to be cleaned 1-2 times per season and replaced every 5-7 years at a cost anywhere from $300-$600.

Although saltwater sanitation has been slow to make its mark in the US, experts suggest that for in-ground swimming pools, salt water will be the dominant choice in 10 years.  Salt is here to stay!