The advantages and disadvantages of a salt pool

More and more pools (shell pools, above-ground pools, etc.). are elements frequently found in gardens. This democratization of the pool has enabled the manufacturer to go even further, offering ever more innovative water treatment techniques.

And with good reason. chemical treatment products (chlorine pebbles) have harmful effects on both the environment and our health (irritation, allergies, etc.). For this reason, many pool owners have turned to a more natural alternative that performs just as well. salt disinfection.

However, before opting for a salt treatmenttreatment, it’s important to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of a salt pool.

Why choose a salt pool?

While regular disinfection of your pool water is essential, the salt pool remains the simplest solution for ensuring clean, bacteria-free water. Especially since there are so many advantages to buying a salt pool!

Firstly, it’s important to point out that a salt water pool is not a pool filled with seawater. A salt pool works on the chemical principle of salt reaction. Once poured into the water, the salt is gradually drawn out naturally by the filtration system. The salt in the water then reacts with a weak electric current: electrolysis transforms the salt into chlorine (sodium hypochlorite), a natural form of chlorine appreciated for its antiseptic and cleaning properties.

In addition, the chemical composition of salt has three major benefits for health, safety and the environment.

Better tolerance for skin and mucous membranes

The use of a salt water chlorinator has become popular, as it avoids the use of chemical chlorine. As a result, bathers can enjoy salt water that’s gentler on the eyes and skin, without the risk of allergic reactions.

What’s more, using a salt poolYou also avoid storing chemicals that are potentially hazardous to health, especially in the presence of children. No chemicals are needed to keep a salt pool in good condition, which is a considerable advantage over traditional pools.

An environmentally-friendly treatment product

The French are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of chemical consumption on the environment. This ecological trend is also reflected in swimming pools, where more and more pool owners are choosing to use natural products rather than chlorine.

This is why pool salt is an interesting alternative, because it doesn’t pollute.

Enhanced ease of maintenance

Pools equipped with a salt water chlorinator are also easier to maintain, since the salt dissolves slowly and doesn’t need to be replaced frequently. It is estimated that an average salt tank can ensure clean water for 3 to 5 years.

This ease of maintenance makes it a very popular option for pool owners, compared to the tedious upkeep of traditional pools.

The disadvantages of a salt pool

If the salt pool has a number of advantages, it also has a few drawbacks. To make an informed choice, we recommend that you consider the disadvantages of salt electrolysiswhich, depending on the situation, may be negligible or, on the contrary, essential.

The budget for installation of the electrolyser

The main drawback for most pool owners is the initial cost. In fact, the budget for such equipment is relatively higher than that for an ordinary pool treated with bromine or pure chlorine. And with good reason, for the installation of a electrolyzer for the filtration system, you should expect to pay between €1,000 and €2,000, depending on the model.

However, this initial budget can quickly pay for itself in the long term, thanks to the price of salt, which costs considerably less than chlorine or bromine.

Remember, however, that the quality/price ratio is indisputable, because even if a salt treatment involves regular cell changes (every 4/5 years), the sensation and quality of bathing are clearly more pleasant than chlorine and bromine, particularly in terms of olfactory nuisance (less aggressive odor) and sensory nuisance (softer skin).

Accelerated corrosion

As you can imagine, salt is a corrosive product. corrosive productAs you can imagine, salt is a corrosive product, which means you’ll need to clean the chlorinator and filtration system frequently with clear water, to avoid damaging them.

For easier equipment maintenance, you can turn to self-cleaning systems at a slightly higher cost.

An increase in pH level

Because of its salinity, a salt pool quickly raises the pH level. It is therefore advisable to adjust the pH level regularly or simply install a pH regulator.

Remember too that salt electrolysis of a swimming pool is only effective when the water temperature is above 16°C. Below this temperature, the conductivity of the water is affected, and electrolysis no longer works properly.