You may be surprised to know that salt water pools and fresh water pools are not that different when it comes to maintenance. That isn't to say that they are exactly the same, either. Salt pools and fresh water pools have just as many fundamental differences as they do similarities. This means that each requires a unique method and approach to them that ensures that no matter what kind of pool you own, you will be able to keep it clean and well maintained.
One key difference in the cleaning and general upkeep of a salt water swimming pool is with the chlorine generator. A chlorine generator is a device that takes the salt out of the water in salt water pools and converts it into hypochlorous acid through a process called electrolysis. Hypochlorous acid is the chemical in which all chlorine ultimately comprises of. The chlorine generator requires a formidable amount of attention in the form of regular cleaning. Any mineral deposits must be scraped or otherwise removed from the device immediately; otherwise the chlorine generator will cease to work. Should this happen and your chlorine generator stop working, your pool water becomes very susceptible to contamination. Algae and other unwanted bacteria can form very quickly in untreated pool water, and can create a number of problems for both your pool's maintenance and your general health.
Another area to focus on when cleaning any salt pool is the pool's water pump. Left unattended, salt from the pool water can catch in the pump's water filter. Over time this can build up and after crystallizing, can cause your pool's water pump to work less efficiently. In fact, in worst case scenarios, the build up of crystallized salt in your pump's filter can actually cause your water pump's motor to burn out, forcing you to buy a new pump entirely. Salt crystallization is a problem that many salt water pool owners have been fighting for years. While many newer pools, whether they are salt water or fresh water, include salt water filtration systems, many older pools still lack such systems. For this reason, it is always wise to thoroughly have any pipes that bring water either to or from your pool cleaned every few months to ward off the onset of any possible salt crystallization.
Another possible detriment that salt water can do to your pool if not maintained is that the salt in the pool water can actually damage your pool's lining. Many people who have switched from fresh water to salt water in their pools have quickly complained that the salt water has begun to dry out their pool's lining, making it brittle and frail. A good way to ensure this does not happen to your own pool is to either scrub down the pool lining every four to six weeks, or to coat the pool lining in an anti-salt solution.
There are many things you need to consider when going with salt water pools. They require more attention and upkeep than fresh water pools, but people who have salt water swear by it.
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