The advantages and disadvantages of a salt pool

Increasingly, swimming pools (shell pools, above-ground pools, etc.) are elements that are frequently found in gardens. This democratization of the swimming pool has allowed the manufacturer to go further and offer ever more innovative techniques in terms of water treatment.

And for good reason, long decried, chemical treatment products (chlorine tablets) cause harmful effects on both the environment and our health (irritations, allergies, etc.). For this reason, many pool owners have turned to a more natural and equally effective alternative: salt disinfection .

However, before opting for salt treatment , it is important to be aware of the disadvantages and advantages of salt pools.

Why choose a salt pool?

While it is essential to regularly disinfect your pool water, a salt pool remains the simplest solution to ensure clean, bacteria-free water. Especially since there are many advantages to purchasing a salt pool!

First, it is important to clarify that a salt pool is not a pool filled with sea water. In fact, a salt pool works on a chemical principle of salt reaction. Once poured into the water, the salt is gradually naturally sucked up by the filtration system . The salt present in the water then reacts with a weak electric current: it is then that electrolysis transforms the salt into chlorine (sodium hypochlorite), a form of natural chlorine appreciated for its antiseptic and cleaning properties.

Additionally, the chemical composition of salt provides three major health, safety and environmental benefits.

Better tolerance for the skin and mucous membranes

The use of a salt chlorinator for swimming pools has become popular because it avoids the use of chemical chlorine. Swimmers can thus enjoy salt water, which is less aggressive for the eyes and skin, without the risk of allergic reactions.

In addition, by using a salt pool , you also avoid storing chemicals that are potentially dangerous to health, especially in the presence of children. There are no chemicals needed to keep a salt pool in good condition, which is a considerable advantage over traditional pools.

An environmentally friendly treatment product

Increasingly, there is a global awareness among the French of the impact of the consumption of chemical products on the environment. This ecological trend is also reflected in the field of swimming pools, where more and more pool owners are choosing to use natural products rather than chlorine. 

Therefore, special swimming pool salt appears to be an interesting alternative, because it does not pollute.

Improved ease of maintenance

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

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

The disadvantages of a salt pool

While salt pools have a number of advantages, they also have some disadvantages. To make an informed choice, we recommend that you take into consideration the disadvantages of salt electrolysis , which, depending on the situation, may be negligible or, on the contrary, essential.

The budget for the installation of the electrolyser

The main drawback that puts off a majority of pool owners is the initial cost. Indeed, the budget for such equipment is relatively higher than that of an ordinary pool treated with bromine or pure chlorine. And for good reason, for the installation of an electrolyser in the filtration system, it is necessary to count between €1,000 and €2,000 depending on the models.

However, this initial budget can quickly be profitable in the long term due to the price of salt, which costs significantly less than chlorine or bromine.

However, remember that the quality/price ratio is indisputable, because even if 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 (less aggressive odor) and sensory nuisances (softer skin).

An acceleration of the corrosion phenomenon

As you might expect, salt is a corrosive product , which means that the electrolyser and filtration system will need to be cleaned frequently with clean water, otherwise they may become damaged.

To facilitate equipment maintenance, you can turn to self-cleaning systems with a slightly higher cost.

An increase in the pH level

Due to its salinity, the salt pool very quickly increases the pH of the pool. It is therefore recommended to regularly adjust the pH level or simply install a pH regulator.

Also remember 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 impacted and electrolysis no longer occurs correctly.