We don't have a pool, but we DID!
Er, well we actually rented a house in Pensacola, Florida for a year that did.
It was a full-size in-the-ground swimming pool -- with a diving board, a deep end, and everything! We were so thrilled.
That is, until the liner along the inside of the pool started sagging, and the cleaners and filters quit working altogether.
The result: A limy green moss-filled swimming pool.
...This stuff practically grew overNIGHT!
How'd It Get So Bad?
Unfortunately, since dialog with our landlord (who lived out of town, but planned to move back into the house at a later date) was hit-and-miss at best, it took a few months to actually get the liner repaired and the chemicals regulated back to normal.
The landlord had given the "pool boy" who regulated all the chemicals some time off until the liner could be repaired, so Jim and I took it upon ourselves to purchase the proper chemicals for the water -- just so we could get a few more weeks of enjoyment out of this pool. After all, it was the main reason that we chose to rent this house in the first place!
As a result, we are somewhat familiar with pool chlorination and filtering procedures... which is what makes the following information so interesting.
Salt Chlorinators For Swimming Pools
Did you know that there's a way to "chlorinate" your swimming pool without all the harsh effects of chlorine -- like red, irritated eyes and itchy skin?
The answer is a salt-water system!
No, it doesn't turn your swimming pool into the Atlantic Ocean. Nor does it make you feel like a seasoned salad after swimming in it. It simply gives you all of the benefits of traditional chlorinated water, without the negative side effects.
- No red, burning eyes
- No itchy skin
- No harsh pool chemicals (like chlorine or algaecides) to buy
In sum, with a salt-chlorinator, pool maintenance is easier, so you're able to keep your swimming pool looking great with much less hassle.
Too cool.
If I had a pool, I'd seriously consider salt-chlorination...
UPDATE: The following appeared in the 2007 edition of Landscape Solutions (I think it's a Better Homes & Garden specialty magazine):
By choosing a saltwater sanitizing system, you can reap the benefits of traditional chlorinated water without many of the negative side effects.
#1 It's more comfortable. Salt softens pool water so it's gentler and less likely to cause red, burning eyes or dry, itchy skin.
#2 It's easier on swimwear. Fabric swimwear won't fade or disintegrate over time.
#3 It smells better. Lower chlorine levels eliminate chlorine taste and smell. The water tastes slightly salty instead.
#4 It inhibits algae naturally.
#5 It's safer around kids and pets. Saltwater pools reduce the need to purchase, store, add, and handle chlorine, but salt can be corrosive over time.
#6 It saves time. Saltwater systems are easy to maintain once the system is learned.
#7 It's cost-effective. Saltwater systems are more expensive initially but less costly over time.
UPDATE:
More about salt water pool systems Salt Water Pool Systems: Facts From A Pool Expert
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I HAVE A ABOVE GROUND CHEMICAL POOL..DOES ANYONE KNOW THE COST TO CONVERT TO THE SALTWATER POOL SYSTEM...THANKS DEBBIE
The financial cost is about $1000. The cost in time and frustration is priceless. Avoid salt. They are NOT low maintenance and if you have problems getting your chemicals just right with ordinary chlorination, your trouble will be much greater with salt, as the generators are a chemical reactor that is very sensitive to levels of stabilizer, pH and others. I am so happy I gave up on my saltwater and reverted to nice and easy tablets.
I'm glad I read all the comments. I was considering putting in one of these systems. Doesn't really seem to be worth the hassle.
I love my salt water pool. We installed it in April 2008. It has been easy to maintain. Of course, since it's new, I have had no maintainance costs, yet. I have no problems with algea. The only problem I have is a slight electric shock. I have since found out it is because I have 3 gas pipe lines that run within 50 feet of my pool. It would happen whether it was salt or chlorine. The gas lines have an electric current that runs though the pipe to eliminate corrosion in the pipes.
I have a Hayward goldline aqualogic saltwater chlorination system. It is a HASSLE to maintain compared to dropping some chlorine tablets in once and a while. Unless your pH is just right all the time, the system is very finiky. AND ABOVE ALL ELSE, after only a few year (well past the measly 1 yr warranty) THE VERY EXPENSIVE SYSTEM has stopped working and the serviceman and Hayward as well said I will have to buy a new circuit board for over $600.
I DO NOT RECOMMMEND THIS SYSTEM OR ANY SALTWATER SYSTEM, the "low maintenence" is a sales pitch, the water does not feel any better, and the intial and repair costs are outrageous. After fussing for so long with maintaining perfect pH and other levels just so that this thing keeps chlorinating, having to add gallons of acid regularly, and having to take apart the system to clean the electrolytic cell monthly, I am happy it died. Now I can just enjoy my pool like my neighbors do theirs, and easily putting some tablets in a floater once a week.
We installed a Clear Water LM3 3 years ago and though we love the saltwater chlorinator we've had nothing but problems with it. Our hard water level is very high and though the rest of the pool is perfectly balanced the LM3 will clog up and not produce chlorine every week unless it's cleaned. Believe it or not the LM in the name stands for low maintenance. That's a joke and so is their support which is nill to nothing. We've tried every thing and their is so much confusion in the info about maintaining a saltwater pool this way that it will drive you nuts. Perhaps there are others out there with better luck but would stay away from the Zodiac Clearwater units.