Common Questions About Saltwater Systems

Q: How does a saltwater system work?

A: Chlorine is the chemical typically used to kill bacteria, algae and viruses in a pool. A saltwater chlorinator system is a way to treat a pool using only one third of the chemicals used in traditionally treated pools.

Pool systems with saltwater chlorinators use mostly the same equipment as normal chlorine systems. The difference is that saltwater pools also have an electrolysis unit. The pool water is pumped through the electrolysis unit. There, the salt which has been dissolved in the water is electrolyzed, which means that an electrical current is passed through it. This electrical charge separates the salt into its constituent elements: sodium and chloride. The chemical form of chloride created by this process is chlorine. This chlorine is mixed with the pool water which circulates into the pool.

Saltwater systems require just a small amount of salt to be added to the pool periodically throughout the year. Conditioners must also be used in the pool to prevent the chlorine from burning off before it does its job. (Pool Kings will test and maintain the salt levels for you.)

Q: How much salt is in a saltwater pool system?

A: The best answer to that question is to compare the salt levels in a saltwater pool to other familiar liquids. The amount of salt - or any other chemical for that matter - in our water is typically measured in Parts Per Million, (ppm).

• Saltwater Pool Systems - 2,500-3,500ppm
• Human Taste Levels - 4,000ppm
• Human Tears/Body - 5,000-8,000ppm
• Contact Lens Saline - 6,000ppm
• Sea Water - 35,000ppm

As you can see, if a saltwater system is properly maintained, the amount of salt in the pool will be less than most people are able to taste, and far less than you have in your own tears.

Q: I've heard saltwater is more corrosive than chlorine. Is that true?

A: No, that is false. 4ppm (parts per million) of chlorine is 10 times more corrosive than 4,000 ppm of salt.

Q: Can any type of salt be used in a swimming pool?

A: No - only 99% pure non-ionized salt can be used with electrolytic chlorine generators.

Q: Is it true that saltwater systems don't need maintenance?

A: No - all basic water chemistry MUST be tested and properly maintained, even with salt systems.

Q: Will my water taste salty?

A: The normal human threshold for tasting salt in water is approximately, 4,000ppm. Most saltwater units can produce chlorine with as little as 2,700ppm of salt in the water. So - no, you are very unlikely to be able to taste the salt.

Q: How much salt is needed in a pool?

A: The amount of salt needed in a saltwater pool system is 2500 - 3500 ppm. Another way to say that is:

• 1 teaspoon per gallon
• 25 lbs. per 1,000 gallons

Adding Salt to the Pool

With the filter pump operating from the main drain:

1. add salt into the pool
2. Brush the salt until it is no longer visible - usually this takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on the water temperature.
3. Run the filter pump 24 hours to allow salt to completely dissolve.