SALT WATER
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Swimming in salt water is a real treat. The water is actually very similar to your very own tears (which you may be shedding after paying for a salt water pool!). For the most part it doesn’t irritate your eyes and it’s very comfortable on the skin. A salt water system, or salt water chlorine generator (SWCG) is used to replace traditional chlorine with synthetic chlorine produced from salt, then released into the pool water. Salt (or sodium chloride), dissolves in water and then separates into sodium and chloride ions. By passing a low voltage electrical current between special metal and the water, the SWCG then converts the chloride into chlorine, a process called electrolysis. This new chlorine cleans the pool, and when it is all gone, changes back into chloride to begin the cycle anew. The key is to ask an expert about the finer details. You’ll want to ask them questions about the size of the generator you may require, the price of salt, whether corrosion can come into play, etc. Everyone knows the effective corrosive powers of salt (think of the number it does on the ice in your driveway during the winter), but how will that affect your pool pipes and deck? The initial investment in a saltwater chlorine generator may be a bit higher than other methods of pool water maintenance, but the money you will save on chemicals is probably worth your while.
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IONIZED WATER
Last on our list is the journey through the land of ionized water pools. Ionization can be used in both chlorine and salt-water pools to make them super-clean, as the copper and zinc involved are useful in keeping water healthy (copper is an algaecide, zinc an anti-bacterial and anti-viral). The typical swimming pool ionizing anode will contain 85% copper and 15% zinc. An ionization system’s electricity is applied to the anode, and a process of electrolysis releases mineral ions into the water. This ionic solution cleans your pool and prevents the growth of algae. The benefits of using ionization systems instead of heavy doses of chlorine or bromine to sanitize your pool start on a chemical level as well. Ions are more stable to work with, whereas chlorine and bromine are volatile chemicals that become airborne and are quickly used up. The fact that metal ions remain in the water is a major benefit for asthmatics and those with chlorine allergies. Ask your local pool store about using ionization systems alone or with chlorine or saltwater for a deep clean.
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