Tired of Chlorine? 4 Reasons to Consider a Salt Water Pool Conversion

We all know that pool water needs some sort of treatment. Without anything to discourage microbial growth, standing water can become a home to escherichia coli, cryptosporidium parvum, giardia lamblia, and salmonella. Not only is it gross to have microorganisms multiplying unfettered in one’s pool, but it’s downright dangerous.

If you have been on the fence about whether or not to invest in a salt water pool conversion, these compelling reasons may help you make your decision.

1. Chlorine Can React Dangerously With Common Materials

There are a number of common products that, when combined with chlorine, can form volatile compounds that can cause eye irritation and respiratory issues. These include common materials such as shampoos, conditioners, and lotions that may leave residue on many swimmers’ bodies. Urine can also react with chlorine to produce these irritating compounds. Specifically, the nitrogenous organic compounds in urine form irritating volatile compounds known as N-Cl-amines.

While you may think that not many people relieve themselves in pools, it is an unfortunately widespread occurrence. In a scientific study published by ACS Publications, researchers tested 31 swimming pools for the presence of a synthetic sweetener called acesulfame-K, or ACE. This compound is stable, nonreactive, and only excreted from the body through urine. Short of somebody dumping some sweetened iced tea directly into a pool, urine is the only way this compound could end up in a swimming pool. Shockingly, most pools had an increase in the presence of ACE over the course of the study.

2. Salt Water Conversions Are Effective

Any pool care professionals worth their salt will know the details of salt water pool conversions and how these systems keep pools clean. Alternative pool maintenance systems such as salt water conversions and ozone sanitation do not completely replace chlorine. There will still be some chlorine present, but the amount will be greatly reduced.

Salt water pool conversions involve installing a salt chlorine generator. The system cleans the pool by utilizing electricity to turn salt into chlorine. This means that you don’t have to use chlorine dispensers, granules, or tablets to maintain sufficiently high chlorine levels throughout the pool. Instead, the system generates chlorine just at the filter, resulting in far lower chlorine levels overall.

3. Converting to a Salt Water Pool Can Save You Money

Some people may be put off by the initial cost of converting to a salt water pool. It’s true that there is an up-front cost associated with hiring pool conversion services to install a salt water chlorination system.

Over time, however, a salt water pool conversion can actually pay for itself. This is because typical chlorinated pools require you to frequently purchase chlorine tablets. This expense can seriously add up over time.

With a salt water pool, the cost and effort associated with maintenance are much lower. The filtration system works without the need to buy tablets, and overall maintenance tends to be easier. All salt water pool owners have to do is check the pH and alkalinity levels of the water once a week.

4. Salt Water Pools Are Safer for Those With Respiratory Conditions



As mentioned previously, many common compounds can react with chlorine to form volatile irritants. Salt water pools are generally accepted to be safer for individuals who suffer from asthma or intense allergies.

This makes a particularly significant difference when it comes to indoor pools. The compounds that evaporate from indoor chlorine pools can get trapped indoors, resulting in irritation to the respiratory system. Salt water pools eliminate this problem as their chlorine levels are much lower.

If you’re interested in making the switch, SwimHappy Pool Service and Repair has the expert services you need to start enjoying the benefits of a salt water pool conversion.