Have any of you converted a pool to Chlorine-free, or Saltwater system?
Question:What have you experienced? Any problems we should be aware of before we buy the chlorine -generator our pool guy is suggesting?
He mentioned corrosion due to the salt involved- Any problems so far?
Thanks!
Answers:
Salt pools are easier to maintain in that once you get the generator set you don't have to worry about adding chlorine to the pool. However, you do still have to monitor the levels and periodically shock the pool as combined chlorines form. You have to clean the generator cells every so often (as chlorine levels start to drop off) and you do this in a weak solution of hydrochloric acid. The down side is that this removes some of the precious metals on the generator cells and requires you to replace them every couple years ($200+ depending on the type).
In the end the expense for a traditionally chlorinated pool and a salt chlorination generated pool will be about the same and will continue to be so over the course of the years.
The salt can cause corrosion on pump materials if the rest of the water isn't kept in perfect balance. Balance on a traditionally chlorinated pool and a salt pool are different though, so you will need to make the appropriate adjustments when switching over.
Many people like the feel of the salt pool because it's softer on the skin, but a traditionally chlorinated pool with borates in the water feels just the same in my opinion.
If you'd like to learn more please feel free to drop me a line at robandliz1992@yahoo.com
*EDIT*
Regarding a peroxide conversion, this has been a serious endeavor for years but has never been cost effective to do. Peroxide at 35% concentration is expensive, and at levels needed in a pool it is extremely expensive to maintain... at least here in the states
I have not but i have a friend who has and I have also heard a lot of talk about converting to peroxide its much less harsh on the skin. You can google chlorine alternatives for pools and get many, many sites
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