Saltwater Pools

• A standard pool filter used for a chlorine based system, whether it be a cartridge, diatomaceous earth or sand filter, can all be outfitted to operate as a salt water pool. Every salt water pool needs to integrate a salt water generator into the filter system that breaks down the salt and transforms it into chlorine. The saltwater system still uses chlorine, except it manufactures its own. The chlorine levels in a saltwater pool are less harsh to people with sensitive skin and eyes.
  
  

Generator Technology

• Saltwater pool owners need to add salt directly to the water and maintain saltwater level of 2500 to 4000 parts per million (ppm). The presence of the salt is needed in order for the generator to produce the chlorine. Humans cannot taste salt in the water until it reaches the 5000 ppm level. The average ocean water tests around 40000 ppm. In simplified terms, the generator uses a high amount of electricity to convert the salt to chlorine. The chlorine and sodium molecules are are separated by the electricity through the process of electrolysis. Once in the water they form together again to make salt. It's a continuous process.
  
  

Costs

• The cost of a saltwater filter is more expensive than a standard chlorine system. The exact cost is not fair to estimate based on factors such as electrical costs in your municipality, filter size, pool size and salt water generator size. These factors can significantly alter the amount of energy you will use to operate your pool. With a standard filter system you only pay electrical costs for the filter motor. A saltwater system needs electricity for both the filter motor and generator.
  
  

Advantages

• The fact that you will never have to purchase chlorine ever again while using a saltwater filter system may be an attractive enough sell for larger pool owners who can typically use hundreds of pounds of chlorine a year to keep their water sanitized. Chemical maintenance is also easier under a saltwater system. There's still the need to balance things, such as calcium hardness, alkalinity and pH, but it's with less frequency than of a chlorine system.