Fiberglass swimming pools are very compatible with salt water systems. If you are using a vinyl liner pool, you must be careful as those pools tend to have metal parts or connections which salt will eat through and corrode. Salt water is abrasive on the interior surfaces of concrete/ gunite pools, especially those that have plaster within them.
Many families report that they enjoy swimming within a pool that has a salt water system. They feel cleaner and report that they do not have that “chlorine” taste and reaction. That is, they don’t experience the eye burning or the smell that comes with traditional chlorine usage.
That’s because you use salt to help clean your pool and most people will say that they believe that their water is “clearer” with these systems. Because of this, many families report that the water looks and feel better, even “silkier.”
In Australia, it is reported that as much as 80% of the pools have a salt water system and many more American and Canadian homes are now converting over to this system with very few negative comments.
Technically, you are still releasing pure chlorine into your pool which forms hypochlorous acid, which is what ultimately cleans your pool. Whatever way you approach it, you are trying to kill algae and bacteria as well as destroy dirt that is within your pool.
The added benefit of having a fiberglass swimming pool is that our surfaces do not attract or collect algae and bacteria like other surfaces tend to do which means you should have less maintenance and less expenses in cleaning materials.
We recommend discussing this with your installer/ builder when you are considering the purchase of your Imagine Pools swimming pool. If you do move forward with this, understand that it will require different equipment to clean and monitor your pool.
The investment for a salt chlorine generator can range between $ 600 – $ 2,000. Maintenance will average between $ 50 – $ 100 per year (which is less than a traditional chlorine pool which runs between $250 – $ 300 per year.) So while your initial investment may be higher, you should be seeing the savings return to you on your annual maintenance.
The salt chlorine cells do have a shelf life between 3 – 7 years meaning a replacement cost of $ 700 – $ 900. You would face the same costs with a traditional chlorine pool. As with any other piece of equipment, if you keep up with monitoring and maintenance, you will experience a longer life and better results.
Be sure to use only salt that is intended for use within swimming pools as there are other grades available to buy. Also know that the higher the salt purity, the better it will react within your pool. We recommend 99% purity or higher for the best results.
The salt level in most pools range between 3,000 – 4,000 ppm but please check with your cell’s rating and discuss with your dealer/ installer. Some salt chlorine generators may have a different effective range
When you have a new fiberglass swimming pool, you typically add 40 – 50 pounds of salt for every 2,000 gallons of water (most pools will be in this range of gallons.) Then simply monitor your chemical levels and react accordingly.
Your dealer should walk you through how to properly maintain your pool to keep it clean and safe once your installation is complete.
Note: Be sure that if you are installing hand rails/ guards or are installing a cover system that they are compatible with a salt water system. Salt water can corrode certain products so have your dealer be sure to recommend the proper equipment to compliment your Imagine Pools system.
