Advantages and disadvantages of salt electrolysis for swimming pools

What are the advantages and disadvantages of salt electrolysis for swimming pools?

The swimming pool is a friendly place, where everyone finds happiness. The only downside may be the difficulty in maintaining healthy water. Multiplying interventions to maintain its balance and treatment can sometimes be constraining. So, how to favor swimming without the constraint of controls and disinfectant product measurements? Salt electrolysis is a way to enjoy your pool with minimal monitoring. What are the advantages of this treatment system? Are there any disadvantages? And what are they?

The advantages of salt electrolysis for swimming pools

Salt electrolysis autonomously manages the automatic and permanent disinfection of the pool, provided that the pool filtration system is operational. For the homeowner, monitoring pool maintenance is greatly simplified, which is an appreciable time saver.
It is an economical treatment system. As soon as the chlorine produced by the electrolyzer has done its job, it is transformed back into salt, and the cycle is perpetual!
Salt electrolysis is self-sufficient; no use of additional chemical products (algicide, shock treatment, etc.) is necessary.
Salt electrolysis is a process that produces natural, odorless, and non-aggressive gaseous chlorine: sodium hypochlorite. The sensation of dry skin, stinging eyes, and faded swimsuits... all these concerns do not exist with this type of treatment. It is ideal for people with sensitive skin, allergies, children... It provides great comfort for all swimmers!
Moreover, the pool lining and equipment are preserved since the salt is pure and contains no metals or additives.
Salt electrolysis does not saturate the water with residual chemicals like chloramines or stabilizer. Therefore, there is no need for partial drainage or additional treatment to get rid of these wastes. This is beneficial for both the environment and the wallet!

The disadvantages of salt electrolysis for swimming pools

Salt electrolysis has many qualities and provides a appreciated service, but it should be noted that this system has certain constraints that must be taken into account.
First and foremost, the cost of purchasing the device. Although, in use, salt electrolysis is financially very advantageous since no other additional product is needed; the initial investment is significant. In addition to special salt and the device with its installation, it is highly recommended to install an automatic pH regulator. Indeed, the sodium hydroxide produced for water disinfection significantly affects the pH.
Furthermore, if the pool is covered by a shelter, a safety cover, or a cover, it is advisable to install a Redox control. It measures and limits the chlorine level. Indeed, when the pool is covered, the chlorine remains "trapped" and becomes corrosive. Redox control prevents overproduction of disinfectant, which leads to degradation of the pool lining and equipment.
Regarding the submerged cover, a pool ground must be installed to limit oxidation and capture stray currents. In addition, the winding axis must be composite, as most submerged cover manufacturers limit or even cancel the warranty if the treatment is salt-based and the cover axis is made of 316L stainless steel or anodized aluminum.
The cell is essential for the operation of the device. If it is dirty or scaled, electrolysis cannot perform its function. Therefore, it must be cleaned regularly or an electrolysis with self-cleaning by polarity inversion must be purchased. In any case, it needs to be replaced after a few years of service, costing between 200 and 500 euros.
Salt electrolysis does not tolerate cold water. Therefore, the device must be restarted or winterized when the water reaches 12/15°C (depending on the models). If swimming is planned all year round, a pool heat pump will be necessary.
Pool water is less salty than seawater. The amount of salt present in a pool treated by salt electrolysis is low, between 3 and 7 grams per liter. For comparison, physiological saline contains 9 grams of sodium chloride per liter! However, the slightly salty taste may cause discomfort for some people.

Salt electrolysis is a device that facilitates pool water treatment, relieves the homeowner of a number of tasks, and improves bathing quality. However, certain checks and cleaning of the pool should not be overlooked for proper equipment operation.

What is an acceptable noise level for a swimming pool heat pump and what does the regulation say about the noise nuisances of a swimming pool heat pump? Discover our answers and advice in these articles dedicated to the noise of swimming pool heat pumps.