Salt Water Pool FAQ

There are many misconceptions about salt water pools, including that they are chlorine free. Below, we answer common questions about salt water pool systems and why Clear Comfort's chlorine alternative hydroxyl-based advanced oxidation technology is superior.

Is a salt water or saline pool system chlorine free?

No, a salt water pool system adds chlorine to your pool in a different way. Instead of pouring chlorine into your pool, a salt water sanitation system (also called a chlorine generator) produces chlorine.

How does salt water sanitize a pool?

There is a wide misconception that salt water pools are chlorine free and chemical free, but salt alone cannot and does not sanitize a pool. Salt water pools sanitize by generating chlorine.

How does a salt water pool system work?

A salt water pool system cleans the water through electrolysis which produces chlorine. This process occurs when the salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl), dissolves in the water and separates into sodium ions and chloride ions. By passing a low voltage electrical current through the water, the sodium is removed and the chloride turns into chlorine in the form of hypochlorous acid (HClO) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO).

Is salt water harmful to your pool?

Salt water pools can deteriorate the surface of pool areas. Salt water is corrosive and can damage metal, stone, aged concrete, plaster and pool equipment. Some pool builders have even stopped selling salt water pool systems, while others require a disclaimer that explains the damage salt water can cause since it’s not covered under warranty.

What does it take to maintain a salt water pool?

Salt water pools require maintaining the same level of chlorine as a regular chlorine pool, and they will usually require adding cyanuric acid. In addition, salt water pools can result in an elevated pH, which can require additional maintenance.

Is chlorine unsafe?

Scientific studies have linked chlorine concentration to a wide variety of health hazards. The recommended chlorine levels of 1 ppm to 4 ppm produce disinfection byproducts (chloramines) that can cause asthma, allergies and more serious health issues.

In addition, chlorine at normal levels does not effectively destroy some very harmful contaminants, including the increasingly-common protozoan cyst Cryptosporidium parvum.

What’s the alternative?

Clear Comfort's pool system is a chlorine alternative that does not produce chlorine or toxic disinfection byproducts. It is compatible with most pool systems, materials and equipment. In addition, it quickly and effectively destroys contaminants, including those that are chlorine resistant.