Everything You Should Know About Saltwater Pools

swimming pool

Saltwater Pools

Getting a pool always comes with the big question, saltwater or chlorine?

Today we’ll be discussing the pros and cons of specifically using saltwater in your pools versus only chlorine.

Saltwater Pools use the Exact Same Chlorine

Saltwater systems make chlorine, the exact same chlorine that is released from pool chlorine products. In a saltwater pool, when H2O + NaOCl are run through the salt cell, the electric charge breaks apart molecules to create chlorine (Cl) and a few other byproducts, which are generally reabsorbed. The chlorine that is instantly created, hypochlorous acid, is the same exact chlorine that is released from chlorine tablets, liquid chlorine, or granular chlorine.

Saltwater Pools do have Benefits

  • You can’t taste the salt, but it can make the water feel softer
  • Less storage and handling of hazardous chlorine products
  • Breakpoint chlorination inside the cell reduces chloramines constantly
  • Easily raise or lower chlorine levels, and view status on a digital display

Saltwater Pools are not Maintenance Free Pools

  • You still have to monitor the system, and test for salt, chlorine and stabilizer levels
  • You still have to maintain good water balance; saltwater pool pH and Alkalinity rises rapidly
  • Salt cells need cleaning to remove scale, although some systems do it automatically
  • Salt cells last about 5 yrs; salt system parts like boards, sensors and switches may last longer

You may Still Need to Use Chlorine Products

  • To raise the chlorine level very fast for shock treatments
  • To maintain chlorine level during pump, filter or salt system equipment problems
  • To clear the water during opening or closing the pool, or for treating various water problems

Saltwater can attack Soft & Shiny Surfaces

  • Galvanic corrosion can oxidize chrome surfaces in the pool, although sacrificial anodes can be used
  • Salt residue can slowly corrode soft coping stones or stone decks, although sealers can be used

Have any more questions about saltwater pools? Contact us here!

Landscaping Requirements for Above Ground Pools

landscaping above ground pool

Landscaping Requirements

Above ground pools let you have the swimming space you want without worrying about digging a gigantic hole in your yard, but that doesn’t mean they have no effect on your yard whatsoever. Even though you no longer have to worry about removing all that soil, you still have to be careful about where you place the pool, and about what landscaping you place near it.

Space and Access

Any landscaping you do around the pool should allow you and pool maintenance workers to access all parts of the pool. Shrubs should be at least a few inches away from the edge of the pool and not right up against it. Equipment for the pool, such as pumps, should never be blocked or enveloped by plants. You can certainly plant shrubs and hedges between the pool and your view of it from your house if you don’t want to see the equipment, but you must leave empty space around the outside of the pool.

Part of the reason for doing this is to leave access, as noted, but it also helps prevent mold and fungi from taking over the plants and pool perimeter. That space lets air flow easily between the two, drying out excess moisture.

Root Problems

All plants near the pool, be they shrubs, flowerbeds, or trees, should have nonaggressive roots that won’t spend the edge of the pool. For most shrubs and flowers, a few inches or a couple of feet will provide enough space to mitigate root issues. Any trees that are close to the structure, though, need to have taproots instead of large, spreading root systems. A good rule of thumb is to keep the pool out of the tree’s drip line, which is the line on the ground that corresponds to the approximate circle formed by the edges of the tree’s canopy.

Grading to Prevent Puddles

Like in-ground pools, above ground pools can get a bit splashy as everyone inside has a lot of fun swimming around. Excess water that splashes out needs to drain away from the pool (and your house). Before installing the pool, have landscapers double-check the slope of the land in the area where you want the pool. They can degrade the land if necessary.

When you’re ready to choose a pool, contact the Cincinnati Pool & Patio. You’ll be able to see different pool sizes and configurations that allow you to find one that will work well in your yard.

5 Swimming Pool Opening Tricks To Have You Swimming Sooner

swimming pool, above ground pool

Swimming Pool Tricks

It’s that time again, after months of snow and cold it’s finally time to open your swimming pool for the summer. You’ve been anxiously awaiting warm enough weather to dip your toes in that cool, clear water, but your pool isn’t quite ready for swimmers yet. There’s, unfortunately, some necessary tasks and work that needs to be completed before you can open your pool for the season. If only there were some ways to make this daunting task seem easier. Luckily, we are here to help you with five time-saving tips for opening your pool.

Use your sump pump:

If you’ve had a cover on the swimming pool for the winter, chances are some water has pooled up on it. You can utilize your sump pump to drain the water off before you try to move it. This will help to eliminate excess debris from falling into your swimming pool and also make the cover much easier to move. (You can also create a siphon effect with your garden hose to remove water from the top.)

Use a leaf blower:

If you still have a lot of debris left on your cover, grab your leaf blower and send those leaves and twigs on their way!

Adjust your filter basket to catch tiny debris:

If your swimming pool is looking cloudy or filled with very small particles of leaves and other debris you can help your pool filter by stretching a piece of pantyhose over the filter basket. Then, by just running your filter for a while, you will be catching the finer particles. You can also stretch the pantyhose over your pool skimmer while you are using it. This will help you to collect the small bits and also assist in cleaning the skimmer. When the pantyhose are full, just toss away and add a new piece.

Clean your deck area first:

Always sweep and clean your decking before you begin to clean your swimming pool. Nothing will frustrate you more easily than watching leaves from your deck blow into your freshly skimmed and vacuumed pool.

Brush and Vacuum with a purpose:

When cleaning your pool make sure you start in the shallow end and work your way toward the deep end. Gravity will help to collect debris at the bottom of the deep end as you work your way in that direction.

Want help creating the perfect outdoor oasis? Contact Cincinnati Pool & Patio for ideas on making your swimming pool the highlight of your home.