Swim Smart Pools and Spas Blog

What’s the difference between a chlorine swimming pool and a salt chlorinated pool?

melissa — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:43:16 -0500

A salt chlorinated pool is an alternative way to sanitize your pool instead of using bottled or tablet chlorine chemicals. However, a salt chlorinated pool still contains chlorine. With a salt water chlorination system, you use a chlorine generator, an electrical device that uses salt added to the water to manufacture chlorine. Using a salt water system will not make your pool salty, as only a minimum amount of saline is used to generate chlorine.

The benefits of using Chlorine generators vs. liquid chlorine or tablets:

How do I take care of my Saltwater Pool?

melissa — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:11:40 -0500

Maintaining your chlorine generator for your salt chlorinated pool is simple. Most generator systems automatically test for salt levels and have indicator lights to let you know if salt levels need to be adjusted.

Many chlorine generating systems are self-cleaning, using a built-in polarity reversal function to clean themselves. The best thing you can do to ensure your saltwater pool is at optimal levels is to periodically test the salt level in your water using salt test strips available at pool supply stores.

I’m considering a swimming pool heater pump, but I’m not sure how it works.

melissa — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:12:55 -0500

If you want an energy-efficient way to heat your swimming pool, consider using a heat pump pool heater. Heat pumps use electricity but do not generate heat on their own. There are two basic types of pool heat pumps. The most common is an "Air-Source", the other being "Water-Source". Air Source Heat Pumps use air as a heat source. The heat is collected and captured from the air and pumped into the heater unit’s compressor. The compressor increases the heat, creating a very hot gas that then passes through the condenser.

Is it beneficial for me to use a pool cover?

melissa — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:35:34 -0500

A swimming pool cover is a great and cost-efficient investment. A pool cover is the simplest way to keep your pool looking clean keeping leaves, debris, dirt and bugs from falling in. You’ll save money fast since there will be less need to clean the pool as often, you'll use fewer chemicals, and your filter won't have to work as often.

Pool covers are also great for energy conservation, keeping your pool warmer throughout the season, and extending your time and enjoyment in your pool.

Selecting the right Pool Filter Size

melissa — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:19:43 -0500

Getting the right size filter for your pool is important for keeping your pool clean, and for saving money. While a pool specialist can help you calculate the correct pool filter size for your particular pool or spa, below are the steps to help you figure it out on your own.

To properly size and select the filter for your pool or spa, you must:

1. Calculate your pool's volume. 2. Calculate your pool’s capacity. 3. Calculate your pool’s flow rate. 4. Calculate the filter flow rate.

What are the difference between cartridge pool filters?

melissa — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:22:24 -0500

A pool filter is an essential component to your pools appearance, hygiene and safety. A pool filter is linked to the circulation system along with the motor and pump. As the water pump circulates water through the pool or spa, impurities are strained by a filter. The filter itself has no moving parts.

There are three different types of pool filters that are available: sand, cartridge, and DE (diatomaceous earth).

Salt Water Pools vs Chlorine

melissa — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:41:59 -0500

A salt water pool is generally less expensive to maintain over time because you don’t need to add chlorine tablets to the water. You just add salt. The salt runs thru the purification system and creates chlorine on its own. The initial cost for the system is more, but after a short period of time, it will pay for itself.