Identification

• In a salt water pool, chlorine is not added. Instead, pool salt, which is similar to soft water salt, is added. The water is then subject to electrolysis, which transforms the chloride portion of the salt into a sanitizer, which can oxidize or kill bacteria, algae, viruses and other radicals that can grow in unsanitized pool water.
  
  

Features

• Technically speaking, a salt water pool is not chlorine free. The salt added to the pool, coupled with the electrolysis system, makes its own chlorine, which means the pool owner does not have to purchase, store or add chlorine to the pool water. A swimming pool can go several years without having to add additional salt to the pool water.
  
  

Considerations

• The salt added to the pool water is pure, natural, evaporated ocean salt. Although it is not necessary to add chlorine to the pool, it is advised to regularly test the water and to add muriatic acid to the water once a week. Muriatic acid or spirit of salts is made from mineral acid and salt. Pool supply stores often offer free testing services for customers who bring in water samples.
  
  

Benefits

• Swimming in a pool with a salt water system is less stressful on hair, clothing and skin compared to the traditional chlorine treated swimming pool. With a salt treated pool, hair tends not to turn green and fabric doesn't fade. Skin will also feel softer in a salt water pool, similar to bathing in soft water. The salt water system requires less maintenance. Since there is no chlorine to purchase, it is less expensive to maintain a salt water pool.
  
  

Function

• The salt water pool has a pump that moves the water from the pool through a cell that filters and sanitizes the water before returning the water to the pool. The pool pump needs to be running during the process. There are various salt water systems, and it is always advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid voiding the warranty. What might be acceptable for one brand may harm another system.