Years of advancement in manufacturing and chemical technology have changed the way we look after our pools, too. The days of adding chlorine to the pool each afternoon are long gone. We have learnt to sanitise our water in ways that are both more effective, and much easier.
We have gone from manually applying what is often called ‘cal hypo” (actually that’s calcium hypochlorite in granular form, or simply ‘dry chlorine’) to a wide range of automatic systems, and many different forms of water purification. Today we have many choices for pool and spa sanitation, including ionizers, ozonators , and salt chlorinators. Then there are many other ways to sanitise our pool water, as well.
The newest of these is the magnesium salt system, which has expanded into a system of “mineral blends”. The “mineral blends” pool system has resulted in pool treatment systems that produce smooth, velvety feeling water that is real joy to swim in, while at the same time being amazingly cost-effective.
Since there are two systems, the salt pool and the mineral pool, it is interesting to compare them
First, a “Salt Pool”
Here, a fully automatic electronic controller manages the production of chlorine through producing sodium hyperchlorite right in the pool water itself. As the water flows through the circulation system, and through the pool, pump, and filter, this sodium hypochlorite oxidises all the ‘nasties’, leaving the pool water hygienic and safe. If you were to add “liquid chlorine” into your pool, you would be adding the same thing - sodium hypochlorite - into your pool. It’s just that the salt chlorinator makes it easy, automatic, and well controlled.
Depending on the brand and type of chlorinator (that is a “standard salt level” or “low salt level” system) salt is added in quite large quantities to produce a concentration between 4ppm (parts per million) and 6ppm. An electric current controlled by the controller gradually electrolyses this salt, turning it into the sodium hypochlorite we need to keep things safe for swimming. After a while, all the salt has been used up in this electrolysis, and we need to keep adding salt to keep the concentration just right.
The characteristics of the salt pool are well known these days, and include:
- No chlorine smell
- Bitter taste of salt
- Softer on the skin than when using ‘liquid chlorine’
- ph - the measure of water acidity - runs higher in salt water pools
- Salt water pools should be tested and balanced monthly
- Salt prices range between $7 and $15 a bag, depending on the brand and grade of salt, and,
- Using inferior salt can cause surface staining.
By way of cost comparison, the start-up cost for a 50,000 litre salt pool with a standard salt level chlorinator requiring 6ppm (parts per million) salt concentration, means using 300Kg of salt at a cost of about $175.
Now, let’s consider a “Mineral Pool”
Again, a fully automatic controller manages the production of chlorine, and again, the chlorine is produced right in the pool water itself. But in this case, the controller and the electrolytic cell produce magnesium hyperchlorite. The “hyperchlorite” part works just the same way as in a pool treated with liquid chlorine, or one which uses a salt chlorinator.
What is different is the mix of mineral salts that remain in the water after the chlorine has been produced. These mineral salts yield smoother, softer, feeling water.
The mineral pool characteristics include:
- Eliminating stinging eyes and itching skin
- Is excellent for sensitive skin
- No chlorine smell on your body after swimming
- No "ph bounce"
- Has little to no taste
- Shows excellent water clarity, and,
- Can relieve muscular complaints
More than that, a “mineral pool” can save you money too!
A mineral pool can:
- Run on a complete mineral blend, or,
- Run on a mix of partly mineral and partly salt
- By way of comparison as before, the start-up cost for a 50,000 litre pool is based on the need to use only two 10Kg buckets of ‘Mineral Enhance Additive’, at a cost of $198,
- With a maintenance dose of only one 10Kg bucket every six months.
Converting to a mineral blend pool is easy. Just add the mineral blend to an existing salt water pool. There’s no need to drain and refill.
You'll find it so simple to switch to a mineral blend pool! If you're interested but still not sure, just call into a 'Splash's Pools' store near you, and ask their friendly staff.
Read more ...
Home