Salt pool systems have health benefits, but some high level of maintenance required

Salt system pools have gained in popularity due to health-related benefits. But depending on whom you talk to, they aren't any easier to maintain when compared to traditional chlorinating systems.

Terrie Duran, owner of Paradise Pools, says that unlike other pools that use chlorine and other acids, the salt system uses "chlorine generated by electrodes and salt. So it's an algae-killing or bacterial-killing chlorinating system that acts as a chlorinator but it doesn't have all the symptoms of chlorine."

Swimmers who use salt system pools do not need to deal with the burning eyes, dry skin or strong smell of chlorine that accompanies traditional swimming pools, according to Duran.

She says the salt system of chlorination is preferred by those who are allergic to chlorine as well as those who just want a therapeutic experience.

Of her own salt system pool she says, "The feel of the water is so smooth and so soft. I almost feel like I'm a whole lot lighter."

Although salt system pools have been around for more than 10 years, Duran says, "People are now just talking about that's the way to go."

She says many recent customers have begun sharing stories with her about how salt system pools have improved their health.

One customer told her that "his wife had Lou Gehrig's Disease and she couldn't get in because her skin was very irritable. They put a salt system in and she was able to get into the pool and therapeutically it helped her because the salt is good for swelling."

According to Duran, it makes sense that a salt system pool would help people feel better. "Salt is a therapeutical item so in a pool it's logical. It just makes sense."

Jim Forsyth, manager of Country Roads RV Village, says that a year or two ago, he didn't know anything about salt system pools. But now, he says, he can see the health benefits' affects on his residents.

He says Country Roads residents have reacted favorably. They don't have skin problems anymore, Forsyth says, though he is skeptical that the pool is to credit for that.

"It's more in their heads," he says.

Forsyth also says he was disappointed with the costs required to maintain the salt system pool. "We thought we'd save money."

He also says his maintenance team has to wash the pool more than normal and perform many of the diagnostic and stabilization tasks required for a traditional chlorination system.

But Duran maintains "it's just been one of the best things that's ever come out on the market for pools ... but just like everything else, there is a maintenance to them."

Customers still need to monitor and add acids to their pools to stabilize the pH balance, according to Duran. "Without that acid being maintained in there, it can affect their chlorinating system so they do need to maintain that acidic level in their pool."

Duran says if simple tasks like this are completed regularly, then maintenance costs can be as low as $6 every two to three months as opposed to $150 every two to three months with a traditional chlorination system.

"You've got big savings. I know because I have a pool."

Training classes are available through Paradise Pools for customers who might feel unsure of how to properly care for their pools.

Paradise Pools is also looking into developing an acid dispenser similar to a traditional chlorine dispenser to ease the burden of pool care for customers like Forsyth, she says.

Duran is confident that once a customer understands how to care for their salt system pool, they'll find that "every single day they're beautiful."

While Forsyth says he is still disappointed with the level of care his pool requires, he does admit that the salt system pool is "probably actually a good thing."

Duran sums her feelings up on the subject, too: "Ninety percent of Paradise Pools pools have a salt system. Why? Because it works. It's great."

Paradise Pools is not the only pool supplier that sells salt system pools. No additional pool suppliers were contacted for this article.


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Erin Orozco can be reached at eorozco@yumasun.com or 539-6849.