Salt water pool conversion to freshwater

A common misconception is that having a salt water pool means no chlorine, but this is not the case. High salt in the pool converts to chlorine and both are corrosive and have possible effects on health as well as the longevity of pool equipment and surrounds.

So often we hear a pool owner say, “We don’t have chlorine, we have a salt pool”. It is a common misconception that people believe they are not swimming in chlorine because they don’t physically have to manage it via liquid drums or tablets.

The electrolysis process in a salt water swimming pool is achieved by passing the salt water solution through an electrolytic cell which converts sodium chloride (salt) in the water into chlorine gas. When dissolved in the water, it becomes sodium hypochlorite (liquid chlorine). So you are, in fact producing your own chlorine to sanitise the pool.

The levels of salt required to sanitise a pool can vary and they’re between one fifth to one-tenth the level of salt in seawater.

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A fresh alternative

An alternative choice that’s much healthier and more enjoyable to swim in is a freshwater pool. As an alternative to just salt, our freshwater system uses nature’s minerals, copper and silver, to sanitise the water. As the ancient Greeks discovered, algae does not grow in copper, and silver has purifying qualities in the water.

The end result is a sanitised and fresh-feeling pool, with up to 80 percent less salt/mineral levels than its rivals. Our pools produce record low levels of chlorine, no more than your household tap. So not only is your water healthier and crystal clear, your equipment and pool surrounds will last much longer due to the freshness of the water. Even your garden will love it!

Should you replace your salt water pool with a fresh water pool?

There’s no doubt a salt water chlorinated pool has less odour and is easier to maintain without the need to handle or store dangerous chemicals. However, the end result can still be harsh on both the skin and allergy sufferers as well as your pool surrounds and equipment.

Mineral pools are also now popular and these use a variety of salts such as the Himalayan salt that emulates more of a spa treatment. However, the process to convert to chlorine is still the same. A saltwater swimming pool is a chlorine pool, as is a mineral pool.

The NKD-R freshwater system results in up to 80% less salt/minerals than a mineral pool or a saltwater pool.

Other chemical requirements in a salt water pool

The requirements for chemical balance are the same for electrolytic chlorination as for traditionally chlorinated pools. Total Alkalinity, pH, Calcium Hardness and chlorine levels should be checked regularly. Chlorine stabiliser (Cyanuric acid) should be added to the pool and maintained at approx 30-50ppm to reduce chlorine loss due to UV rays.

During periods of high bather load, it may be necessary to manually supplement with sodium hypochlorite (liquid chlorine) to maintain correct chlorine levels. Regular super-chlorination or shock dosing should also be carried out.

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Replace your salt water system with a NKD-R Freshwater Pool System today

The NKD-R Freshwater Pool System is the latest digital technology that delivers water so fresh you can drink it. It combines two very traditional sanitisation methods being oxidisation and ionisation (copper/silver), a process even used by NASA for drinking water in space.

Combined with an oxidiser that destroys organic matter generated from bather load and garden surrounds, the hybrid solution is a constant sanitiser that requires much less running time and the need for additional chemicals, unlike many others in the market.

When you swim in a freshwater pool, you’ll feel like you’ve just had a shower or come out from swimming in a freshwater stream.

If you’re thinking about replacing your current pool system, talk to our experts today for more information.