Salt Cell - is it worth it?

[ej1989]

We are putting in our first pool (in-ground, vinyl, 34' x 18', 3ft to 7ft depth) with an electric pool heater.

We were asked if we wanted to go with an automatic chlorinator or one of these new salt cell chlorine generating systems. A chlorinator is dirt cheap (about $200 + installation) and the salt cell system is about $1500 + installation.

Is it worth the extra money to splurge for the salt system? The sales guy was telling us that while we wont save money on buying chlorine (we still need to buy this stuff to put in the pool each week for the salt thing), that the benefits are that the water is much clearer, doesn't dry out your skin as much, and that theres' less "chemical maintenance" with shocking, etc. Also the salt cell system includes a panel that controls the heater, lights, and waterfall as well.

Does anyone have one of these salt cells? If so, how do you like it? The one he is trying to sell is is by Hayward Aqua Rite called Aqua Logic.

Thanks!

[aylad]

Hi, and welcome to the forum!!

You'll find that many, many of our members have SWCG systems and absolutely swear by them--I plan to add one to my now 11 year old pool as soon as I can find the $$ for it--I wish I had put one in when our pool was built.

The SWCG (salt water chlorine generator) takes the salt that is in the pool and uses it to generate chlorine for the pool, so there is very little maintenance on your part to keep the chlorine levels where they need to be, and to keep them consistent. You will have to keep an eye on, and occasionally adjust, your pH due to the way the unit works, but it's not at all hard to do.

The automatic chlorinator uses trichlor pucks. The downfall to these units is that while the pucks are providing the chlorine, they also push pH down and add lots of stabilizer to the pool. A little stabilizer is necessary (it prevents the sun from consuming all your chlorine) but a lot is not a good thing, because then you have to adjust your routine chlorine levels upward to compensate. If you don't, then you're in for algae blooms for the rest of the summer. So...chlorinators are good IF you understand how they work, and don't use them for your sole chlorine source, but you'll need to plan on using some supplemental chlorine source with it.

What I don't know about is the potential for problems with the salt system and the pool heater, but I know that several of our equipment gurus will be along shortly to offer their advice.

Congratulations on the decision to put in a pool--you're gonna love it!!

[PoolDoc]

We are putting in our first pool (in-ground, vinyl, 34' x 18', 3ft to 7ft depth) with an electric pool heater!

I assume you mean, an electric heat pump? Cause if you mean an electric resistance heater (like a water heater), EITHER you can afford the SWCG (salt system) with NO problem, OR you won't be able to afford to run that heater for even a month.

Even the heat pumps, will cost you $100 per month or more to operate.

Regarding the SWCG -- if you mean "is it worth it" in money saved, then the answer is "No!" It's cheaper to operate pure BBB method, once you consider the cost of the salt, the cost of the electricity, the cost of the new SWCG, and the cost of ongoing maintenance (cell replacement).

But, if you mean, "is it worth it" in convenience, most people who have them seem to think so.

[cleancloths]

I was going to say the same thing about electricity.

I run a "hybrid" pool. I have a heat pump, but hardly ever use it. I keep the solar cover on all the time except when swimming and have 80 SqFt of solar mats that provide about enough heat to cover heat loss during all but early May and and mid-September on.

I also run a "hybrid" chlorination scheme. I use some trichlor pucks, as as mentioned they tend to lower pH. I then use mostly bleach for the rest of the chlorine needs. It tends to raise pH. Couple the trichlor, bleach, and acid rain and I never have to use any other chemicals to maintain pH levels.

[waterbear]

Is a SWCG worth it. As far as convenience factor goes that is a resounding YES!!!!!!
I am basically lazy when it comes to caring for my own pool so a SWCG is a godsend as far as I am concerned. I would not have a pool without one! I have a heat pump but live in Florida where heat pumps are not very expensive to run since the pool stays farily warm on it's own. I mostlu sue the heat pump to head the spa when I use it.