SWCG and sacrificial anodes

[Et1sw47]

I am getting ready to install a SWCG system. I have read in various places that sacrificial anodes are the first best way to help cut down on metal corrsion in regards to pool parts. Today, I went to two local popular pool stores and neither had heard of Anodes. When explained, one store manager told me that an anode would put more metal in the pool and stain the liner and everything else. She told me this after admitted she had never heard of an anode before. While I am sure it has been addressed on this site before, I seem to be having trouble trying to search the threads.

So my questions are A) is it worth it to have an inline anode? B) Do ladders need separate anodes attached to them when an inline anode is used? C) Does the anode add metals that need to be removed? If how do you remove them? D) Should I even consider using an anode?

Thanks folks for your replies.

[BigTallGuy]

Hi and welcome to the Forum. I would suggest that you check out the FAQ Sticky at the top of the Salt Water Chlorine Generator Section. I tend to agree with the anodes adding more metal to the pool. Salt water in the low concentrations should not be that much more detrimental to ladders etc. than with non-salt water.

[waterbear]

The great anode debate! Some say that if the pool is properly bonded it is totally unneeded. (AND if the pools is NOT properly bonded I would not risk my life by going in it.) Personally, I have never seen evidence that a sacrificial anode is needed or really does much good with a SWCG but I have talked with others that seem to think there is some benefit.

[JimK]

I am getting ready to install a SWCG system. I have read in various places that sacrificial anodes are the first best way to help cut down on metal corrsion in regards to pool parts. Today, I went to two local popular pool stores and neither had heard of Anodes. When explained, one store manager told me that an anode would put more metal in the pool and stain the liner and everything else. She told me this after admitted she had never heard of an anode before. While I am sure it has been addressed on this site before, I seem to be having trouble trying to search the threads.

So my questions are A) is it worth it to have an inline anode? B) Do ladders need separate anodes attached to them when an inline anode is used? C) Does the anode add metals that need to be removed? If how do you remove them? D) Should I even consider using an anode?

Thanks folks for your replies.

The anode would add unwanted metals to the pool as it breaks down, and as I understand it, some metals can damage the salt cell.

I don't see the need for an anode though. Corrosion doesn't seem to be an issue in a properly maintained salt pool. I've been using a SWCG since 2004 and haven't experienced any problems with corrosion.

[chem geek]

You don't put the sacrificial anode in the pool water itself! The sacrificial anode is put into moist soil (i.e. grounded) and electrically connected with a wire you then attach to the bonding wire that connects all the metal in your pool and the equipment at the pool pad that is in contact with the water.

The PB that put in my pool uses them in saltwater chlorine generator pools that have automatic electric safety covers with vanishing header bars since they are aluminum and can corrode more quickly in saltier water. He had a problem with them and was told to do this by the pool cover manufacturer and it solved the problem with his pools. As for whether it is needed in other situations, that depends on the quality of the metal in contact with pool water. High quality stainless steel may not need it, but technically corrosion rates are faster in saltier water -- it's just whether corroding in 10 years vs. 30 makes any difference or whether it's really 3 vs. 9 or 20 vs. 60.

[JimK]

You don't put the sacrificial anode in the pool water itself! The sacrificial anode is put into moist soil (i.e. grounded) and electrically connected with a wire you then attach to the bonding wire that connects all the metal in your pool and the equipment at the pool pad that is in contact with the water.

The PB that put in my pool uses them in saltwater chlorine generator pools that have automatic electric safety covers with vanishing header bars since they are aluminum and can corrode more quickly in saltier water. He had a problem with them and was told to do this by the pool cover manufacturer and it solved the problem with his pools. As for whether it is needed in other situations, that depends on the quality of the metal in contact with pool water. High quality stainless steel may not need it, but technically corrosion rates are faster in saltier water -- it's just whether corroding in 10 years vs. 30 makes any difference or whether it's really 3 vs. 9 or 20 vs. 60.

Thanks for the correction. I was thinking of anodes like used in hot water heaters.