OK, it seemed like this thread was winding down ... how about adding Potassium Chloride Pellets, instead of Sodium Chloride? Morton's, for instance, states at http://www.mortonsalt.com/consumer/p...pc_pellets.htm
that:
"Morton® Potassium Chloride Pellets soften your water while adding potassium to it. Morton® Potassium Chloride Pellets are 99% sodium-free, therefore reducing sodium levels in your softened water and reducing chlorides discharged into the environment. This product also provides the essential plant nutrient potassium to the ecosystem. 40-lb. Morton® Potassium Chloride Pellets come in a convenient, easy-open bag."
I don't remember my chemistry well enough, but wasn't the potential required to separate NaCl about the same as that for KCl? Of course in our case, we're speaking of ions in solution, not separating the elements from solid crystal compounds (lattice energies).
So, since I'm not up on poolwater chemistry either: How would K and Cl ions react in a SWG? Would the voltage differential on SWGs be sufficient to form HCl? Would KCl work a bit better, if maybe not as cheaply, as a substitute for those who want to add "salt" to a pool for comfort? Would KCl, like NaCl, not change pool chemistries?
Lastly, Morton states that KCl (when used in a water softener) doesn't discharge chlorides into the environment... any takers? hmmm?

Thanks!!
Alex in Oklahoma