Concrete damage from salt?

[geberl]

Will the salt levels from SWG damage my concrete pool deck and my artifical concrete rock waterfall? I've checked all the posts and was not able to get a answer! Any response would be greatly appreciated, thanks

[chem geek]

Welcome to the forum! Unfortunately, we do not have a definitive answer to your question, but have been investigating this in this thread which is in the China Shop section because it is controversial and unproven. Most people who have SWG on this forum do not report any problems with corrosion of either metal or concrete/stone surfaces, but a couple have. However, the report of corrosion (flaking) of decking or coping was with soft limestone, not concrete, and may not have been due to the salt water. The most likely answer to your question is no, but the more complete answer is that "it depends".

Our own pool does not have an SWG nor elevated salt (not above 1000 ppm), but nevertheless we seal the textured concrete hardscape (and smooth coping) every year per the installer's recommendations. So the answer probably depends on the type and quality of the concrete you have since all concrete wears -- it's just a matter of how long and under what conditions.

I'm sorry to not be of more help. I think the conservative thing to do would be to seal the area around the pool. I'm not sure if that's so easy with the waterfall, but may not be as necessary there since it's probably more jagged stone surfaces anyway and the frequent water flow should prevent most salt buildup. Technically, the problem with salt and concrete or stone isn't constant exposure to the salt water, but rather frequent salt water splashing and drying (evaporation) cycles which concentrate the salt in crevices causing pressure. Sealing keeps out the water, whether it has salt in it or not. Other people just hose down the area around their pool.

Richard

[geberl]

Thanks Chem geek for you response, I've read your thread and found some great info! Thanks again