Recipe For a Low Maintenance Pool

 Deciding which pool is best for your family is often a very complicated task. Many questions revolve around salt-water pools or chlorine free pools. Although salt-water pools are promoted to be safe and natural it’s important to know that salt-water pools are NOT chlorine free pools and instead use a chlorine generator. Chlorine generators have been around for decades and with new technology and materials have continued to evolve and improve in performance. Chlorine generators can help fight against waterline scum build-up. They create a safer and healthier swimming experience. It’s no longer necessary to handle or buy chlorine, and if the unit is functioning correctly, chlorine residual will always be present in the pool, eliminating algae. Because it is natural you can say goodbye to burning red eyes from chloramines and the itchy dry skin.

 Generally, when people swim in a non-chlorine generator pool (a pool with no salt water in it) they feel like their skin dries quicker upon exiting the pool. They may feel and/or see whitish residual, chlorine flaking, on the skin. However in a salt-water pool (fitted with a chlorine generator) the water feels smooth and as a result your skin feels smoother and many people tend to feel more refreshed. This is because salt is a natural antiseptic that does not bleach bathing suits or damage your hair. A salt-water pool is also economical, with up to 80 per cent in maintenance savings, and time efficient. All you have to do is switch on the system and adjust the chlorine output.

 A chlorine generator's main function is to produce chlorine for the pool, so gone are the days of having to buy, handle or store chlorine. These are big advantages for many pool owners. Chlorine generators, when functioning correctly, produce chlorine constantly. This is achieved through the process of electrolysis; water passing over the chlorine generator cell produces chlorine that is instantly transformed into Hypochlorous acid, which is the active sanitiser. This keeps a residual of chlorine in the pool that prevents algae from growing. Even with a chlorine generator, you still must maintain your pool. You still must maintain correct water balance (more importantly proper pH), and you must maintain the chlorine generator. It is essential to keep the cell free of calcium and mineral deposits - the cell itself is made up of precious metals-it must be clean so it can continue to make chlorine. If you do not take care of your chlorine generator or your pool chemistry you can destroy your pool's interior finish, decking and pool equipment

 There are standard and self-cleaning units. The self-cleaning (reverse polarity) units reverse the electron flow through the cell causing mineral deposits to flake off. In some instances the now larger particles will get caught in the filtration system. So the claim that the units help keep calcium scum off the tile is partially correct. These cells do not require as much cleaning. Generally reverse polarity cells will remain calcium free. However high calcium levels may require you to periodically clean the cell.

 With all these factors in mind, you now have the recipe for a low maintenance pool. Enjoy, and swim safe!