Which salt should you choose for a saltwater pool?

Before going into detail about the different types of salt, it is essential to understand how a saltwater pool works. Unlike traditional chlorine pools, saltwater pools use a chlorine generator to convert the salt dissolved in the water into chlorine. This process, called electrolysis, helps keep the water clean and disinfected without requiring the constant addition of chemical chlorine. This can make pool maintenance easier and more cost-effective in the long term.

However, the salt you choose for your pool will have a direct impact on how the chlorine generator operates. Low-quality salt can not only affect water quality, but also damage your equipment, which can lead to significant repair or replacement costs.

Choosing pool salt is not as simple as it may seem. There are several types of salt available on the market, and their quality can vary considerably. The three most common types of salt used in saltwater pools are solar salt, mechanically evaporated salt, and mined and washed salt. Let’s examine each type in more detail.

Solar salt is salt that comes from seawater. The production process involves diverting seawater into a holding area, where it is left in the open air under the sun. Evaporation leaves behind crystallized salt, which is then harvested.

Advantages of solar salt:

• Natural: This type of salt is generally more environmentally friendly because it is produced naturally.
• Cost: Solar salt is often less expensive than other types of salt, making it appealing to pool owners looking to save money.

Drawbacks of solar salt:

• Impurities: Solar salt often contains a significant amount of organic impurities, such as algae, debris, and organic matter. These impurities can cause problems for your pool because they force the chlorine generator to work harder to produce chlorine and disinfect the water.
• Effects on equipment: Organic impurities can also harm your filtration system and chlorine generator, reducing their effectiveness and lifespan.
• Variable impurity levels: The impurity content of solar salt can vary from one batch to the next, making quality control difficult.

Mechanically evaporated salt is also made from seawater, but it is produced through controlled heating in an enclosed environment. Unlike solar salt, which depends on weather conditions, the mechanical process allows precise control over manufacturing conditions. This salt is heated to a high temperature to evaporate the water and leave the salt behind.

Advantages of mechanically evaporated salt:

• Fewer organic impurities: The manufacturing process helps reduce organic impurities, which can benefit your pool water quality.
• Consistent quality: Heat and process control ensure consistent quality from one batch to the next, making it easier to maintain your pool.

Drawbacks of mechanically evaporated salt:

• Unwanted minerals: This type of salt is often rich in additional minerals such as calcium, magnesium, copper and nitrites, which are not beneficial for a pool. Although they do not directly harm water cleanliness, these minerals can affect the water's chemical balance, making maintenance more difficult.
• Stains and deterioration: These minerals can also cause stains on pool surfaces and damage the chlorine generator cells.

Mined salt is extracted directly from underground salt deposits and is often purified before use. This type of salt is considered the best option for saltwater pools because of its purity and lack of organic impurities. In addition, many pool salt companies, such as Pristiva, offer triple-washed salts, ensuring maximum quality.

Advantages of mined and washed salt:

• High purity: Mined salt is often composed of 95 to 99% pure sodium chloride, meaning it contains few contaminants and unwanted minerals.
• Less wear on equipment: Due to its purity, this salt has minimal impact on your filtration and chlorination systems, helping extend their service life.
• Clear and balanced water: Pure salt helps maintain optimal chemical balance in the water, ensuring healthy, crystal-clear water.

Disadvantages of mined and washed salt:

• Higher cost: Although this type of salt is more expensive than solar or mechanically evaporated salt, its cost is offset by its purity and long-term benefits for pool maintenance.

The pool salt plays a crucial role in water quality and in the efficiency of your chlorine generator. By choosing high-quality salt, you allow your system to operate optimally, reduce maintenance, and avoid repair costs. The right choice of salt also helps preserve the water's chemical balance, ensuring a pleasant and safe swimming experience.