A fiberglass pool is one of the best types of pool thanks to its durability and easy maintainability. If you have a fiberglass pool, then a question you would have is whether you can have saltwater in the pool. Generally, swimming pools use chlorinated water. There are many problems with the chlorine in the water. If you have a saltwater pool, it is gently on your skin and eyes. This makes it an option worth considering. If you are allergic to chlorine, then you definitely must go for a saltwater pool.
What is a saltwater pool?
A saltwater pool is a pool that uses salt in the water to create chlorine. The swimming pool would have salt added to it. The pool would have a salt chlorinator generator. This device breaks down salt into sodium and chloride to create chlorine that is needed for the pool. Even though it is named as a saltwater pool, the salt would be of a very low quality. If you compare the water in a saltwater pool with seawater, it is one-tenth salty as seawater. So you need not worry about getting excess salt in your mouth if you swallow the pool water accidentally.
Why use a saltwater pool?
There are many benefits of having a saltwater pool. These include:
- Saltwater pools have lower chlorine levels than conventional pools. These pools don’t have chlorine added but have salt that is converted to chlorine. The chlorine generated in a saltwater pool is less concentrated and hence safe for the body. People with sensitive skin who face problems due to chlorine in pools would find saltwater pools more comfortable.
- When you come out of the pool, you can smell chlorine on your skin. You will not face this problem with a saltwater pool.
- Swimming in saltwater is good for people with allergies. They don’t have to worry about chlorine allergy. The salt in the water is good for people with allergies.
- Whenever salt dissolves in the water, hypochlorous acid is generated through electrolysis. This acts as a disinfectant, getting rid of germs in the pool.
- Saltwater is good for the skin. It exfoliates the skin and also acts as a natural moisturizer. Swimming in a saltwater pool is good for your skincare.
- You can even open your eyes underwater since the salt does not hurt your eyes.
The benefits of a saltwater pool have made its usage very popular. It is estimated that almost 80% of all swimming pools now have a saltwater system. The health benefits explain why you can choose this system for your pool.
Saltwater and fiberglass pools
The benefits of a saltwater pool are clear. The question is, would this be suited for a fiberglass pool?
Let’s look at the impact of saltwater on the type of materials used in swimming pools.
- A concrete pool is likely to have the cement finish on the pool gradually erode away due to the salt content on water. This won’t happen overnight but will show its effects over time. If the interior surface has been made using plaster, then salt is likely to make it more abrasive. This can make pool usage uncomfortable for users.
- If you have a vinyl-liner pool with a steel wall then you must avoid a saltwater pool. The vinyl-liner is not robust, and if it gives way then the salt will eventually corrode the metal. Saltwater pools are not recommended for vinyl-liner pools.
- When it comes to fiberglass, salt has no effect on fiberglass. While it abrades plaster and corrodes steel, it has zero effect on glass. The glass used to make a fiberglass pool is quite strong. It is non-porous, and salt will not affect the material in any way.
From this, it is clear that saltwater pools are perfectly compatible with fiberglass. You can get a saltwater pool system for your fiberglass pool and get all the benefits saltwater has to offer.
Getting a saltwater pool
There are certain things to be kept in mind while getting a saltwater system for your fiberglass pool.
- Saltwater from the pool is likely to splash on concrete on the pool’s deck or surrounding areas. It would also splash on metal railings. The salt can corrode the metal and abrade the concrete. This is why you need to wash the railings and any concrete flooring. Use fresh water for washing.
- You need to install a saltwater chlorine generator in your pool. This costs anywhere from $600 to $2000 depending on your pool size. The cells last for a minimum of 3 years. The cost of salt needed is also less. It may hardly cost around $20 per year, whereas you may need to spend around $150 annually with chlorine.
- Once you add salt and switch on the pump, chlorine is generated. As mentioned, the chlorine concentration is low and does not cause any problems.
- You may need to run the pump for around 8 hours a day to generate the chlorine.
- One more benefit of a saltwater pool is that it does not allow bacteria and algae to collect on its surface. This reduces your maintenance work.
- While the initial costs of a saltwater pool are slightly more, the overall maintenance costs are less. If you wish to get the health benefits from a saltwater pool, then you can consider getting a saltwater system.
- You must ensure you that don’t get an old type of saltwater system that uses brass or aluminum as the salt can corrode it.
- It is recommended to get the water tested periodically to check if the pH levels are optimal.
The answer to the question of whether fiberglass pools can be saltwater is yes! Saltwater does not affect fiberglass in any way. Getting a saltwater system for your fiberglass pool provides many health benefits. It is also easy to maintain and relatively less expensive. You can get a saltwater system for your fiberglass pool. You can get in touch with a pool consultant or contractor if you need assistance.
