Salt Mill
Seven Secrets Salt Water Pool Sellers Don't Want You To Know
SECRET #1 Salt water systems corrode the pool equipment.
The Facts - The salt itself has issues of attacking the cement in the plaster and deck materials. This is a relatively slow process when the salt levels are low. The salt also can kill any landscaping in or around the pool as well as in the backwash area.
If the sodium hypochlorite levels are too high, the corrosion is caused by the chlorine being produced by the electrolytic cell. Chlorine can bleach the test reagents, giving you a "false negative", and people can grossly over-chlorinate their pool damaging equipment, the pool surface, lighting fixtures, and ladders. Over time the salt will attack any area the water evaporates at.
A common problem is corrosion at the ladder. The deck anchors are usually Cast Aluminum and the ladder should be Stainless Steel. The salt water will corrode the anchors overtime and a "safety event" will be pending.
Buyers should be aware that if you have salt water above 2800 ppm, (often 4000 to 5000 ppm), you will need to reseal your coping every year, especially if it is a porous stone like limestone or travertine. Otherwise, the salt will dry and start to etch the coping. Besides sealing the stone, it is also advisable and an added precaution to hose down the coping at the end of any swim day with fresh water. Although the salt water in the pool may not be corrosive at levels of 3000-3500 ppm, when that water hits the coping and evaporates, it leaves pure salt behind. The pure salt is corrosive and is the main cause of the corroding coping. Most autocover manufacturers now void their track warranty if a salt system is used.
Some pool builders are now refusing to build any salt water pools with cream limestone or taupe coping. Any customer that wants either coping for a salt water rock or gunnite pool must usually sign a release form. Pool builders have said that they have had to replace a significant amount of both these types of coping this past year. Cantilever designs simply disappear as the stone dissolves away.
SECRET #2 Salt water systems require chemicals almost every week.
The obvious weekly use of muriatic acid is combined with the not so obvious need to use cyanuric acid to guarantee your salt chlorine generator can achieve 1-3 ppm chlorine residual in your pool. Since salt water pools produce chlorine, the sanitizing effectiveness of the system is impacted by changes in temperature, bather load, sunlight and rainfall. CYANIDE based, the CYANURIC acid is euphemistically referred to as conditioner or stabilizer and must be maintained between 35 and 85 ppm. Stabilized levels over 100 are harmful to children, pets, older swimmers, the pool itself and of course the environment.
Occasional algaecide, clarifier, stain and scale control and shock will be needed with a salt chlorine pool (maybe slightly more than a stabilized "puck" pool) and only the handling of the solid chlorine is avoided. Numerous other sanitation devices will cut overall chemical use, a salt system may not.
SECRET #3 Salt water systems require cell replacement every 2 to 3 years at a cost of $500-$800.
With over 40 manufacturers in the salt water generator business the cell warranty ranges from 1 to 3 years and the replacement costs are from $500 self-installed to $800 installed by a dealer. Assuming the owner gets to the fourth year with the cell, salt can be one of the most expensive methods to sanitize the pool. If the cell does not make it through the third year, salt becomes the most expensive system in terms of operating cost.
SECRET #4 You must worry about the pH with a salt system and do regular maintenance or you will destroy the pool and have zero recourse.
The Fact - When the pH and alkalinity get out of balance, the chlorine is much less effective. The pH should be 7.4-7.6. Chlorinating with a salt water chlorinator is similar to chlorinating with liquid chlorine-- they both have a high pH (11.7). One common problem is that homeowners tend not to test their pools' pH and alkalinity enough. Unfortunately, too many builders and retailers sell these systems as a "set it and forget it" solution. Most people with salt systems will run their pH from 7.8-8.0. This is bad for two reasons: 1) the pool is in a scaling mode, and 2) the chlorine is locked up by the basisity of the higher pH. It is best to run between 7.4-7.6 when using chlorine. Lack of pH management can ruin the cell in less than 90 days, scaling up the swimming pool as well as the cell. "Improper chemical use" will void any warranty, a system employed by portable spa manufacturers on delaminated shells and first year heater failure.
SECRET #5 Salt systems are more harmful to human health than conventional chlorine, bromine or bioguanide chemicals.
With a salt system your skin will absorb sodium, salt, AND chlorine, versus just the halogen with a chemical sanitizer such as chlorine or bromine. Sodium absorption through the skin has long been known to present health risks at levels far below the 3000-5000 ppm levels salt chlorine generators require. For nearly 20 years people with high blood pressure, stroke history or other circulatory system issues have been asked to stop using their water softeners (at 200-400 ppm sodium in the water for just ten minutes in the shower) to avoid the heart mortality risks. The chlorine level and skin absorption of the chlorine is still based on the same 1-3 ppm chlorine residuals found, dioxin forms (as do chloramines) and the backwash water contains 3000 ppm or more chlorides.
SECRET #6 Salt systems are damaging to the environment and have been banned on all pools in areas such as Los Angeles County.
While the "Ban the Brine" movement may have not picked up much steam in recent years, individual counties banning chloride discharge such as Livingston County, Michigan or specific bans on salt water chlorine generators in Los Angeles County, California have gotten regional attention. Those existing Los Angeles area salt water generators when the ordinance was passed are NOT "grandfathered" in.
SECRET #7 One size does not fit all and salt generators use both high voltage AND high amperage outputs.
The Facts - It is essential when selecting a salt chlorinator to oversize the unit for your pool. You are better off having a chlorinator too large for your pool, one that is undersized is a complete waste of money. A chlorinator too large can be turned back or run for less time each day, making the cell last longer. A unit too small will mean algae problems later on if you don't run it for longer periods each day or add extra chlorine on a regular basis. The high amperage output of the cell will add between 500 to 1000 watts per day or 1.0 KW to 1.5 KW to your electric demand and monthly bill, at .11 per watt, this is $5 to $11 every month. Electric rates range from .11 to .19 per KW and will not likely decrease in price.
There is no maintenance on a salt water pool.
Fact - All salt water generator cells require cleaning every 90 days. This must be carried out before the calcium build up within the cell housing becomes one big block. If not cleaned for six months, four expensive things occur, (even with the unit turned off the scale still forms): - The cell housing breaks when you attempt to clean it. - The cell life shortens as the high voltage/amperage cannot penetrate the scale on the plates. - The pool becomes a swamp when the cell scales up. - The electronic box blows - due to scale on the cell or salt ppm above 5000 in the pool. It is also very important to watch the salt level in the pool. A low salt level (less than 2000 ppm) will cause oxygen production and damage the platinum group metals on the cell anode, therefore, shortening the life of the cell. It is recommended that you try to keep the salt level at the higher end of the manufacturer's scale, for your specific model.
With a salt water pool, the owner MUST maintain a proper pH or the pool will scale, stain brown and destroy the cell. Also cyanuric acid levels must be maintained or the chlorine will quickly dissipate out of the pool.
Before you buy a device and throw 200 to 500lbs of salt in your pool, remember an old term - "Salting the Earth", 2000 years ago mankind knew better.
About the Author
Larry Couture
CEO of ECOsmarte
ECOsmarte has non-salt, non-chemical water technology installed in all 50 US states and 85 countries. In 2009 ECOsmarte received the Water Quality Association's GOLD SEAL designation for its municipal water whole house systems.
http://www.ecosmarte.com
http://www.glasspackfilter.com
What wedding/shower gift have you used most?
Other than cash, which gifts do you find yourself using all the time? Which ones are collecting dust? For me, I received a tiny salt and Pepper Mill at my shower in the wishing well (so I don't even know who gave it to me!) but I have used that more than anything. I also use the set of bread oil-dipping plates and kitchenaide mixer quite often. My gorgeous china and stemware is collecting dust until I have a home for it, but I can't wait to use it.
We use the Wusthof knives we received the most. They are great. I wouldn't really say that anything we registered is collecting dust so to speak, but we've only been married for 3 months and haven't had a chance to use our martini glasses and some of the bakeware.
The only real thing that is collecting dust is a crystal decanter that we didn't register for. I just don't get crystal. It's not pretty to me.
 |
 New Practical Cake Baking Knife A Great Kitchen Gadget Cake Knife $4.95 Time Remaining: 34m |
 Digital Kitchen Food Scale with Removable Plastic Bowl 11lb $16.99 Time Remaining: 36m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 |
 Kitchen Gadget 6 Hard Boiled Egg Cooker Boiler With Egg Seperator New In Box $4.99 Time Remaining: 47m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 |
 Kitchen Garlic Press Box Dicer Kitchen Gadgets Helper $0.99 Time Remaining: 4h 2m Buy It Now for only: $0.99 |
 Meat or Sauce Heat Probe Kitchen Gadget $14.99 Time Remaining: 5h 13m Buy It Now for only: $14.99 |
 Orange Ice Cream Scoop Dipper Kitchen Tool Gadget $5.71 Time Remaining: 6h 57m Buy It Now for only: $5.71 |
 Gifts Design Bottle Stoppers x 2 Kitchen Gadget New Wine Silicone Screw shaped $0.01 Time Remaining: 7h 8m |
 Digital Kitchen Weight Scale Diet Food 5KG 1G Free USPS 1ST Class Mail Shipping $11.99 Time Remaining: 7h 35m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 NEW Wholesale Lot Garlic Graters Kitchen Utensil Gadget $126.47 Time Remaining: 8h 12m Buy It Now for only: $126.47 |
 Deluxe Food Mill Kitchen Tools Gadgets $39.88 Time Remaining: 8h 23m Buy It Now for only: $39.88 |
 New 3 pc Lot BETTY CROCKER Red Essentials KITCHEN Tools Gadgets + FREE GIFT $11.99 Time Remaining: 8h 44m Buy It Now for only: $11.99 |
 Mini kitchen gadgets 24 NEW Great favors $5.95 Time Remaining: 9h 50m |
 Trudeau Cassia Oil Spray Pump Mister Stainless Steel Kitchen Gadget 11 oz New $16.50 Time Remaining: 10h 42m Buy It Now for only: $16.50 |
 AGT 3652G AVOCADO MASHING TOOL 465L Guacamole Mash Kitchen Gadget $9.75 Time Remaining: 10h 50m Buy It Now for only: $9.75 |
 21 Pieces High Quality Bygone Kitchen Gadgets Cooking Utensils Must Have Tools $7.84 Time Remaining: 10h 58m Buy It Now for only: $7.84 |
 16 Inch Sharpening Steel Rod Kitchen Tools Gadget $10.99 Time Remaining: 12h 20m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 |
 STRLANDE Chopper white FROM IKEA SLICER CUTTER KITCHEN GADGET WITH STORAGE $29.99 Time Remaining: 12h 25m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 MAPLE LEAF COASTERS GIFTS RUSTIC DECOR KITCHEN GADGETS $15.00 Time Remaining: 12h 45m Buy It Now for only: $15.00 |
 Acrylic Wine Bottle Stopper Kitchen Tools Gadgets $12.99 Time Remaining: 12h 48m Buy It Now for only: $12.99 |
 Elgento Electric Beef Burger Maker Easy Use Kitchen Cooking Gadgets $40.85 Time Remaining: 13h 16m Buy It Now for only: $40.85 |
 Shower Squeegee Hand Held Glass Window Mirror 6 Kitchen Tools Gadgets $3.99 Time Remaining: 13h 41m Buy It Now for only: $3.99 |
 VINTAGE RIVAL 781 5 ELECTRIC Can Opener KITCHEN APPLIANCE GADGET W CORD STORAGE $29.23 Time Remaining: 13h 59m Buy It Now for only: $29.23 |
 2 PC WOODEN ROLLING PINS KITCHEN GADGETS PASTRY TOOL PIN BAKING $29.23 Time Remaining: 14h 5m Buy It Now for only: $29.23 |
 8 Piece Assorted Kitchen Gadget Chef Tool Set w Stand $8.12 Time Remaining: 14h 21m |
 new LaCuisine delux food processor kitchen tools gadgets appliances $9.99 Time Remaining: 14h 23m |
 Pampered Chef 2080 Cherry Olive Pitter NEW Great Kitchen Gadget $26.00 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 15h 8m |
 Pampered Chef 2237 Bamboo Toaster Tongs Bagel Waffle NEW Great Kitchen Gadget $11.75 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 15h 10m |
 Pampered Chef 1133 Lemon Zester Scorer NEW Kitchen Gadget $6.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 15h 12m |
 Pampered Chef 1616 03 Handy Scraper NEW Great Kitchen Gadget $6.99 Time Remaining: 15h 15m |
 Pampered Chef 1255 Avocado Peeler NEW Kitchen Gadget $6.99 Time Remaining: 15h 19m |
 Ekco Dough Blender Vintage Kitchen Gadget Chromium with Painted Wood Handle $7.50 Time Remaining: 15h 55m Buy It Now for only: $7.50 |
 Coffee Mug Set Pineapple 4 pc Kitchen Tools Gadgets $16.88 Time Remaining: 16h 1m Buy It Now for only: $16.88 |
 FIZZ KEEPER W PUMP CAP FOR SODA POP COKE kitchen gadget $7.99 Time Remaining: 16h 33m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 |
 Mail Key Holder Pineapple Kitchen Tools Gadgets $16.88 Time Remaining: 16h 43m Buy It Now for only: $16.88 |
 Kitchen gadgets 1980s NEW original box RARE WONDERFUL SLICER 5 in 1 machines $47.13 Time Remaining: 16h 49m Buy It Now for only: $47.13 |
 Lemon Lime Holder Saver Keeper Fresh Cut Bar Kitchen Storage Plastic Gadget Gift $5.99 Time Remaining: 16h 49m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 |
 Arils Removal Professional Pomegranate peeling tool Coolest Kitchen Gadget $9.99 Time Remaining: 16h 51m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 VINTAGE MISSISSIPPI MUD BAKELITE KITCHEN GADGET Knife Sharpener OPENER $9.99 Time Remaining: 17h 37m |
 Vintage METAL POTATO RICER Kitchen Gadget $9.99 Time Remaining: 18h 3m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 NEW BETTY CROCKER CAN STRAINER KITCHEN UTENSIL GADGET $8.95 Time Remaining: 18h 30m Buy It Now for only: $8.95 |
 Rare Vintage Tupperware Small Brown Funnel or Egg Separator Kitchen Gadget $0.99 Time Remaining: 18h 46m |
 Kitchen Gadgets handheld wire mesh strainer Pizza Cutter wooden handles NIP $7.99 Time Remaining: 19h 34m |
 Olive Oil Bottle Embossed Glass Kitchen Tools Gadgets $6.99 Time Remaining: 20h 9m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 |
 CHEF Hamburger Patty Aluminum Press Mid Century Kitchen Gadget $12.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 20h 22m |
 Mixed Lot Kitchen GADGETS utensils garlic press Junk drawer Peeler SeparatorFork $4.99 Time Remaining: 20h 54m Buy It Now for only: $6.95 |
 Pastry Crimper Sealer Wheel Kitchen Tools Gadgets $5.99 Time Remaining: 21h 58m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 |
 Rada Cutlery R120 Pie Pizza Server kitchen gadget $7.49 Time Remaining: 22h 32m Buy It Now for only: $7.49 |
 Pineapple Cutter Slicer Kitchen Gadget $4.00 Time Remaining: 22h 59m |
 10 SILICONE COATED EGG WHISK STAINLESS STEEL HANDLE KITCHEN GADGET $7.49 Time Remaining: 23h 12m Buy It Now for only: $7.49 |
 New 96 Packs of Wood Tongs Wooden Kitchen Gadget $75.16 Time Remaining: 23h 15m Buy It Now for only: $75.16 |
 New 144 Packs of 16 Inch Silver Tongs Kitchen Gadget $108.48 Time Remaining: 23h 15m Buy It Now for only: $108.48 |
 OXO STEEL Can Opener Kitchen Tool Cooking Gadget Baking Utensil $17.99 Time Remaining: 23h 23m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 Israel FALAFEL Scoop Tool Felafel Kitchen Food Gadget $8.90 Time Remaining: 23h 24m Buy It Now for only: $10.90 |
 Mini Kitchen Gadget Set of 6 New $0.99 Time Remaining: 23h 29m Buy It Now for only: $3.50 |
 Pampered Chef Measuring Measure Spoon Compact Kitchen Tool Gadget FREE Shipping $3.99 Time Remaining: 23h 31m |
 OXO Good Grips 3 Piece 1 2 4 Cup Angled Measuring Cup Set Kitchen Gadgets New $29.99 Time Remaining: 1d 3h 49m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 |
 New IKEA Egg MultiDirectional Slicer Dicer Wedge Great Kitchen Gadget for Salads $7.99 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 15m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 |
 DEVIL OVEN PULL STICK SILICONE DEVIL KITCHEN GADGET FUN NEW $4.69 Time Remaining: 1d 6h Buy It Now for only: $4.69 |
 Guitar Baking Spatula SILICONE Guitar KITCHEN GADGET FUN NEW $9.75 Time Remaining: 1d 6h Buy It Now for only: $9.75 |
 KITCHEN 51 Piece Cutlery AND GADGET SET $37.90 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 14m |
"In Association with Amazon"
 |
OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner List Price: Sale Price: $29.36 You save: $0.63 (2%)  |
 |
Progressive GT-3520 International 19-Piece Measuring Cup and Spoon Set List Price: Sale Price: $6.99 You save: $2.96 (30%) |
 |
Microplane 40020 Classic Zester/Grater List Price: Sale Price: $8.99 You save: $3.96 (31%) |
 |
OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Pastry Scraper/Chopper List Price: Sale Price: $8.15 You save: $1.84 (18%) |
 |
Chef'n StemGem Strawberry Stem Remover List Price: Sale Price: $7.71 You save: $1.28 (14%) |
 |
Bear Paw Meat Handler Forks Sale Price: $9.95 |
 |
Simply Calphalon Nonstick 6-Piece Bakeware Set List Price: Sale Price: $24.99 You save: $5.00 (17%) |
 |
Swissmar Borner V-1001 V-Slicer Plus Mandoline 6 Piece Set List Price: Sale Price: $34.95 You save: $10.05 (22%) |
 |
OXO Good Grips Silicone Pastry Brush List Price: Sale Price: $5.49 You save: $2.50 (31%) |
 |
OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler List Price: Sale Price: $7.28 You save: $1.71 (19%) |
Thank You
We hope you found the
Salt Mill
you were looking for.