Especially in the hot summer months, a private garden pool invites bathing enthusiasts large and small to relax or romp around.
For carefree bathing pleasure, however, one should make sure that sufficient disinfection is provided to protect against pathogenic bacteria as well as other organisms.
Due to the fact that chlorine is considered a proven chemical agent in this regard, but not only in an overdose, but also in a general sensitivity of the human body can cause very unpleasant health side effects such as irritation of the eyes or other mucous membranes, the use of salt is becoming increasingly popular.
Although the use of a so-called salt water pool requires only a small amount of chemical agents for the maintenance of the pool, among other things to influence the pH value of the pool water accordingly, chlorine is also released during the commissioning of a system that operates salt electrolysis.
This is a substance called sodium hypochlorite, which is also known as free or liquid chlorine, among other things, which reappears in the form of salt after neutralization of potentially harmful foreign bodies in the water of the pool.
Despite this, it is recommended to check the salt or chlorine content at regular intervals in order to be able to add additional salt if necessary, although this is far less often necessary than with chlorine.
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Optimal salt water pool chlorine value
Considering that the value of free chlorine in the water of the pool depends on the amount of salt it contains, it is advisable to regularly check not only the chlorine content, but also the salt concentration, in order to adjust the dosage in case the measured concentration is too low.
In principle, an ideal salt value can also be assumed to be a good chlorine value if, in addition, the pH value in particular is in an optimal range.
The concentration of salt in the pool water necessary for sufficient disinfection depends largely on the type of electrolysis system selected, although in most cases a salt content of approximately three to five grams per liter should be found.
In this regard, in any case, it is advisable to consult the relevant instruction manual for the dosage advised by the individual manufacturers to avoid over-chlorination of the water. Other factors to consider in this regard are, for example, the location of the pool as well as the weather conditions on site, which can have a negative effect on the chemical properties of the pool water, especially in the case of high solar radiation.
As with a conventional pool, it is essential that the chlorine value does not exceed three or four milligrams per liter and is at a minimum of half a milligram per liter, whereby these specifications for a saltwater pool also refer exclusively to so-called free chlorine.
Saltwater pool chlorine value measurement
In principle, you should determine both the salt content and the chlorine value at regular intervals during the swimming season, as the two are closely linked. With regard to the concentration of salt in the water of the pool is measured at least twice a season, which can be compared very easily with a test strip laid out for this purpose.
The determination of the chlorine value is more difficult, because with a conventional chlorine test usually only the chemical in its stabilized or bound form can be measured, which is only possible after the administration of a so-called chlorine stabilizer and is also not desirable, because only free chlorine is converted back into salt and develops a disinfecting effect.
It is in the nature of a salt water pool that only free chlorine is formed when using a salt electrolysis system, which also has the advantage that it is not noticeable by an unpleasant odor due to its volatility.
As a result, the determined chlorine value will fluctuate to the extent that a comparatively high content of the chemical will be measured during a test directly at the nozzles during commissioning.
In the event that the system has not been running for a while, combined with the effects of sunlight, it will no longer be possible to determine a chlorine value, as this is quickly converted back into salt, which is why that point in time is rather unsuitable for a test.
Correctly adjust salt water pool chlorine
Not only the chlorine level, but also the pH level can be controlled in a saltwater pool by adjusting the salt electrolysis system, provided that you have purchased the appropriate model and configured it properly. In any case, it is possible to influence the chlorine value to a certain extent based on the set power of the individual device.
Due to the fact that it is always necessary to take into account the characteristics of the existing pool accessories as well as the corresponding local characteristics, it is worth seeking the advice of another pool owner or a professional expert in case of doubt. In general, with a filter system that runs six hours a day, it is assumed that approximately 40 to 60 percent of the power of the electrolysis system is sufficient, however, the available water volume should always be taken into consideration.
Conclusion
Most pool owners choose a pool whose disinfection is carried out with the help of salt, so as not to expose themselves to the negative properties of chlorine, however, the process of electrolysis in a corresponding plant also produces this chemical.
However, it is free chlorine, which quickly evaporates, so it does not have any conventional side effects, but this also makes it very difficult to measure.
In any case, it is advisable to determine not only the chlorine value, but also the corresponding salt content in addition to the pH value, in order to ensure that the concentration of the individual substances is in the optimal range for them, which provides the prerequisites for hygienic and visually flawless bathing pleasure.
When dosing or measuring all values, one should also always take into account the situational characteristics, such as the location of the pool, and consult the corresponding operating instructions of the manufacturer.
