Saving money is great, right? Regardless of how the economy is doing, it’s always nice to have options available to lower your costs and your pool is no exception.
Perhaps you already own a saltwater pool. Maybe you have another pool style and are considering switching to one powered by a salt chlorinator.
Either way, you have some options available to lower your pool costs by substituting expensive chemicals for other things including several that you probably already have in your kitchen!
With that in mind, let’s take a look at substitutes for chemicals that will save you money and maybe even help the environment in the process.
Chemical Substitutes For Your Saltwater Pool
| Chemical | Purpose | Suggested Substitute | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine | Sanitize water and kill bacteria | Saltwater Generator | A chlorinator generates chlorine through electrolysis, reducing need for additional chlorine treatments. This option is for those who are thinking of switching to a salt chlorination system for their pool and don’t currently have one. |
| Shock Treatment | Oxidize contaminants and clear cloudy water | Hydrogen Peroxide | Less harsh and better for the environment than traditional shock treatments. Cheaper, too. But it takes care to use since it can be dangerous. |
| Algaecides | Kill and prevent algae growth | Mineral Systems or Baking Soda | Uses copper and silver ions to kill algae, reducing need for excessive chemical treatments. And baking soda can also be used to spot scrub black algae from steps and pool walls if needed. |
| pH Increaser | Increase pH levels in pool water | Baking Soda | More cost-effective and easier to find than traditional pH increasers. You can buy large boxes of baking soda if needed and it’s the same stuff you have in your kitchen pantry. |
| Muriatic Acid | Cleaning the salt cell | Vinegar | Less harsh and better for the environment than traditional cleaners. Some salt cells manufacturers recommend using vinegar but check your model instructions to be safe. Vinegar is cheap and chances are you already have some for cooking. |
| Calcium Hardness Increaser | Increase calcium levels in pool water | Baking Soda | More cost-effective and easier to find than traditional calcium hardness increasers. Again, it’s also cheaper than commercial chemical products. |
Vinegar is also great for cleaning steps and removing calcium scale from the pool, too.
Note: It’s important to note that the suggested substitutes listed here may not be suitable for every pool and should be used with caution. Always follow manufacturer instructions and consult a pool professional if unsure.
Note: Another way to save money on salt water pools is to properly maintain the equipment that you have to increase its lifespan. Here are two articles to help in that regard: