Public pools are traditionally sanitized by chlorine or bromine but newer commercial salt water systems are available to convert them to salt water pools. Large public pools with much more water to swim in also require more chlorine to clean it so you need a chlorinator with the ability to produce enough to match the water volume.
Some public pools have saltwater systems with newer commercially-available salt chlorinator models producing upwards of 28 lbs of chlorine per day to meet the demand required by a pool of this size. A salt chlorinator for home use usually maxes out at around 1.5 lbs of chlorine per day.
The decision to install a saltwater system in a public pool will depend on factors such as the pool’s location, size, and budget.
Why chlorine remains popular
In general, public pools may be more likely to use traditional chlorine systems because they are more widely available and may be less expensive to install and maintain. However, some public pools may opt for saltwater systems because they can provide a more consistent and gentle supply of chlorine, which can be more comfortable for swimmers.
If you’re interested in finding out whether a specific public pool has a saltwater system, contact the pool’s management or check the pool’s website for information on the type of water treatment system used.
How saltwater pools are different
Saltwater pools actually do use chlorine to sanitize the water, but they generate it in a different way than traditional chlorine pools. In a saltwater pool, a saltwater generator (also known as a chlorinator) is used to convert salt into chlorine through a process called electrolysis.
The advantage of a saltwater pool is that it can provide a more consistent and gentle supply of chlorine, which can be easier on swimmers’ skin and eyes compared to traditional chlorine pools.
Additionally, because the saltwater generator continually produces chlorine, there’s no need to add as much chlorine manually, which can be a convenient option for pool owners.
However, it’s important to note that saltwater pools also has higher upfront costs than traditional chlorine pools. The salt in the water can corrode pool equipment over time, and the salt cell will need to be cleaned periodically to ensure that it continues to function properly. Eventually the salt cell will reach its end of life and will need to be replaced.
Ultimately, the decision to use a saltwater pool versus a traditional chlorine pool will depend on a variety of factors, including personal preference, budget, and maintenance considerations.