EcoSmarte Pool System Manual page 90

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 oper-
ating 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 chemi-
cals.
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 coun-
ties 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.
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