Our Living Pool partner Biotop has written an exciting article about saltwater pools and answered the most frequently asked questions briefly and succinctly. We are happy to publish your article as a guest post.
Guest contribution from Biotop
There are many myths surrounding the advantages and disadvantages of natural, salt water and chlorine pools. Here is an overview of the most important questions:
Is a saltwater pool the same as a natural pool?
No, because the salt water system uses electrolysis to split the dissolved salt into free chlorine and sodium, thereby disinfecting the water. Saltwater pools therefore do use chlorine for chemical purification. However, the system uses a significantly lower concentration than classic chlorine pools because salt has a disinfectant effect.
Is salt water in the pool the same as natural seawater?
No, because firstly the salt concentration is much lower and secondly chlorine is used to clean the salt pool. Natural pools, on the other hand, rely on natural water and are easier to maintain, more environmentally friendly, more resource-friendly, more energy-efficient and more durable than salt and chlorine pools. The natural purification of the water using biofilters, phosphate filters and microorganisms is also much healthier than chlorinated water, which often causes eye and skin irritation.
Is a saltwater pool cheaper than a natural pool?
In terms of construction, both natural and saltwater pools are based on brick-built liner pools or prefabricated pools. Bio-filter technology is more expensive to purchase than a salt electrolysis system. However, the investment is soon amortised because neither chemicals nor regular water changes are necessary.
Do all pool systems require the same amount of water?
Here is an example: an average-sized chlorine or salt water pool measuring 7 x 3 x 1.5 metres has a volume of 31.5 m³. In autumn, around two thirds of the chemically contaminated water is drained [...]. The remaining pool water often turns green and is therefore pumped out in spring. With natural pools, on the other hand, only around a third of the pool volume of water that is lost through evaporation or cleaning needs to be topped up each season. This means that natural pools and swimming ponds use water resources much more sparingly than chlorine and salt water pools.
Why a natural pool?
But why are more and more customers opting for a natural pool or swimming pond? On the one hand, it is the unique experience of swimming in natural water without having to worry about skin irritation or chlorine allergies. Owners of a swimming pond also appreciate the natural ambience and the fact that it can be used all year round. A pond also provides a valuable habitat for many amphibians and aquatic plants. More and more people are also paying attention to nature, water as a resource and sustainability.
October 2021
Biotop Landscape Design Ltd.
Main street 285
3400 Weidling AT
More information about the Living Pool technology, which purifies the water in a natural way, you can find here. In addition, we have already equipped and portrayed countless gardens with chemical-free technology. Let our reference gardens inspire you here.
One Response
The myth of the „chemical-free“ saltwater pool in particular is persistent - I was also told this incorrectly when I received advice at the DIY store. We ultimately opted for a natural pool and are delighted with how stable the system is, even in the height of summer - without any itchy eyes.