Is expensive pool salt a waste of money?

Contaminated salt leads to stained pools

What are the key differences between bad salt and good salt and why does it matter to your pool? Let’s find out.

Good salt versus bad salt. What’s the difference?

All salt has the same basic properties. However, the mineral, water and metal content that accompany pool salt can vary significantly from brand to brand. For this reason, the quality of salt used in your pool has a significant impact on the volume of minerals and metals that are dissolved into your pool water over time. These minerals will later discolour and stain your pool interior, particularly if your pool water chemical balance is not maintained.

We all know that pool water evaporates over time. However, many pool owners are not aware that these minerals, metals and contaminates from salt do not evaporate even once dissolved in the pool. These minerals remain suspended in the water, even when the pool is topped up with fresh water. Using quality salt will significantly slow down this mineral accumulation in your pool.

How can I recognize poor quality salt?

There are 5 things that typically characterise poor quality salt. They are as follows –

1. Salt crystal size is large
2. Salt is discoloured
3. Salt is slow to dissolve
4. Salt turns water murky when added
5. Salt leaves brown stains on your pool floor

If the salt brand you are currently using matches ANY of the attributes in the list above then we strongly suggest trying an alternative.

What does good quality salt look like?

There are four things that characterise good quality salt. They are as follows –

1. Salt crystals are fine
2. Salt crystals are fast dissolving
3. Salt is brilliant white in appearance
4. Pool water feels soft and comfortable for swimmers

If your pool has salt staining that you cannot remove, please feel free to call us today. We can help you remove salt stains without draining your pool water.