We all know how frustrating it is when pool water becomes hard and scales start to form on the pool walls and tiles.

Hard water contains a high level of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can leave your skin feeling dry and irritated and can also cause your hair to become brittle and unmanageable.

Water softener salt softens the water in your pool just as it does with regular tap water. This helps to restore your pool water to its optimal pH level, as well as prevent the minerals from building up and causing damage.

Here’s everything you need to know about using water softener salt in your swimming pool.

How Water Softener Salt Works

Water softener salt works by exchanging the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water for sodium ions. This process is known as ion exchange, and it’s how most water softeners operate.

When you add water softener salt to your pool, it will help to remove these hard minerals from the water. The salt also raises the pH of the water, which will make it more difficult for algae to grow. But how does this help keep your pool clean? Well, when there is less scale build-up in your pool, there is less chance for bacteria and algae to form and make your pool dirty.

Also, because water softener salt prevents mineral build-up, it also helps to extend the life of your pool equipment by preventing corrosion. So not only will using water softener salt save you money on pool chemicals, but it will also save you money on costly repairs down the road.

Benefits of Using Water Softener Salt in Your Pool

There are a few key benefits to using water softener salt in your pool.

First, it’s an easy and affordable way to keep your pool clean. Second, it’s safe for both people and animals – so you don’t have to worry about any adverse effects if a person swallows pool water.

And lastly, using water softener salt prevents damage to your pool equipment and reduces the need for expensive repairs, which can save you a lot of time and money over time.

Drawbacks of Using Water Softener Salt In Your Pool

While there are many benefits to using water softener salt in your pool, there are also a few drawbacks that you should be aware of.

First of all, because water softener salt lowers the surface tension of water, it can make it more difficult for swimmers to stand up in the shallower end of the pool. The contact area might feel slipperier or smoother than usual, so it could be a bit harder to get a grip.

Secondly, since water softener salt essentially prevents mineral build-up, it can also make it more difficult for swimmers with sensitive skin to tolerate being in the pool for long periods of time.

How Much Salt Should You Add?

One of the more common questions often asked about using water softener salt in pools is “How much salt is needed?”. The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the size of your pool, the type of salt you’re using, and the hardness of your pool water.

To err on the side of caution, it is recommended that you add 1 pound of salt per 100 square feet of pool surface area. For example, if your pool is 20 feet long and 10 feet wide, it has a surface area of 200 square feet. This means you would need to add 2 pounds of salt to your pool.

It’s also important to note that you should always use water softener salt which is either solar salt, evaporated salt, or rock salt. These types of salts perform the best in water softening applications and don’t contain any unnecessary additives.

Conclusion

Water softener salt is an affordable and effective way to keep your swimming pool clean and free of algae buildup.

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional pool chemicals, then you might want to consider using water softener salt in your pool. Water softener salt can help prevent mineral build-up and extend the life of your pool equipment.