Today, a Rant for you...
Well lookie here, more salt water pool corrosion problems. The Southland Leisure Center in Calgary has a way-cool wave pool, which was injudiciously paired with a salt chlorine generator system. Turns out it's not just a problem...it's a $2.6 million dollar problem.
Having lived in California all my life, and fairly close to the ocean, I have seen plenty of evidence of what salt water will do to, well, just about anything. Big-time corrosion. Maybe the poor (land-locked) Calgary council decision makers (I believe they are called aldermen) didn't understand the inherent corrosiveness of salt water, or perhaps they just listened to the sales pitch, which more than likely never mentioned corrosion problems. They are not amused, and have requested a "legal opinion on the original conversion" to be brought before the council later this month. Here's the link. I'm crossing my fingers that we see the first calling on the carpet of a salt chlorine generator manufacturer.
(note: the link is expired, so here are a few excerpts)
"Ron Krell, manager of the facility at 2000 Southland Dr. S.W., told committee members the new system had worked perfectly at flat-water pools, but the wave pool has caused the salt to collect on machinery and equipment, leading to a pricey repair job."
There is concern there may be further damage to the concrete in the building.
"This is like a disease and I think what we're looking at is a very big symptom here," a council member said. "It's sort of like buying a car in Newfoundland, in the days of rust."
Comments (3)
I am sad to announce one of our multiple year dealers has gone bankrupt, Outback Texas Pools in Fower Mound Texas as a result of six figure cost on rock replacements on those pools built before he began promoting Ecosmarte and watched the salt generator eat away his well sculpted limestone rock accents. His production foremean has continued on for the two dozen or so Ecosmarte pools in the Flower Mound area that need continued parts and service.
The advance pool builder training in both Orlando and Las Vegas last fall spent literally hours warning builders to disclaim all warranty if they build a saltwater pool. The ban in Santa Clarita will hopefully spread as propsosed in numerous water districts on the chloride discharge issues alone-- pool buyers take note LC CEO Ecosmarte
Posted by larry couture | May 9, 2008 7:34 AM
I have a salt chlorine system an i love it. @ 3000ppm salt doesnt cause those problems, it is the water balance, or stray current. Living next to a ocean like you say you see what salt does??What is the level of salt in a ocean??
Posted by john | November 19, 2008 8:42 PM
Hi John, Thanks for visiting the blog. I am glad that you like your salt chlorine system. Just start saving for repairs.
The reason salt pools will deteriorate coping and limestone is because the pool water evaporates, leaving behind salt, which causes the corrosion. Perhaps you missed this post http://www.ecosmarteblog.com/2007/05/salt_water_pool_problems_comin.shtml - including a TV news piece about the problem.
As far as stray current, any water with 3000ppm of sodium chloride will have galvanic corrosion where 2 metals of different types are close to each other...like the aluminum ladder and the stainless steel mounting...like the drive shaft and bearings of your pool vac...or perhaps the metal rims and screws for your lights....etc.
Salt pool corrosion is pretty well documented by now...best write up is by the pool guy here:
http://thepoolbiz.blogspot.com/2007/03/tale-of-two-articles-you-can-tell-lot.html
I appreciate his thoroughness, accuracy and non-partisan position.
Obviously we love to promote our Zero Chlorine Zero Salt pool and spa systems. Our customers prefer not to swim in chlorine and cyanuric acid and all the toxic nasties that result. Salt pools, which are better than straight chlorine pools (less toxic nasties), still have their issues with corrosion and damage to the pool. My point is that you could easily say we are biased, and you would be right.
But the pool guy isn't - and he gives the gory details of the salt pool coverup - pictures included! Go over and read a few articles and see what you think.
Good luck with your pool.
Posted by Wendy | November 19, 2008 10:37 PM