Yes continuous exposure to salt water can damage the concrete decking although concrete is very resistant to water and heat.

Salt does cause damage, but because the salt levels are so low, the chances of damage occurring are minimal.

The acidic reaction attacks the concrete paste and aggregate, weakening the structure and strength of the concrete.

4. At some point, if not cared for, the concrete will totally fail. “We can’t blame the damage on all salt-system pools. Is saltwater from my pool damaging my deck and coping? Also known as salt-water pools, they’re purportedly gentler on the skin and eyes. Draining into one area of the yard can allow that salt to be absorbed into the ground. Salt water can damage swimming pools but there are a number of things you can do to help prevent this problem (or at least dramatically reduce the amount of damage). Pros and Cons of Salt Water Pools. You need a barrier between the concrete and the salt water that will stop water, chlorides and oxygen from reaching the inner working of … I’ve also seen damage to travertine tile. Salt water pools are becoming increasingly popular among pool owners. Vinyl liner pools are very temporary, fiberglass pools have size/depth restrictions, and concrete pools have their drawbacks as well. This is a hot topic right now. So now you understand a little more about how salt water can damage your swimming pool and you can begin to ask the correct questions. Salt in small quantities will not kill grass, but salt in the soil will absorb moisture and nutrients until it is no longer able to sustain growth. Imagine that you want to drain a small pool with only 2,000 gallons of water. Salt Damage: Salt damage is most commonly due to exposure to de-icing salts. Most salt water pools need 3,000 to 6,000 ppm of salt in the water to function. One of the most common ways concrete is damaged by salt is through exposure to de-icing salts. The following factors of salt are known to harm concrete: Salt significantly lowers the pH in the concrete. It will corrode the lining and walls and permanently damage it very quickly through a process called galvanized corrosion. No, salt water in a properly water-balanced pool will not damage grout, tile or concrete around the pool. of salt. We can say that it’s important to manage the levels of salt to make sure it’s balanced. The truth is one is not always better than the other. Salt water pools aren't for all types of pools so there are some scenarios where you should DEFINITELY go with a chlorine pool. Salt Water Pool Problems. Any customer that wants either coping for a salt water rock or gunnite pool must usually sign a release form. It also increases the pore size, allowing additional water and … So far I don't think I've seen anyone post a picture of the damage caused by a SWG here. However there are those that say damage to these items is a result of inferior materials. Here I am giving you the website link for your reference this will give you useful information about concrete flooring. There has been a long fought battle about salt water pools vs chlorine pools. Salt is a hygroscopic substance, which means that it attracts and ultimately retains water. This process attacks the concrete paste, increases the pore size, and ultimately allows additional water, chemicals and other substances in to the concrete, thus harming the structure. In my opinion, the jury’s still out.” Acids are known to deteriorate concrete, and pool water can become too acidic if not properly monitored and rebalanced as needed. Every swimming pool has something called a … * Salt is a mild acid and lowers the pH in the concrete. Sealing will reduce the movement of salt laden moisture into the stone sub surface where most of the damage occurs. Damage ranges from pitting and flaking through to delamination. We've all heard that the Texas poolbuilders are recommending against SWGs because of possible damage to stone around the pool. Salt by nature is corrosive. Salt water pools are all the rage these days for both residential and commercial installations. Will a salt water pool ruin concrete decking? As I said earlier, corrosion of this sort will surely destroy concrete over time unless it is properly protected. The waste water of salt water pools can easily damage the growth of plants in the surrounding area. Don't use salt water if you have a metal pool. How To Prevent Damage From Salt Water In Pools. In the world of home aquatics, salt-chlorinated swimming pools are all the rage. Pool builders have said that they have had to replace a significant amount of both these types of coping this past year.