When you are deciding how you are going to sanitize your pool you may notice you have a few options. The most common way people sanitize their above ground pool is with chlorine, either granular (powder) or tablets.
However, there are some alternative sanitizing systems that are also available. While they may still be using chlorine to clean the pool, it is in different forms and amounts. Two of the most common are mineral systems and saltwater systems, such as:
- Frog Pool Tender Fresh Mineral Water System
- Salt Chlorine Generator (ex. Solaxx Saltron Retro XL)
The Frog Pool Tender system delivers a unique bacteria-killing combination: sanitizing minerals plus a very low level of chlorine. The result is Fresh Mineral Water∞ that gives you Cleaner, Clearer, Softer and Easier® water to maintain. Using fresh minerals means you use way less chlorine. Chambers are prefilled so there’s no mess, no guess, no stress.
This self-contained purification system utilizes a natural process to generate pure chlorine. The electrolytic process uses a very low concentration of salt (less then a teaspoon per gallon) and generates free chlorine.
Pool Frog Mineral System vs. Salt Chlorine Generators
| Comparisons | Pool Frog Mineral System | Salt Chlorine Generator | Why Minerals Are A Better Choice Than Salt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uses chlorine to sanitize pool water. | X | X | Minerals use 50% less chlorine. Salt chlorine generators are 100% chlorine! |
| Creates soft, clear water that’s easier on the eyes and skin. | X | X | Minerals improve water quality by reducing harsh chlorine. Salt chlorine generators do it by producing pure chlorine. |
| Eliminates storage of big chlorine buckets. | X | X | Minerals use light weight pre-filled chlorine pacs for no mess. Salt chlorine generators manufacture chlorine on site. |
| Less work to maintain the pool. | X | Minerals are set-it-and-forget-it for weeks at a time. Salt chlorine generators require regular pH and chlorine monitoring. | |
| Eliminates extreme chemistry conditions. | X | Minerals reduce chlorine to 0.5ppm. Chlorine levels at the salt chlorine generator cell can be as high as 50ppm^. | |
| No sticker shock when replacing components. | X | Minerals cost about $100 per season while salt chlorine generator cells can cost up to 3-4x more. | |
| No potential for rapid corrosion. | X | Minerals do not stain or corrode. Salt chlorine generator pools experience corrosion of stone work and metal parts including pool frame. | |
| Eliminates warranty concerns on steel walled pools. | X | Mineral Cyclers have a 10 year warranty. Many above ground manufacturers void their warranty if a salt chlorine generator is used. | |
| pH stays in range with less monitoring. | X | Minerals absorb acids to keep pH in line. Salt chlorine generators constantly raise pH. | |
| No regular cleaning to ensure performance. | X | Mineral Cyclers have nothing to clean. Salt chlorine generators cells must be cleaned with acid regularly. | |
| Saves money annually with no electricity costs. | X | Mineral Systems use no electricity so they save money over salt chlorine generators. |
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I have an old Pool Frog system and I think the flow switch needs replacing. Do they still make those switches or is there a substitute?
Hi Steve,
Do you have an inground or above ground system? Are you referring to the the control dial assembly?