FAQ

In both in-ground and above-ground pools, chlorine is commonly used to disinfect against algae and bacteria. However, pool salt, which is sodium chloride (NaCl), serves a similar purpose. Essentially, it is a variant of table salt. Just as table salt may contain additives for taste and shelf-life extension, pool salt may also have additional additives. One notable distinction lies in their grain sizes. Pool salt typically comes in coarser and larger grains compared to table salt. Pool salt comprises sodium and chlorine elements. When added to a pool, it dissolves into sodium and chloride ions. This chemical reaction prompts free chlorine ions to convert into hypochlorous acid, which has a milder odor than chlorine tablets. How does pool salt function? Pool salt systems generate chlorine from salt to produce hypochlorous acid, the primary agent for pool sanitation. This electrolysis process ensures the pool’s hygiene.

Solar salt derives its name from its manufacturing process, which involves the evaporation of seawater through exposure to the sun and wind in open areas. During this process, water evaporates, leaving behind purified salt crystals, known as solar salt. Since solar salt is derived from brine, insoluble impurities can be effectively removed. Solar salt typically boasts a purity level exceeding 99.5% sodium chloride, surpassing that of rock salt. However, it’s important to note that evaporation is a more costly method compared to mining salt directly from the ground. This production technique yields natural, high-quality salt with purity levels ranging from 99.6% to 99.9%. Given its environmentally friendly, 100% natural production method, opting for solar salt for your pool is advisable, as it leaves a minimal carbon footprint.

Solar salt and pool salt are both used for similar purposes, particularly in water treatment, including for swimming pools. However, there are some differences between the two:

Production Method:

Solar salt is obtained through the natural evaporation of seawater, where seawater is placed in open areas and exposed to sunlight and wind until the water evaporates, leaving behind salt crystals.

Pool salt, on the other hand, is often produced through mining or extraction methods and then refined to ensure it meets the purity standards suitable for use in pools.

Purity Levels:

Solar salt typically has high purity levels, ranging from 99.6% to 99.9% sodium chloride, as it is obtained through natural evaporation, which helps to remove impurities.

Pool salt is also highly pure, usually exceeding 99.5% sodium chloride, but the exact purity may vary depending on the manufacturer and the refinement process.

Grain Size:

Solar salt tends to have larger and coarser grains compared to pool salt, which often comes in finer granules for easier dissolution in water.

Intended Use:

Solar salt is primarily used for water softening systems and in various industrial applications where high-purity salt is required.

Pool salt is specifically formulated for use in swimming pools and spas, where it is dissolved in water to produce chlorine through a process called electrolysis, thereby sanitizing the water.

In summary, while both solar salt and pool salt are types of salt used for water treatment, their production methods, purity levels, grain sizes, and intended uses may vary slightly.

Calcium chloride is a chemical compound composed of calcium and chlorine ions, with the chemical formula CaCl2. It is a common substance with a variety of uses across different industries. Here are some key points about calcium chloride:

1. Chemical Composition: Calcium chloride consists of one calcium ion (Ca2+) and two chloride ions (Cl-) held together by ionic bonds.
2. Physical Properties: It is typically found as a white, crystalline solid at room temperature. It is highly soluble in water, and its solution releases heat when dissolved.
3. Uses:
   • De-icing Agent: Calcium chloride is widely used as a de-icing agent for roads, sidewalks, and parking lots during winter months. It lowers the freezing point of water, allowing ice and snow to melt at lower temperatures.
   • Desiccant: Due to its hygroscopic properties, calcium chloride is used as a desiccant to absorb moisture and reduce humidity in various applications, such as drying gases, controlling humidity in food packaging, and preventing corrosion in pipelines.
   • Food Additive: In the food industry, calcium chloride is used as a food additive to enhance firmness in canned vegetables, pickles, and tofu. It is also used as a calcium supplement in some food products.
   • Dust Control Agent: Calcium chloride is used with water to suppress dust and harden road surfaces at construction sites, baseball fields, solar farms, arenas, and on dirt roads and tracks. It is much more effective than water alone.
   • Concrete Additive: Calcium chloride is sometimes added to concrete mixes to accelerate the setting and curing process, especially in cold weather conditions.
   • Oil and Gas Industry: It is used in the oil and gas industry for various applications, including controlling clay swelling, enhancing drilling fluid properties, and increasing the density of completion fluids.
   • Medicine: In medicine, calcium chloride solutions are used as a source of calcium ions in intravenous therapy to treat conditions such as hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels).
4. Safety Considerations: While calcium chloride is generally considered safe for its intended uses, it can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract upon direct contact or inhalation. Ingestion of large amounts can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and other health issues. Therefore, proper safety precautions should be taken when handling calcium chloride.

Food grade calcium chloride is generally considered safe for use in food products when used in accordance with regulatory guidelines and within established safety limits. It is recognized as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is approved for use as a food additive in many countries worldwide. Food grade calcium chloride is commonly used as a firming agent, stabilizer, and flavor enhancer in various food products, including canned vegetables, pickles, tofu, cheese, and beverages. It helps improve texture, maintain product quality, and extend shelf life. When used in food processing, it is essential to adhere to proper manufacturing practices and ensure that the concentration of calcium chloride added to food products complies with regulatory limits. Excessive consumption of calcium chloride may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals, but it is generally considered safe when used as intended in food products. As with any food additive, consumers should follow recommended consumption levels and be aware of any potential allergies or sensitivities to calcium chloride. Additionally, food manufacturers must ensure that their products meet regulatory requirements and undergo rigorous safety evaluations before being marketed to consumers.