Pros and Cons of a Salt Water Pool

Happy little girl splashing around on a float in the swimming pool. Enjoying a beautiful, sparkling pool in your backyard is like having a slice of paradise. Diving in or stretching out on a comfortable lounge is a lovely way to enjoy your day. Build Your Own Pool (BYOP) has been in business for more than 25 years helping families develop backyard resorts. 

There are pros and cons to every new pool decision, including chlorine versus saltwater. Many new pool owners misunderstand the difference between a saltwater system and a chlorine system. The truth is that both systems use chlorine to clean the pool. 

The saltwater generator produces hypochlorous acid through electrolysis, which liquefies the salt as it runs electricity through the saltwater. The saltwater pool produces chlorine at a steady rate rather than adding chlorine to the pool with tablets or chlorine sticks. 

Health Benefits 

Saltwater pools are more pleasing to the skin, and everyone who swims in the pool will enjoy smooth skin after their swim. Saltwater also reduces swimsuit fading when compared to a chlorine system. The chlorine content in a saltwater pool is consistent with human tears, and swimmers can swim with their eyes open. Saltwater pools are also beneficial for individuals who experience allergies. 

Chlorine systems use a higher concentration of chlorine, and the skin can burn, itch or become dry. Chlorine is dangerous and must be safely handled, and all storage instructions must be followed. The saltwater system produces chlorine internally, so you never physically touch the chlorine. 

Cost Comparison 

A saltwater pool requires only about 100 dollars each year for salt and chemicals, and the chlorine pool costs about 800 dollars a year for chemical upkeep and proper water maintenance. In warmer climates, more chlorine is required, and the saltwater pool’s generator will need to run more often. A generator involves electricity, and the cells in the saltwater system will wear out faster in warmer temperatures. On the other hand, a chlorine pool needs more chemicals in a hot environment. 

A debate about the long-range savings of a saltwater system versus a chlorine system can flow either way. You need extra electricity for a saltwater system, so you should consider this as a long-range expense. 

Maintenance 

Saltwater systems require a lower daily maintenance schedule. Up-to-date saltwater systems may maintain clear, sparkling water for up to two weeks without interference. In contrast, chlorine pools require weekly maintenance and need chlorine added daily. You must check saltwater and chlorine pools each day to ensure the chlorine levels stay within the correct realm for clear, clean water. 

Chlorine Versus Saltwater Pool Parts 

Saltwater systems can create a concern for pool parts like masonry work, pool liner or lighting. Extra wear on pool parts is mainly a matter when a pool is converted from a chlorine system to a saltwater system because the pool parts were not designed to work with saltwater. 

Contact Pool Design Team 

BYOP has a pool design team that will assist you in choosing a pool that matches your goals and desires. If you have family members who are sensitive to chlorine or have allergies, a saltwater system may be the best choice. There are many positive reasons to consider a saltwater system, but a traditional chlorine system is easy to use and provides equally clear and beautiful water. 

Save thousands of dollars with Build Your Own Pool in Arizona and Texas. Visit today to learn more about installing a saltwater system in your backyard paradise.

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