Saltwater Pools are Increasing in Popularity

There are many people in the world who have grown tired of owning and maintaining chlorine pools. Chlorine can be hazardous to handle and store and gets expensive over time. The way it feels to swimmers is also a downside to some. Due to this, many people are making the transition to saltwater pools.

It is important to remember that while you don’t have to add chlorine tablets to a saltwater pool, it still contains chlorine, just a much smaller amount. Also, people worry that it contains too much salt, but this isn’t the case either. Saltwater pools contain 10 times less salt than the ocean, with pools having 3000 ppm (parts per million) to the ocean’s 35,000 ppm.

These saltwater pools are becoming more and more popular, being found in hotels, resorts, cruise ships, and homes. Before deciding on a saltwater pool, it is best to know their pros and cons.

Pros

• Less Chlorine: Even though there is still chlorine in saltwater pools, it is at such a low level that many don’t notice it. Many problems linked to chlorine like green hair, red eyes, and bleached swimwear are far less common.
• Feels Better: Because the levels of chlorine are so much lower than in traditional pools, saltwater swimming pools are much less damaging to swimmer’s skin. The water is much softer. While it is still recommended to wear goggles when swimming, saltwater pools are far less likely to cause irritation to your eyes than a chlorine pool.
• Smells Better: A major turn off for many is the smell of chlorine. Indoor pools have a much stronger scent since the smell can’t evaporate and is contained. With saltwater pools, there is little to no smell of chlorine which is safer for those with asthma or allergies.
• Easier to Maintain: Saltwater pools are much easier to maintain as opposed to chlorine pools. For these, you need chlorine tablets to help clean the pool. Saltwater pool systems use chlorine generators that turn salt into chlorine to clean the pool. You should still skim and brush the pool and always check the pH levels just as often.

Cons

• More Expensive: Unfortunately, the cost of a saltwater pool is much more than a chlorine pool. The saltwater chlorination system can cost anywhere from $1,400 to $2,000, plus installation. Although, the money you save from not needing to buy chlorine may make up for it.
• Pool Wear and Tear: One drawback from saltwater pools is that the levels of salt in the water have been known to erode the pool itself as well as its parts and accessories. Pool lining and underwater lighting can also be ruined over time. It’s important to regularly examine your pool for signs of erosion.
• Harmful to Plant Life: The backwash and wastewater from your pool have been known to kill plants and harm nutrients found in the soil due to the salt content. It has been often linked with crop damage as well in certain areas in the world.
• Electricity Use: While the maintenance of your pool requires less work, what it does need is electricity to run the chlorine generator. It needs the right amount of power to properly clean your pool, which can lead to higher electricity costs than a traditional pool.

Saltwater pools have many benefits for those who have a strong dislike for chlorine pools. The feel and smell of its water is enough to make many search for an alternative. It is important to always stay aware of the pros and cons of saltwater pools. The expert pool builders at Mid City Custom Pools are here to educate you on all of the differences between saltwater and chlorine pools to help you make the right decision.