Looking to build a pool or already have one? There has been much debate on what items are better to use to maintain the cleanliness of a pool — salt or chlorine? As popular as chlorine treatments for pools tend to be, more and more households are opting for salt water pools instead. So are saltwater pools better than chlorine pools? Do they perform the same function but are safer and cheaper? This article will go into detail about the benefits of a saltwater pool vs. chlorine, so that you easily figure out which pool type is best for your home.
Benefits of a Saltwater Pool vs. Chlorine
Safety
Perhaps the most important thing to note about salt water pools is that, you can’t argue they’re better than chlorine pools, because salt water pools ARE the same thing as chlorine pools. That is, they perform the same function.
A salt water pool is basically the same thing because it uses a salt water “chlorinator” type of machine which converts salt to chlorine.
So regardless of which type of pool you use, you’ll still end up with chlorine in your pool. The main difference is that instead of regularly buying buckets of chlorine, you’ll be relying on your salt water chlorine generator to electrically convert the salt in the pool to chlorine.
It’s this converted chlorine that then goes on to keep your swimming pool clean.
Some people have claimed that because chlorine is converted from salt – a natural mineral – the chlorine generated is less toxic. Which is why they favor salt water pools.
The issue though is this, chlorine – regardless of where it’s derived from, is still chlorine. Meaning you’ll have the same effects after spending too much time in either a salt water pool or a chlorine pool.
Cost Effectiveness
The next line of argument at this point is usually that salt water pools are cheaper to maintain – since chlorinated pools require regular chlorine maintenance.
But the truth is, salt water pools are not cheap.
The acidic levels in a salt water pool has to be constantly monitored, otherwise it’ll get too high. Meaning you’ll need to add doses of muriatic acid regularly, just so the salt cells responsible for maintaining this balance stays clean.
The more expensive your salt cells are, the more frequently you’ll need to clean them. Don’t forget that aside from regularly cleaning the salt cells to maintain an adequate pH water level, you’ll need to replace your them every few years.
Once you add up the costs of regular pH maintenance, plus salt cell replacements, you’ll discover that salt water pools aren’t exactly cheaper than their chlorine counterparts.
Worst is the damage you’ll likely incur if saltwater spills on your pool equipment or pool deck.
Cons Of Salt Water Pools
- Salt levels tend to be high, which can cause wrong chlorine readings – which in turn can lead to corrosion.
- It can be difficult maintaining the chlorine levels of your pool – because you have no control over the amount of chlorine that will be generated.
- You’ll need to constantly monitor the acidic (pH) levels.
- If the salt levels in your water are too low, it can cause of the pool equipment to shut down.
There are many things to consider prior to installing a pool in your home. One of them being whether you should choose to go with a saltwater pool or a chlorinated pool. So, what are the benefits of a saltwater pool vs. chlorine? Frankly, both pools are relatively similar as they both still use chlorine to purify the water. It ultimately dwindles down to what your personal preferences are and what you’re looking for out of a pool.
