Chlorine-cleaned swimming pools are traditionally what you see in backyards across the country, but saltwater swimming pools are becoming more popular. Should you get a saltwater swimming pool? There are many advantages and some drawbacks to this type pool as the swimming pool contractors from A Clear Choice pool service in Menifee, CA explain.
Should you get a saltwater swimming pool?
When you swim in a saltwater swimming you will notice there is no chlorine scent and the water feels silky against your skin. Truth is, saltwater pools contain chlorine, the levels are much lower than those found non “salt” treated pools. The reason for this is that chlorine is extracted from the salt found in the pool’s water by the salt chlorine generator through a process called electrolysis.
The benefits of saltwater pools include
- Saltwater pools contain lower levels of chlorine, they don’t cause skin and eye irritation. The salt in the pool water won’t sting your eyes since the amount of salt here is only a fraction compared to what you find in sea water.
- Studies show regularly bathing in salt water provides health benefits. Salt serves as a natural exfoliant and draws out toxins from your skin cells. At the same time, it encourages your skin cells to regenerate and retain moisture. It’s also been shown that regularl swimming in salt water improves blood circulation and boosts your immune system.
- Salt water swimming pools are considered easier to maintain than a fresh water pool, and on the same level as a chlorine-cleaned pool. The salt water pool system goes into automatic pilot the moment it’s installed for as long as your chlorine generator is working properly. How it works: When the salt water passes through the chlorine generator in your salt water’s pool system, the generator will only break down just enough salt to produce the right amount of chlorine needed to disinfect and clean your pool. That means that there is a continuous and steady supply of chlorine that flows in your pool’s water.
- Rain is one of the “enemies” of freshwater and chlorine cleaned pools, but for a saltwater pool, the rain is a good friend. Rain that falls in regions near bodies of salt water, contain trace amounts of salt, although the amounts are not significant, this provides the pool’s chlorine generator a supply to convert into chlorine to help keep your pool water clean.
Downsides to a saltwater pool
Given the benefits, it should not be a surprise that salt water pools are popular. Owning a saltwater pool does have drawbacks.
- They cost significantly more than a freshwater pool for two reasons. Salt is highly corrosive towards metal and other types of materials. If you want to build a salt water pool in your backyard, you will need to make sure that all of the materials used in constructing your pool can withstand salt’s corrosive property. Salt water pool systems are more complex to install. You will need to hire experienced pool contractors and technicians to help install your salt water pool system.
- Saltwater pools save money because you don’t have to buy pool chemicals, but they can cause a significant increase in your home’s electricity bill. The chlorine generator in your salt water pool’s system only produces chlorine when the pool pump is running. This means that both the pump and chlorine generator run for long periods of time.
- Salt water is corrosive to metals and it also poses a serious environmental hazard. effect on the environment. Saltwater pools have been linked to soil and water salinity, affecting many species of plants and animals as well as the availability of drinking water. Many cities in the US and other parts of the world consider it to be illegal to build a saltwater swimming pool. If you’re leaning on having one built in your backyard, it’s very important to check with your local city government.
Saltwater pools have advantages and disadvantages just like any other pool style. At the end of the day, the best way to decide which pool style is best for you is to carefully weigh everything and talk with a swimming pool service contractor to get your project started.