Examining the advantages of saltwater pools in comparison to traditional chlorine pools can assist you in making an informed decision when investing in a new pool or converting your existing one.
If you’re in the market for a new pool, or considering the benefits of a saltwater pool in case you might want to convert your existing pool, all of the information can be a little overwhelming. This is especially true if you’re looking for an alternative to your expensive and outdated traditional chlorination method.
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Luckily, there are options out there for you that do help cut costs and decrease the amount of maintenance you’ll need to do on the pool. This way, you can spend more time actually enjoying your pool instead of laboring over it.
There are plenty of benefits of saltwater pool systems when compared to a traditional chlorine pool. From cost to water quality, there are many reasons you should choose a saltwater pool system vs. a chlorine pool. Let’s take a look at the top benefits of using a saltwater system in your pool.
Advantages of Saltwater Pools: Why They Are a Better Choice
Maintenance Benefits of Saltwater Pools
1. Less Maintenance
One advantage of a saltwater pool is that they require significantly less maintenance than a traditionally chlorinated pool. This is because a saltwater pool makes its own chlorine instead of adding it via liquid or tablets. The salt system generates a steady stream of pure chlorine at a constant rate which you set based on the size of the pool.
This means that a salt pool is more hands-off than chlorine pools. Traditional chlorine pools heavily rely on shock, which is a never-ending task, and if you don’t add it just right, you run the risk of over or under-shocking the pool. This can cause swimmer discomfort or corrosion if you over-shock it, and if you under shock the pool, it can cause algae to bloom.
Owners of saltwater pools benefit from needing to check the levels at least once a week using test strips to test the pH and other water chemistry components. If you have a high-end model, you may have a system that will alert you if the salinity of your salt pool is off balance.
Regularly check on and clean your salt cell, which is easy to do. And because salt cells do wear out over time, between three to seven years, you’ll need to replace them. But that’s a fairly simple and very DIY-friendly fix.
You’ll also need to adjust the output setting seasonally. It’s a lot less work than constantly rebalancing the pool and adding harsh, dangerous chemicals. The most obvious advantage of saltwater pools is that they use mostly just… salt. So another benefit of saltwater pools is that they can remain sanitized with less maintenance, naturally and safely.
Maintenance should be done on a schedule, so you don’t forget. Try to carve out a bit of time on specific days of each week and month to check the pool and ensure the salinity and other water chemistry levels are in check. Additionally, always be sure to keep the pool clean. When leaves, dirt, and other debris get in the pool, make sure you get it out as soon as possible.
Cost Savings: An Important Advantage of Saltwater Pools
2. Lower Costs
When you buy a salt system, you’re investing in a long-term piece of equipment that will help you save tons of money over the years. That’s the kind of benefit of saltwater pools anyone can get behind.
Chlorine adds up and gets very expensive, and you’re always having to run to the store to get more. Those tablets and liquids are not cheap, but salt is, and with a salt pool, you won’t have to buy those expensive products.
Additionally, you’ll save money on having technicians come out to work on the pool. A salt pool is so easy to maintain, and the little maintenance involved can generally be done by yourself at home with little effort.
Salt systems have initial costs, which generally is around the price of one year worth of chlorine, and about $50-$125 in salt for the first time you install it. However, after that, you’ll see a drastic decrease in how much you’re spending on your salt pool, and the amount of salt you’ll need to buy every year ranges from about $10-$20! That’s a pretty significant savings when you compare it to traditional chlorine pools that can cost several hundred dollars per year in chemicals alone.
When comparing saltwater pools vs. chlorine pools on cost savings, it’s crystal clear that saltwater pools have the advantage over time.
Health and Environmental Advantages of Saltwater Pools
The Eco-Friendly Nature of Saltwater Pools
3. Eco-Friendly
Another advantage of saltwater pool systems is that they are much more eco-friendly compared to traditional chlorine pools. Chlorine has a high environmental impact, and it releases harmful chemicals into the environment. Comparing saltwater pools vs. chlorine pools, the amount of chlorine needed for saltwater pools is significantly less, which means fewer chemicals are released into the environment. As an added benefit, the saltwater in the pool can be safely discharged into your garden or nearby lawn without any harm to the environment.
How Saltwater Pools Benefit Your Skin and Hair
4. Less Harsh on Skin and Hair
Traditional chlorine pools can cause significant damage to hair and skin. Chlorine is a harsh chemical that can leave skin feeling itchy and irritated, and it can also cause hair to become dry and brittle. Owners of saltwater pools benefit from a swimming experience that is much gentler on both skin and hair. This is because the levels of chlorine are significantly lower.
5. Improved Water Quality
Water quality is an essential consideration when it comes to swimming pools. Traditional chlorine pools can often have peaks and valleys in chlorine levels, resulting in water that’s too harsh or not properly sanitized. Comparing saltwater pools vs. chlorine pools, the levels of chlorine in saltwater pools are much more consistent, resulting in better water quality. This means owners of saltwater pools can benefit from swimming without worrying about the discomfort or health risks associated with improperly sanitized water.
6. Better for Your Health
As we’ve mentioned, traditional chlorine pools can cause red eyes, itchy skin, and bleached hair and swimsuits. Additionally, the harsh chemicals in traditional chlorine pools can cause respiratory problems for some people, especially those with asthma or allergies. An advantage of saltwater pools, on the other hand, is that they are much gentler on the body, making them a safer and healthier option for many people.
Saltwater Pool: Advantages Recap
When it comes to choosing between a traditional chlorine pool vs. a saltwater pool system, the benefits of a saltwater pool are clear. From cost savings to improved water quality and better health outcomes, the advantages of a saltwater pool are many. Not only are saltwater pools more affordable in the long run, but they’re also more eco-friendly and better for your overall health. So, if you’re in the market for a new pool, consider a saltwater pool system and enjoy all of the benefits that come along with it.