Salt Water Pool Pros and Cons: What You Need to Know

Are you about to get a new home? Are you thinking about getting a saltwater pool but not sure if it’s the right decision? Are you unsure about the costs involved? The maintenance?

The saltwater pool is considered an alternative to the conventional chlorine pool. Many people prefer the saltwater pool because it is mild on the eyes, hair, and skin. Saltwater pools contain little amounts of diluted chlorine.

There are several misconceptions about the saltwater pool. There is a lot to know before you get one. This article will provide the required insight into the pros and cons of the saltwater pool.

How the Salt Water Pool Works

The salt content is ten times less compared to the ocean. The salinity in oceans is approximately 35,000 ppm. The saltwater pool has around 3,000 ppm.

Saltwater pools are not chlorine-free. The chlorine helps the pool not turn green with algae. Unlike the chlorine pool, the saltwater pool uses an automatic chlorine generator.

The chlorine generator utilizes electrolysis to turn salt/sodium chloride (NaCl) into chlorine/hypochlorous acid (HOCL). The saltwater has to pass through a salt cell which includes parallel metal plates. These plates are allocated an electrical charge which initiates the electrolysis process.

In the salt cell, the salt molecules are broken down and integrated with hydrogen and oxygen. This forms hypochlorous acid. This process produces hydroxyl ions which give the water alkaline properties and give it high pH levels.

The ideal pH level in a saltwater pool is 7.2. The owner has to add hydrochloric acid regularly to maintain this level. This is why you have to test the pH level at least weekly.

Pros of the Salt Water Pool

Here are reasons you may want to go for this type of pool.

Lack Of Side Effects

Chlorine in conventional pools helps to kill bacteria, algae, and oxidize sweat and other body emissions.

Some people, however, get irritations from chlorine. The chlorine generator in saltwater pools introduces dilute chlorine. This chlorine is less irritating than the traditional chlorine pool to the eyes, hair, and skin.

Frequent exposure to pools with high levels of chlorine can have long- term effects on the swimmer.

Health Benefits of a Saline Pool

The saltwater pool is recommended for individuals with allergies and asthma. Chlorine pools have a stronger smell, especially in the indoor pools. The smell is brought about by chloramines, that is, the mixture of chlorine and ammonia.

Research indicates that young swimmers who use indoor chlorine pools are more likely to suffer lung inflammation, which leads to asthma.

Salt can be considered a detoxifier, catalyst, and relaxer. These properties boost the skin and reduce the risk of inflammation. However, you have to use a moisturizer and face cleanser to prevent dry skin.

Requires Less Maintenance

Chlorine is generated automatically in the saltwater pool. The owner has to maintain the pH manually. Saltwater pools require less maintenance compared to the chlorine pool. The use of less chlorine makes the pool more friendly to the environment.

Limitations of a Salt Water Pool

The saltwater pool has several downsides that should be considered before you get one. Below are a few.

Cost

You will have to pay more for a saltwater pool. The installation cost and the chlorine generator can amount to around $1,400 to $2,000. The chlorine generator itself costs between $500 and $600.

Additional costs are incurred by the saltwater filter and other essential components. The overall chlorination system can cost about $1,500 to $2,500. The pool eventually saves you money because of less maintenance. You don’t have to purchase the chlorine pellets.

Maintenance Cost in Case of Breakdown

The frequency of maintenance if a saltwater pool is less than that of a chlorine pool. However, its system is more complicated than the conventional chlorine pool. Minor issues require experienced technicians. Owners also have to deal with chemicals such as hydrochloric acid or pH reducer.

The chlorine generator requires periodic maintenance and replacement. A standard generator can operate for approximately three to five years or 10,000 hours. The operation life relies on several factors such as salt level, alkalinity, frequency of pool maintenance, and other factors.

Salt can have long-term effects on the swimmer. Saltwater pools have to be inspected periodically for signs of buildup and erosion.

Use the test strips and drop kit to test the saltwater pool weekly for pH and chlorine levels. You can conduct monthly tests for the:

– Alkalinity

– Calcium

– Salt level

– Stabilizer level

There are various adjustments required for the saltwater pool. The chlorine generator has to be cleaned after every three months or so. Regular inspection and proper maintenance of the saltwater pool prevent erosion, buildup, and salt or chlorine deposits.

Salt Effects

Salt damages some materials. When getting a saltwater pool, you have to avoid certain materials such as fixtures, liners, heaters, underwater lighting, and some kinds of masonry works.

What Type of Salt will you Choose?

The chlorine generator is the filter system that introduces chlorine to the saltwater pool. The amount of salt necessary for your pool differs depending on the level required by the chlorine generator. It uses three specific types of salt:

Solar Salt

Solar salt is extracted from seawater. The seawater is evaporated under the sunlight. It contains several impurities like bacteria and dead brine shrimp.

Mechanically Evaporated Salt

This salt is also extracted from seawater. The generated heat is used instead of sunlight to evaporate the seawater. Mechanically evaporated salt contains minerals that could damage the saltwater pool.

Mined Salt

Mined salt is extracted from the ground. People consider this the purest type of salt.

As listed above, the saltwater pool has both pros and cons. The saltwater pool is a recommended option if you can handle the extra cost. Before making the decision, it is crucial to consider the frequency of use by you and your family.

Check out our page for more information on the saltwater pool.

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