Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of owning and maintaining a saltwater pool so that you can make an informed decision about whether it's a suitable fit for your home. Owning a salt water pool has some pros and cons and which we will discuss.
Many people believe that the water in a saltwater pool will be identical to that of the ocean, but this is not the case. A saltwater pool has much less salt than sea water, approximately ten times less salt if you want to know the truth. This is why it's critical that the proper salt amount be maintained in order for the pool to remain clean and clear.
How a Salt Water Pool Works
Saltwater pools include an electrolytic chlorine generator that breaks down the salt in the pool to make chlorine, whereas standard chlorine pools rely on regular chlorine or bromine inputs to sanitize the water. When the salt is broken down, the chlorine released into the water sanitizes the pool water in a similar way to store-bought chlorine, with one important difference: Chloramines, which are a byproduct of store-bought chlorine and are chiefly responsible for unpleasant chlorine odors, eye redness, and skin irritation, are not produced in the same proportion in saltwater pools.
SALT WATER POOLS HAVE THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:
LESS MAINTENANCE
Pool upkeep is significantly easier with a saltwater system. Chlorine is still needed in saltwater pools, but it isn't as much as it is in freshwater pools. The salt cells in these pools will manufacture any chlorine that is required, but you should still check chlorine levels on a regular basis to ensure everything is working properly. Furthermore, you only need to clean your saltwater pool once a year, when you drain it, change the filter, and scrub it.
LESS IRRITATION
There will be no more itching skin or inflamed eyes. People who are sensitive to chlorine will experience less irritations with a saltwater generator because the chlorine levels are substantially lower.
SOFTER WATER
Saltwater pools, like rainfall or water softeners, make water seem smooth and silky rather than the abrasive feel of chlorinated water.
CHEAPER IN TERMS OF CHEMICAL COSTS
Saltwater pools are more cost effective in the long run, despite being more expensive up front due to the purchase of a saltwater generator. Homeowners with saltwater pools typically purchase less pool chemicals on a regular basis.
SALT WATER POOLS HAVE SOME PRETTY COMPLICATED DISADVANTAGES
One of the advantages of a chlorinated pool is that any sanitary difficulties can usually be solved by adding more chlorine. Any complications that arise with modern electric saltwater systems are likely to necessitate the intervention of a specialist that understands how to properly care for and maintain salt water pools.
INITIAL INSTALLATION MORE EXPENSIVE
As previously stated, saltwater systems demand a significant initial expenditure. Though it's likely that the money you save on chlorine will cover the cost of the saltwater system. Some folks may be put off by the initial investment of a few thousand dollars. The initial costs of setting up a saltwater pool can range from $1,000 to $5,000, not including the cost of the pool itself. This cost varies depending on the size of your pool; the larger the pool, the more water there is and the more salt that needs to be added to the water. You will, however, spend less money on the pool once it is set up and operating than you would on a chlorinated pool. During the summer, you should budget $50 to $100 for the entire season. The expense of maintaining a chlorinated pool is substantially higher, ranging from $100 to $200 each month depending on the size of the pool and how often it is used.
SALT WATER SYSEMS NEEDS A LOT OF MAINTENANCE
You'll need to keep your filter, pump, and skimmer clean and in good working order to maintain a salt water pool. In salt water pools, the salt chlorinator cell must be inspected and replaced as needed. To keep your pool water clean and clear, test for optimum water chemistry on a regular basis.
Tips for Salt Water Pool Chemistry
- Test your water for free chlorine, salt, pH levels, total alkalinity, stabilizer, and total hardness with a salt water pool test strip. To assist you in making such adjustments and balancing your pool water, use Orenda's Pool Dosing Calculator.
- Test again after severe weather or times when the load is increased, such as pool parties, to ensure that your pool's water chemistry is maintained at proper levels. After you've tried your pool, make any necessary adjustments.
