Is There a Difference Between a Salt Water Pool and a Chlorine Pool?
When most people imagine a swimming pool, they associate it with relaxation, fun, and refreshment. While pools do facilitate these great feelings, pool owners often get so caught up in decisions about pool details that they don’t have time to properly enjoy their luxurious investment. One of the biggest decisions to make is whether to go with a salt water pool or chlorine pool. If you ask five people for their opinion, you might get ten answers. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.
Salt Water vs. Chlorine
When comparing salt water and chlorine pools, two factors are usually considered: cost and health.
- Cost. The cost debate between salt water and chlorine pools is very heated. It is cheaper to own a salt water pool up front and you will save money on chemicals each year. But does the cost advantage still exist three years down the road? After a few years, most owners of salt water pools find themselves replacing wood decking and metal parts, as well as the pool’s chlorine generator cell.
- Health. While cost is generally looked at as the primary point of comparison between the two, health should be number one. Chlorine — the standard chemical in pools — is used to keep harmful bacteria away from humans. In chlorine pools, the chemical is purchased in highly concentrated levels and added to the water. In salt water pools, the natural process of electrolysis turns the salt into chlorine. Which is better? Many people believe natural chlorination is better, because it exposes people to fewer toxins. While rare, it is possible for humans to become overexposed to chlorine.
What You Need to Know
Here are a few answers to some of the most popular questions regarding salt water pools:
- Does a salt water pool need special equipment? Yes. As mentioned above, salt water pools require installation of a salt chlorine generator to convert salt into chlorine.
- Do salt water pools feel any different? Most people find salt water pools silky-smooth and less irritating. They also don’t put off a chemical chlorine smell.
- Do salt water pools require more maintenance? The answer depends on who you ask. As far as regular servicing goes, probably not. But they have the potential for higher levels of maintenance as the pool ages.
Choosing which pool to invest in is a big decision. Make sure you perform due diligence and understand the benefits and drawbacks of each before making an investment. Have more questions? One of our staff members at Pools of Fun would love to answer your questions – Contact us at one of our 5 customer care locations!