A pool is one of the top amenities in residential property. But some people are hesitant towards installing a pool due to the fowl chlorine smell, high maintenance, and concerns over the adverse effects of chlorine on health. Salt water pool is for such pool enthusiasts. It’s everything that a traditional pool is and more.
What Is A Salt Water Pool?
A salt water pool has an automatic salt chlorine generator fixed in the pool, and hence you don’t need to add chlorine manually. Add salt, and the generator automatically converts it to chlorine. This system constantly regulates and maintains the proper pool water chemistry.
Standard chlorine levels should be maintained between around 3,000-4,000 PPM and salt water pool maintains this level superbly. That’s why salt water pools are a perfect alternative to traditional swimming pools.
How Do Salt Water Pools Work?
Source: Pinchapenny
These pools have their own salt water systems integrated, which perform electrolysis to generate chlorine. It often comes out as sodium hypochlorite or hypochlorous acid. These have similar phenomena, just like chlorine. While in a chlorine-based pool, you’ve to add chlorine, either in solid or powdered form but not in a salt water pool because it is equipped with its salt water system to do that.
What Are The Benefits Of A Salt Water Pool?
With Salt Water Pools, you get to enjoy benefits such as:
1. Low Maintenance:
There is no need to add chemicals frequently or shock the pool often. You require just one-time cleaning annually to ensure the pool is healthy and hygienic. Salt water pools are becoming common because of their low maintenance cost. It prevents algae and bacteria formation, so you don’t have to worry about adding chemicals to balance the water.
2. Low Cost:
While its setup cost may be slightly higher than the traditional ones, but you’ll save a lot of money over the years. To cut costs further, you can purchase and install a fiberglass surface and add a salt water pool system. Salt water pools are highly cost-effective in the long run.
3. Constant chlorine levels:
You don’t have to worry about adding chemicals to your pool regularly, which is often a nightmare for the pool owners. Your pool has a chlorine generator which means no unnecessary troubles.
4. Feels great:
Salt water pools are far better than the traditional ones because of their silky smooth texture of water. It feels great to dive in a salt water pool.
What Is The Difference Between A Salt Water Pool Vs Chlorine Pool?
Salt Water Pools:
The inbuilt generator usually maintains the chlorine levels in a salt water pool for you, therefore, you don’t have to worry about balancing the water. Low chlorine levels mean the pool is gentler on the skin and your eyes. If you have kids or pets or anyone allergic to pool chemicals, then salt water pool is the answer.
Chlorine Pools:
Chlorine pools are more popular, mainly because it’s comparatively cheaper to install than salt water pools. You have to add chlorine manually in it; there’s no way to generate it naturally. This is a bit of a hassle for new pool owners. Chlorine water pools often require more water testing, which results in increased maintenance costs over the long run.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Salt Pool?
Salt Water Pool Pros And Cons:
Before selecting, it’s good to understand the pros and cons of a salt water pool as this would help you make an informed decision. Let’s have a look!
PROS:
1. Lower concentration of chlorine
Salt water pools have a much lower concentration of chlorine which makes them healthier and hassle-free. You don’t have to worry about adding chemicals now and then.
2. Softer on swimmer’s skin
It is softer on the skin and eyes. For someone who is allergic or who stays in the pool for long periods, salt water is perfect.
3. Don’t fade swimsuits
Your swimwear would not fade even after long underwater sessions, unlike traditional pools where you have to worry about fading swimwear.
4. Costs less in chemical maintenance
In the long-term, it costs much less than the standard pools, where you spend hundreds of dollars on its maintenance alone.
5. Requires less frequent maintenance
Salt water pools don’t demand frequent maintenance so you can relax and focus on your swimming session rather than its maintenance and upkeep.
CONS:
1. More expensive to install
Salt water pools are slightly expensive to install. The process is also a little complex. You’ll need a good contractor to solve that problem.
2. Uses more electricity
With Salt Water Pool, you can expect some increase in power consumption and hence increased energy bills.
3. Repairs may require a professional
Managing the repair and maintenance work may need professional help. Hire a skilled pool engineer for repairs.
4. Damages Plants and Soil
Too much salt water can also damage pool features, plants, and soil to some extent. So get proper installation of patio along with pool.
Does A Salt Water System Work With All Pool Types?
Yes, you can convert your traditional chlorine pool into a salt water swimming pool with full benefits. It is possible to switch from standard chlorine sanitization to an advanced salt chlorination system.
How Long Does A Salt Chlorine Generator Last?
If you follow a good maintenance regime, then it may last up to 5 to 7 years. It all depends upon the upkeep and maintenance.
What Are The Salt Water Pool Maintenance Costs?
It costs fairly easy to maintain the salt water pool because there is no need to replace/add chemicals. With salt, you don’t have to worry about it at all.
How Much Does It Cost To Convert A Pool To Salt Water Pool?
It is possible to determine the cost only after reviewing your existing pool and also your expectations. You can speak to your local contractor to assess the conversion cost. The size of the pool, existing accessories, local area, soil condition, pool condition, and more such things affect cost.
Is A Salt Water Pool Better?
Looking at the benefits offered by salt water pools, it will be fair to say they are much better than the traditional pools. Perhaps, that’s why they are the first choice of pool owners in NJ. If you are considering installing a pool in your background, then you should go with a salt water pool too.
Salt water pool is always a healthier choice in the list of all in-ground pools. Because of its health benefits, homeowners are going for salt water pool installation in NJ rapidly. Custom Pool Pros have been in the industry for a while and have been building salt water pools for NJ homeowners.
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