Are Saltwater Pools Really Better?

In recent years, many homeowners have opted to install saltwater pools, or have converted their traditional chlorine pools to saltwater. If you haven’t made the switch to saltwater yet, you may be wondering if these types of pools are really better than their chlorinated counterparts. While there are pros and cons to each type, saltwater pools offer several compelling advantages that make them the preferred choice for many people.

How do saltwater pools work?

A common misconception about saltwater pools is that they do not contain any chlorine. While they do not require added chlorine, they sanitize the water using a system known as a “salt chlorine generator,” which transforms salt into chlorine through a process called electrolysis. However, they do tend to contain far less chlorine than traditional pools.

Another misconception about saltwater pools is that they are as salty as the ocean. In reality, they contain approximately ten times less salt than the ocean, meaning that you likely won’t notice any salty taste in the event that you get a mouthful of water.

What are the benefits of saltwater pools?

Since saltwater pools contain so much less chlorine than traditional pools, most people find that they are easier to maintain and offer a more pleasant swimming environment. A few of the key benefits of saltwater pools include:

• Softer, less irritating water. Swimming in a saltwater pool is less likely to cause irritation to your skin, eyes, hair, and bathing suits than the heavily chlorinated water of a traditional pool.
• Lower maintenance costs. Since you don’t need to purchase chlorine to add to the pool, you will likely be able to save on the costs of pool supplies and maintenance over time.
• More stable levels of chlorine. Since the salt cells in the salt chlorine generator produce chlorine only as needed, saltwater pools can help you avoid wasting chemicals and ensure more stable chlorine levels.
• Fewer safety hazards when maintaining your pool. Chlorine is a hazardous chemical, so storing and handling it can pose some risks to health and safety. With a saltwater pool, on the other hand, you can avoid these risks because the salt chlorine generator creates all the chlorine that is needed.

While saltwater pools also carry some downsides—for instance, they tend to be more expensive, and the salt may damage certain types of liners, filters, and other materials over time—they can create a healthier, more comfortable, and easier-to-maintain swimming environment than traditional chlorine pools. At Aqua Pool & Patio, we specialize in designing and installing new saltwater gunite pools, as well as converting chlorine pools to saltwater. To learn more about how we can help you capture the many benefits of a saltwater pool, call us today at (860) 623-9886!