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Homeowners love swimming pools for stress relief, appearance, exercise, and fun. Chlorine and saltwater are the most common pool types. Both choices offer unique advantages and drawbacks concerning comfort, gear, maintenance, finances, and corrosion. Continue reading to find out more about chlorine and saltwater pools to decide which is best for your home.
Naturally, a chlorine pool will consume more chlorine chemicals, whereas a saltwater option depends more on salt converted to chlorine by a generator. The less frequent chemical adjustments make a saltwater option more sought after, but it could come with higher up-front costs. However, the long-term expenses are cheaper.
The smell associated with a chlorine pool, along with its ongoing chemical costs, makes it less preferred. While the scent may irritate, chlorine can kill bacteria and viruses, keeping the pool safe. Note that this chemical corrodes pool components less and is more readily available.
People often consider saltwater the best option for a more eco-friendly pool. It keeps chemical levels consistent, cleans and sanitizes the water, extends the lifespan of the pool equipment, and makes swimmers feel safer.
Sanitizing water with chlorine is done with both options. A saltwater pool will generate the chlorine on-site via electrolysis, but chlorine pools add the chemical to the water directly. Both use chlorine to kill bacteria and keep the water sanitized.
Testing and adjustments are necessary for both pool types, allowing them to maintain a water chemistry balance. Whether it’s pumps or similar filtration devices, chlorine and saltwater pools rely on equipment. However, some equipment expenses are more affordable for chlorine pools, but the reduced chemical usage with a saltwater option has lower ongoing costs.
When improperly managed, chlorine can dry out and negatively impact the skin, leading to redness, pain, and damage. The discomfort could extend to the eyes, disrupting natural protections and causing burning sensations or dry eye syndrome and infections. As a result, many homeowners prefer to install saltwater pools instead of chlorine pools.
You don’t want chlorine to strip away the natural oils surrounding the skin and films near the eyes. These harsh chemicals could increase skin aging and lead to blurred vision because the chemical dehydrates the cornea.
Skin and eye exposure mostly occur while swimming. Therefore, consider these potential risks when selecting between chlorine and saltwater pools.
Excessive chlorine levels are generally the cause. Therefore, monitoring those levels along with proper filtration, good circulation, cleaning clogged filters, and preventing calcium buildup can reduce the risk of algae growth, murky water, and other imbalances that lead to minor or major maintenance issues.
Proper cleaning and well-working pool equipment make saltwater pools the best low-maintenance option. Monitoring the water chemistry and regular cleaning can help maintain proper chlorine production and prevent corrosion or deck stains.
Custom pool and spa builders can help you make the best decision based on your preferences, needs, and finances. These professionals can give you different maintenance tips along with advice to make swimming safer.
If you’re getting ready to choose a pool for your home, make sure to work with the finest professionals in the industry. The expert team from San Diego Pools specializes in every aspect of pool and spa construction, from slides and waterfalls to in-ground spas and custom gunite pool design. San Diego homeowners should call us today. We offer complimentary consultations and professional pool conceptual designs with all of our estimates.