The Pros and Cons of a Saltwater Pool: Is It Right for You?
Saltwater pools are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners due to the various benefits that they offer in addition to health. Saltwater pools are beneficial, unlike chlorine pools, as they tend not to irritate the skin or the hair. A majority of people would want to have a saltwater pool, but quite a number are concerned about its drawbacks. Thus, this blog is aimed at clarifying the pros and cons of saltwater pools along with some key tips on maintenance.
A saltwater pool makes use of a salt-chlorine generator system that converts salt to chlorine. While a chlorine pool differs mainly in the way chlorine is introduced into the pool, a saltwater pool uses electrolysis to sanitize water. Chlorine produced by a saltwater pool generates fewer chloramines that give a strong chemical smell in public pools. Since saltwater pools have less chlorine, it is gentle on the skin and causes no harm to hair either.
Pros of Saltwater Pools
Saltwater pools are extremely popular due to the fact that they offer enormous advantages that are not available in most chlorine pools. Here are a few of them:
1. Less Chemical Usage
Saltwater pools rely on a chlorine generator that breaks down salt into chlorine. In this regard, the pools use fewer chemicals than other chlorine pools, which will give it a nice smell. Also, you don’t need to top up chlorine in the pool or maintain shock treatments to balance the chlorine concentration.
2. Less Daily Maintenance
Saltwater requires minimal maintenance since it automatically releases controlled amounts of chlorine in the water, which will maintain the cleanliness and purity of the pool. You should add salt to the generator only a handful of times a year, especially during the opening season, and then it will handle the rest.
3. Softness of the Water
Since salt makes water soft, the saltwater pool is gentler on the skin and does not cause redness or that stinging sensation you get after swimming in a chlorine pool. It also prevents skin dryness and clothes from fading.
4. Less Chlorine Odor
Chlorine pools usually emit a kind of chemical smell that makes swimming not an ideal experience. As saltwater pools have less chlorine, it does not have that kind of chemical smell.
Cons of Saltwater Pools
Even though saltwater pools have their benefits, there are a few disadvantages that may also be crucial for you to take into consideration before making a purchase.
1. More Installation and Equipment Cost
Saltwater pools are much more expensive because they require a salt cell or a special generator that amplifies their cost. Generators may range from $1500, and the salt cells may run up to $300-$600 and need replacement every five or six years.
2. Complex Maintenance
Saltwater pools are hard to maintain owing to their composed parts. Not all homeowners can work with complicated parts like salt-chlorine generators. Salt-chlorine generators sometimes malfunction, and being inexperienced could cause the saltwater system to fail. Although the equipment may go wrong, a pool cleaner such as Aiper Scuba S1 Pro will work out fine with saltwater pools without rusting and effectively clean water.
3. Corrosion Risks
Another reason is if your pool contains a lot of metallic components like handrails, ladders, or seals on the pumps since salt is very corrosive. Then you would probably opt for a non-metal pool-like vinyl or fiberglass pool.
4. Increased Electricity Usage
Lastly, a saltwater pool consumes more electricity because it comprises a continuously running salt-chlorine generator to maintain water quality. That may drive up your electricity bills.
Saltwater Pool Maintenance
If you wish to have your saltwater pool running efficiently for a long time, read below some tips for saltwater pool maintenance.
Add the Right Amount of Salt
You should include the right amount of salt in your salt-chlorine generator so that it can work efficiently. Pursuing the manufacturer’s instructions will provide you with a greater overview of salt pool care.
Keep Your Water Balanced
Regularly test your water to ensure it is balanced. Test for water pH and chlorine levels and take immediate action if they are out of balance.
Maintain Proper Water Circulation
You must ensure water is properly circulating to prevent stagnation and buildup.
Prevent Erosion and Calcium Build-up
You must keep calcium hardness between 200 to 400 ppm as this prevents corrosion damage. Adjust accordingly using sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or hydrochloric acid.
Check Your Salt Cells once per 3 Months
You must also check your pool’s salt cells at least once every three months to see if they are functioning properly.
Shock, Skim, Brush, and Vacuum per Week
Monitor salt levels regularly and regularly shock, skim, and brush your saltwater pool using the best pool cleaner from Aiper to ensure pool longevity and saltwater pool upkeep.
Who Should Consider a Saltwater Pool?
After analyzing the pros and cons of saltwater pools, it can be seen that saltwater pools are beneficial in various ways. Saltwater pools are ideal for families looking for gentler water and individuals who are seeking long-term cost savings. A saltwater pool is the best for you if you have a high initial budget and want to enjoy a comfortable and pleasant swimming experience.
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