Are you thinking of constructing a brand new pool for your property? Well, if the answer is yes, then you have two main options. You can either choose a freshwater pool or a saltwater option.
Now, over the last few years, the use of saltwater pools has gained a lot of momentum. But just like any other construction and home improvement idea, chlorine pool to saltwater conversion has its pros and cons.
We will detail them here below so that you can make an informed choice when you finally decide between chlorine and saltwater.
Pros of Saltwater Pools
There are several key benefits that you will get once you decide to choose a saltwater pool.
Here are some of them:
Better on Skin and Eyes
Compared to the chlorine pools which can wreak havoc on skin and eyes, saltwater pools are much easier to deal with. Now, this does not mean that the salt water pool system won’t have any effect on your skin or eyes.
However, the effects are much more tolerable compared to chlorinated water. Besides, the strong chemical smell associated with chlorine can be a big turn-off for most people out there. You won’t have this problem if you have a saltwater pool.
Low Maintenance
A saltwater pool system will also be typically easier to maintain compared to a chlorine pool. After all, chlorine is a chemical and as such, chemical maintenance will be needed to ensure that it remains safe for everyone who uses that pool.
This includes things like testing the chemical balance of the water and adding additional chemicals as required to balance the pH.
This can feel like too much work for people who are often very busy. However, with a saltwater pool, you will easily be able to swim and enjoy the pool with very minimal maintenance.
You Don’t Need to Keep Dangerous Chlorine at Home
One of the main things that you will need as a pool owner is to have enough chlorine at home. This is a must since you will need this chlorine to maintain proper water pH and quality. However, chlorine is a very dangerous chemical.
It can pose a serious hazard to the plants around your home, children, and even pets. However, with a saltwater pool, this is not something you will need to deal with. After all, no chemicals are needed to keep the saltwater pool going.
Softer Water
Salty water will often feel much more traditional and softer compared to chlorine. This will make it easier for you to swim and enjoy your pool for longer hours.
There is no real danger of skin reactions or uncomfortable feelings. Think of it as just swimming on the beach.
Cons of Saltwater Pools
For all the benefits that above-ground salt water pools offer, they do also have several cons that every homeowner should know.
Much Expensive to Install
You will pay way more money when you begin the installation of a saltwater pool compared to the traditional chlorine pool.
On average, you can expect to pay between $10,000 and $40,000 for these pools which is relatively higher compared to the average chlorine pool.
Besides, saltwater pools also require special expertise to install. This will push up the cost even higher and may delay the project in the long run.
Saltwater Can Harm Nearby Structures
Adding a salt water chlorinator to your pool is always a good idea. But while saltwater is less harmful to the skin and eyes, it doesn't mean that it is 100% safe. Saltwater can cause damage too, especially on concrete.
Also, saltwater can cause severe damage to the metal structures around the pools. Things like ladders, diving board brackets, and metal-based heaters will corrode faster when exposed to saltwater.
So, even if in the end you pay less in maintenance, you will still need to replace metal structures around the pool more often unless you use alternative materials.
Contact a local swimming pool installation company and inquire about the costs to convert your pool to saltwater!
