In the heat of the summer, there is nothing quite as refreshing as taking a dip in a swimming pool. Backyard pools are great spaces for exercising and entertaining. Although the summer months are coming to a close, there is never a bad time to consider adding a pool to your home.
When planning to install a swimming pool in your background there are a variety of options and a list of decisions that you will need to make. First, you’ll have to choose between an in-ground or above-ground pool. Then you will need to determine the depth, size, and shape of your pool, and make selections in décor and landscaping for the surrounding area. Additionally, one of the biggest (and arguably the most important) decisions that you’ll have to make in this process of building a pool, is choosing a sanitization method for the pool water. The two most common types of sanitization for swimming pools are saltwater and chlorine systems. Chlorine pools have traditionally been the most popular method of sanitization. However, in recent years, saltwater pools having been making a huge splash. Nevertheless, there are advantages and disadvantages to both chlorine and saltwater systems. Below, we have listed and explained the major pros and cons regarding each sanitization system in order to help you chose the best pool for your home.
SALTWATER SYSTEMS
Although the name may suggest that only saltwater is involved in the purification of the pool water, these systems do use chlorine in their filtration systems. The difference is that the chemical is added in much smaller quantities when compared to a chlorine filtration systems. In saltwater systems, salt is added to the chlorine generator which then converts the salt to chlorine. This type of sanitization system has exploded in popularity in recent years.
PROS
- Saltwater systems have low levels of chlorine. This results in water that is easier on your eyes, skin, hair, and swimwear.
- Saltwater pools are considered to need less day-to-day maintenance than chlorine pools. Because the chlorine generator transforms the salt and adds the chlorine to the pool for you, you don’t need to be checking and balancing chemicals by hand every week.
- Salt costs less than chlorine. Therefore, the cost of chemicals needed to balance your pool for the summer will be less for saltwater systems.
- Although saltwater pools do utilize chlorine, the harsh smell that accompanies the chemical won’t be present in you pool.
CONS
- Salt corrodes metal. A saltwater pool system can slowly eat away at any metal objects/furniture near the pool as well as any metal used in the construction of the pool.
- The up-front cost to install a saltwater pool system is greater than the cost of installing a chlorine pool. A chlorine generator costs over $2,000.
- The chlorine generators also need to be checked regularly and they need to run constantly to ensure that the pool water is properly sanitized.
CHLORINE SYSTEMS
Chlorine pool systems are dependent on large amounts of chlorine in order to balance the PH levels and sanitize the pool water. The chemicals are added by hand, directly to the water. Traditionally, chlorine pool systems have been the standard for backyard pools and commercial pools across the nation.
PROS
- Chlorine does not corrode metal or cause major damage to pool parts.
- The up-front cost of installing a chlorine pool is cheaper than a saltwater pool. There are no expensive salt chlorinators to be bought, and there is therefore no need to worry about breaking or replacing the salt chlorinators.
- Chlorine pool systems are considered to be less complex than saltwater systems, and many find it easier to perform maintenance on chlorine pool systems.
- If you enjoy the smell of chlorine, you’ll be able to find it in your backyard all summer long.
CONS
- Large amounts of chemicals are used to keep the pool water sanitized. Chlorine can irritate your eyes and skin, dry out your hair, and discolor your swimwear.
- The cost of chlorine is greater than the cost of salt.
- The cost and actions required for day-to- day maintenance of chlorine pools is generally more than that of saltwater pools. Not only does chlorine cost more, but chlorine pools also require you to check the PH balance and add chemicals to your pool on a weekly basis.
In the end, one pool sanitization method isn’t necessarily better than the other. Both saltwater and chlorine sanitization systems are used in residential and commercial pools across the country. It is truly up to the personal preference of each individual pool owner to select the best pool for your family. If you are interested in upgrading your backyard and adding a pool, contact Mom’s Design Build today!
