Some of your best memories as a kid are likely those hot summer days when the best way to cool off was to cannonball into a pool. Along with those crazy dives and belly flops also came the irritation that comes with the chlorine.
Chlorine-treated pools aren’t your only option anymore. If you build a swimming pool, you get to choose between a salt water pool versus chlorine pools.
What type of pool is cheaper? Is one better for the kids? What kind of maintenance does eac pool need? Keep reading for the answers.
When to Choose a Saltwater Pool
Saltwater pools are an increasingly popular choice among homeowners, but there are also plenty of misconceptions related to these pools.
A saltwater pool is gentler on your skin and eyes, which is great for kids with sensitive skin or if you use the pool for more than the occasional pool party. Athletes prefer saltwater pools for this reason – no more irritated skin or green hair!
However, saltwater pools don’t use the same amount of salt you’d find in the ocean. Instead, they use a combination of salt (and chlorine produced through the filter system) and added chlorine to disinfect the water.
While saltwater pools are gentler on the skin and more pleasant to be in, there are a few things you need to know. Saltwater pools come with higher initial investment. You might order a saltwater pool from a specialist provider, like Hopkins Custom Pools. Plus, because the systems that feed them are more complex, saltwater pools are more expensive to maintain over time.
Salt also causes damage and additional wear-and-tear on both parts and fixtures compared to chlorine alone.
There’s more maintenance involved, and it’s likely to eat into your home improvement budget. But it’s up to you to decide whether a saltwater pool is worth it.
When to Choose a Chlorine Pool
If you want a pool to add value to the home or to use on occasion, then a chlorine pool might better suit you.
Chlorine pools are easy to install, require simple parts (just a pump), and use components easier to repair and replace. Skipping the salt also means you protect your fixtures and features, which means they require less investment over time.
While it’s true that chlorine is hard on the skin and you still need to be careful of bacteria, you may find that investing in chlorine-removing bath products and a regular pool maintenance plan is less of a financial investment than maintaining a saltwater pool.
The Salt Water Pool vs. Chlorine: Who Wins?
The saltwater pool is growing in popularity as more homeowners become interested in using fewer chemicals and are willing to invest in more complex systems. However, there’s a reason the chlorine pool continues to dominate the market.
Ultimately, the only one who can decide between a salt water pool vs chlorine is you. You know how much time you spend in the pool, the sensitivity of your skin, and whether you’re willing to pay more for something unique.
Are you dreaming of adding a pool or another standout feature to your home? Visit the Design archive for more great content.
