If you are looking to install a swimming pool for your home, it is important that you ensure you get the right suitable system. As such, you should check out the following advantages and disadvantages of saltwater pools versus traditional chlorine pools to determine which one is more suitable for you and your loved ones.
Advantages of Saltwater Systems versus Standard Chlorine Swimming Pools
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With Saltwater Swimming Pools, You Don’t Need To Store Chemicals
Having a saltwater swimming pool installed by a professional and reliable pool builder in your property helps you less about storing your chlorine properly and safely. This is because the chemicals used in making your swimming pool’s water safe are usually hazardous to store and must be handled correctly to prevent the risk of injury.
When handling chlorine and other pool chemicals, make sure you wear a mask, gloves, and safety goggles. The chlorine should also be stored in its primary package in a dry and ventilated place. All pool chemicals should be kept away from electrical and heat sources, and any incompatible chemicals should not be placed together. Another way to ensure you have the safest experience when handling chlorine is to label the measuring cups of each of the chemicals.
With a saltwater pool, you do not need special chemical storage for maintenance since you just need a place to put the bags of salt. In addition, you would not have to worry about all the safety and special handling rules to maintain the safety of your swimming pool. This saves you the expense of investing in personal protective equipment and special storage areas.
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Saltwater Swimming Pools Need Less Maintenance
The salt cells in the swimming pool will produce chlorine (to disinfect the water) when necessary. As such, your pool infrastructure is not exposed to constant chemicals making it easier to maintain the water and the pool structure.Most saltwater pools are able to self-maintain the water levels for a duration of up to two weeks, meaning you have less testing tasks across the year. However, you need to take a look at the salt cells every three months. In addition, adding salt to your pool to maintain the water’s integrity is easier compared to using pool chemicals.
Even though you may require the services of someone like Reliant Pools in Austin, when you encounter a problem with your saltwater pool, the cost is usually lower compared to paying a professional pool service to maintain your swimming pool on your behalf. If your schedule is tight and you can hardly find the time to work on your pool, then having a saltwater swimming pool is the ideal option for you.
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Saltwater Systems Are More Gentle On the Hair, Skin, Eyes, and Apparel
Your skin is able to protect you from any contaminants found in the water. However, it also absorbs some of the chemicals in the water. Chlorine pools usually cause your skin and scalp to itch after swimming for long or sometimes even for a short period of time. The chemicals in chlorine pools also cause your hair to become brittle and dry and even make it start breaking. If the chemical levels in the pool are too high, your eyes might start burning after swimming.
If your swimming pool has strong chlorine levels (which are usually the standard levels needed to disinfect the water), then the chances of causing fading issues with your swimming gear are high. In the end, you will find it expensive to keep on replacing your valuable swimwear and equipment. Saltwater pools provide natural chlorine, which is gentler on your apparel but still effective when it comes to disinfecting the water. Having a Reliant Pool Builder to help you switch to a saltwater swimming pool can offer a lot of relief for these issues.
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Saltwater Pools Get Rid Of the Smell of Chlorine
With a saltwater swimming pool, you will get the disinfectant quality of chlorine without the smell usually associated with the treatments after disinfecting a traditional chlorine-based pool. This is because, once you pour salt into your pool, it will pass through a generator (installed with the pool), which will then produce a charge to release chlorine molecules.
Disadvantages of Saltwater Systems versus Standard Chlorine Swimming Pools
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Chlorine Swimming Pools Do Not Need Special Expertise for Repairs
With chlorine swimming pools, it is easier to conduct some of the repairs by yourself without having to hire a professional. Saltwater pools, on the other hand, need the expertise of a Reliant Pool Builder who knows the structure well enough to tackle the problems of your pool. With a saltwater pool, you cannot use your DIY experience to repair even the minor issues. As such, if your pool is prone to breakdowns, you will find yourself with an enormous maintenance bill compared to having traditional swimming pools.
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Chlorine Swimming Pools Are Able To Resist Calcium Buildup Compared To Saltwater Pools
If the PH levels in a saltwater system are high for an extended period, it can lead to calcium build on the surface. This makes the pool structure rough, which can cause scratches, cuts, or scrapes, making it dangerous for children. To tackle this issue, you will have to remove all the extra calcium, which basically means you have to drain the pool before the repairs commence. Saltwater swimming pools indeed maintain themselves, but you have to keep on checking on them to make sure that you will not need to repair significant issues in the future.
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Both Chlorine and Saltwater Swimming Pools Have Chlorine
When comparing saltwater swimming pools and chlorine pools, a large number of people usually believe that having the former means that they have eliminated the chemical completely. This is not true. Even saltwater pools still have chlorine. The only difference is that with a saltwater pool, you do not need to buy the chemicals to treat your water; hence, it has fewer impurities. However, this does not prevent you from being exposed to the chemical; hence, if you are sensitive to chlorine, you will still not be able to use the pool even if you have switched to a saltwater system.
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Chlorine Swimming Pools Require Less Cleaning Time
Even though having a saltwater pool means that your maintenance chores will be less and further spaced apart compared to having a chlorine pool, the time it takes to clean the pool is usually much longer. This is because, with a saltwater system, you have to make sure that your cell’s integrity is retained for it to function effectively. As such, you are required to switch off the power and take the cell out of its casing. Afterward, you need to soak the cell in white vinegar for a period of 8 hours. During this cleaning session, you will not be able to use your pool. The traditional chlorine treatment usually takes less time.
Most of the advantages and disadvantages of saltwater systems and conventional chlorine-based swimming pools usually come down to how much you are willing to use for the installation process, as well as the maintenance work you are comfortable with doing. A saltwater system is suitable for you if you have problems with high levels of chlorine. On the other hand, a chlorine pool is ideal for you if you love working on your swimming pool frequently and need lower installation costs.