The climate in Arizona is perfect for spending time poolside. Sure, there are stretches of time between November and March where the weather gets a bit too cool for a dip, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sit outside to relax next to your gorgeous pool when it’s sweater weather. Before you make any decisions, you’ll want to know how saltwater pools vs. chlorine pools in Tucson, AZ compare to one another so you make the smart choice right off the bat.
What is a saltwater pool?
For nearly 30 years, Tucson, AZ residents have come to us with the question, “Is a saltwater pool better than a chlorine pool?” That all depends on what you define as “better.” A saltwater pool is very different from its chlorine cousin.
Instead of filling a pool with chlorinated water, saltwater pools are filled with saltwater. A lot of homeowners wrongly assume a saltwater pool does not contain chlorine. In fact, the water in saltwater pool goes through a process called electrolysis to generate just enough chlorine to disinfect the pool. With a traditional pool, you add chlorine yourself to maintain clean water.
How do they compare to one another?
When it comes to saltwater pools vs. chlorine pools in Tucson, AZ, there are a few key aspects that you want to consider before you make a decision:
- Chlorine: For many people, chlorine is irritating to the eyes, hair and skin. While there is some chlorine in a saltwater pool, it is considerably less than what you would find in a regular pool. With a lower chlorine level, those who spend a lot of time swimming won’t have to worry about any irritation. Plus, the smaller amount of chlorine means you won’t wear out your swimsuits and other swimming accessories quite so quickly.
- Installation: It’s less expensive to install a chlorine pool than a saltwater one. A saltwater pool system requires much more time for installation and setup because there’s the addition of the salt chlorine generator, which a chlorine pool does not need.
- Regular maintenance: Bacteria can quickly invade your pool and take over. With a chlorine pool, you have to keep an eye on the water’s chemical levels daily. Chlorine and other chemicals, like cleaning agents, are expensive and add up quickly. They also need to be stored properly to remain effective. Saltwater pool maintenance is a little less hassle.
- Components: Since a saltwater pool system has to have a separate mechanism to generate chlorine, the parts for this are expensive. Any original or replacement parts must be designed for a saltwater pool specifically. To even fix or replace anything, you’ll have to hire a licensed technician to do the work because this system is so complex.
When clients ask us whether a saltwater pool is better than a chlorine pool in Tucson, AZ, we are always hesitant to answer without more information. Both have their benefits and disadvantages, but the decision depends entirely on your needs, budget and goals.
The team at Arizona Pool & Pond Company can’t make the choice for you. However, our knowledgeable experts can help you make an informed purchase decision that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Get in touch with us now to discuss installing a new pool on your property.