Our swimming preferences are as individual as we are. Some of us like to do laps in a cool, refreshing pool; others enjoy floating around and soaking up the sun. But when it comes to what’s actually in the water, which is better saltwater or chlorine pool? Here are the pros and cons of saltwater pools vs chlorine pools to help you decide.
Advantages of a Saltwater Pool
A saltwater pool is a pool that uses salt chlorinators to generate chlorine. The salt chlorinator will turn the salt into chlorine gas, then dissolve back into the water and sanitize it. The biggest advantage of a saltwater pool is that it’s much gentler on your skin and eyes than a chlorine pool. The saltwater won’t dry out your skin or irritate your eyes the way chlorine can. The gentle nature of saltwater also means it won’t fade your swimsuit as quickly.
Another advantage of a saltwater pool is that it’s easier to maintain than a chlorine pool. You won’t have to add chlorine regularly, and you can take longer breaks between cleaning the pool. Unlike a chlorine pool, a saltwater pool also won’t have that telltale “chlorine smell.”
There’s no need to store harmful chemicals. Saltwater chlorinators are a safer option for both you and the environment because salt is a natural and renewable resource. Avoiding harsh chemicals also reduces your risk of developing skin irritation or other health problems.
Disadvantages of Saltwater Pools
While saltwater pools have many advantages, there are also a few disadvantages to consider. One of the biggest disadvantages is the initial cost. Saltwater chlorinators can be more expensive than traditional chlorine generators as they require special equipment and installation.
Another disadvantage of saltwater pools is that they can be corrosive to metal objects. You’ll need to take extra care of any metal pool furniture or accessories. Saltwater can also damage concrete, so it’s important to have your pool professionally sealed if you choose this option.
Advantages of a Chlorine Pool
A chlorine pool is a pool that uses chlorine to sanitize the water. Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant that kills bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Chlorine pools are the most common type of pool, and there are a few reasons for this. One reason is that chlorine is very effective at sanitizing the water. This means you won’t have to worry about bacteria or other contaminants making you sick. Maintenance is also relatively easy; you can add chlorine to the water regularly.
Chlorine pools are also often less expensive than saltwater pools because you won’t need to purchase salt chlorinators or other special equipment. The energy costs of running a chlorine pool are also often lower than those of a saltwater pool. And in terms of corrosive properties, chlorine has none: it won’t damage metal, concrete, or anything else.
Disadvantages of Chlorine Pools
Besides chlorine pools having advantages, there are also a few disadvantages. One disadvantage is that chlorine can be harsh on your skin and eyes because chlorine is a strong disinfectant that can dry your skin and irritate your eyes.
Chlorine pools have a strong “chlorine smell.” This is because chlorine gas is released into the air when the chlorine reacts with the water. The chlorine smell can be bothersome to some people, and it can also be harmful if you breathe in too much of it.
Conclusion
Saltwater pools have many advantages over chlorine pools, including being gentle on your skin and eyes, easier to maintain, and more environmentally friendly. At Arizona Pool & Pond Company, we install saltwater chlorinators for our customers so they can enjoy the benefits of a saltwater pool without any of the disadvantages. If you’re considering installing a saltwater pool, contact us today to learn more.