When building, upgrading or simply maintaining the swimming pool, there are lots of options to consider. One important decision is the kind of system the pool will use. Two of the most common and popular are the saltwater system and the chlorine system. Both are intended to keep the water clean and healthy for swimming. Aquaman Pools offers some pros and cons of each so pool owners can make an educated decision about which system is best for their needs.
Saltwater System — Despite popular belief, saltwater pools are not filled with salty seawater. The amount of salt added to the pool is significantly less than ocean water. Another misconception is that saltwater systems don’t use chlorine. Saltwater systems don’t need commercial-grade chlorine added but chlorine is still used in this type of pool. The difference is that saltwater pool systems produce their own lower levels of natural chlorine.
The system actually converts the salt to chlorine — but just enough to keep the water clean without over chlorinating it, making it gentler on swimmers’ skin, hair and eyes. This process is intended to help homeowners achieve more balanced water with less attention, which is a definite “pro” for most homeowners. It also means the pool needs less chemicals to keep the water balanced. Initially, saltwater systems can have a higher cost than traditional pools, and maintenance on a saltwater system can also be more expensive, which can be a con for the budget conscious. Another con is that saltwater systems require more electricity to run.
Chlorine Pools — Traditional chlorine system pools require manufactured chlorine to be added to the pool on a weekly basis. This can be in tablet, stick of liquid form. Generally a chlorine float is used to hold and distribute the chlorine throughout the water. Chlorine pools are initially less expensive to install and maintain than saltwater systems, however they do require more regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure the chlorine is balanced.
A chlorine system can also require balancing agents to be added to the water to help prevent any harmful effects of the chlorine. While a chlorine system has a higher amount of chlorine concentration, which can make it harsh on swimmers skin, hair and eyes, it has a lower energy cost and needs less equipment.
There are both pros and cons of each system, so it really comes down to individual preference of the pool owner. Professional pool service companies can easily work with either type of system when it comes to regular weekly maintenance. When deciding between what type of system to use, its best to be as educated about each as possible, weigh the pros and cons and then each pool owner can decide based on their specific needs.
