Are you thinking of installing a swimming pool in your home? You may want to consider a salt water swimming pool instead of a chlorine-treated pool. The technology used to run salt water swimming pools has become more affordable. Because of this, swimming pools that use salt water are becoming more popular.
How It Works
Saltwater swimming pools have a chlorine generator hooked up to the pool’s pump and filter system. The chlorine generator uses electrolysis to break down the chlorine in salt and produce hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite, the sanitizing agents commonly used in swimming pools. Instead of adding chlorine directly, a saltwater pool uses a chemical reaction to produce chlorine.
What Are The Benefits?
The initial cost of a salt water swimming pool is quite high, but it is cheaper to maintain and operate because it is no longer necessary to purchase chlorine. The chlorine generator produces chlorine, and when the chlorine breaks down it goes back to the pool as salt and is regenerated by the system. You don’t even have to add salt very often. A salt water swimming pool can go for years without salt being added.
With a saltwater pool, you don’t have to buy, store or handle toxic chemicals. Swimmers do not suffer from stinging eyes, and there is no chlorine smell. A swimming pool that uses a salt water system is less stressful on the skin, hair and clothing compared to traditional pools treated with chlorine.
Many people prefer swimming in salt water swimming pools. The chlorine in traditional pools can damage the skin and hair. On the other hand, the mild saline solution in a saltwater pool feels softer on the skin. As the skin dries, no chlorine reside is left on the skin and you’ll feel more refreshed.
Considerations
The salt added to a saltwater pool is pure and natural ocean salt. With a saltwater system, manufacturers recommend that you regularly test the water and maintain the proper pH. Muriatic acid can be added weekly to maintain the recommended acidity and alkalinity level.
One of the biggest considerations when installing a saltwater system for the pool is the initial cost. An in-ground salt water swimming pool can cost several thousand dollars. The salt system alone with its metal cell and electronic control panel can cost about $1000.
Many people are undecided about having a salt water swimming pool installed, citing advantages and disadvantages. The cost of the saltwater system is a major concern. In the end, opting for a salt water swimming pool is a personal decision that you will have to make.