Is A Saltwater Pool Less Expensive To Maintain
Absolutely! The primary reason for this is that salt is far cheaper than traditional chlorine, and the chlorinator will do the heavy lifting for you, automatically! So you don’t need to buy chlorine. You don’t even need to have chlorine and other chemicals “just in case” someone forgot to dose the pool and has caused the pool to turn green.
Pros And Cons Of Chlorine Water Treatment
Chlorine is preferable over other treatment options for a variety of reasons:
- It is more affordable and cost effective.
- Chlorine hot tubs require less upkeep and last longer than salt water hot tubs.
- Chlorine achieves the cleanliness and oxidation levels that other chemicals and methods do not.
- Chlorine does not cause any damage to the features of hot tubs and pools.
Some cons of chlorine are:
- People with sensitivities to chlorine can experience irritation to their skin, scalp, and eyes upon exposure to a chlorine pool or hot tub.
- If there are large amounts of chlorine gas hovering over your hot tub or pool, it can be harmful for your lungs.
- Chlorine carries a very distinctive smell that some people find unpleasant.
What Does It Mean If My Saltwater Pool Is Cloudy
There is no direct correlation between saltwater pools and cloudy pool water, if the pool is cloudy this could be a sign of poor chlorine levels or inadequate filtration. Be sure to have your water tested to diagnose the root cause, if you have a chlorinator and the tests show that it is a lack of chlorine, then this could signal a need for a cell replacement, more salt, or both!
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Myth : Saltwater Pools Need No Maintenance
Oh, boy. Saltwater pools need less maintenance for sure, and they require maintenance less frequently, but they absolutely need consistent care. And when you have a saltwater pool, you might have less chemicals to worry about. But you still need to make sure your:
– pH levels are between 7.2 and 7.8
– Free chlorine is between 1 and 3 parts per million
– Salinity level is between 3,000 and 3,500 ppm
– Stabilizer is between 70 and 80 ppm
– Calcium is between 200 and 400 ppm
Its not a lot, but it certainly does take some time. Make sure to check your levels every other week. Still sound like a lot? Compare that to the frequency of maintaining a chlorinated pool… thats half!
Pool Costs: Which One Is Cheaper
At the installation stage, a saltwater pool may need more investment to begin with. The reason is that a saltwater system is more complex than a normal chlorine pool. A saltwater generator has to be installed too.
This pool equipment is expensive and processes the salt present in the water to change it into chlorine. But once the setup is complete, such a pool comes out to be cheaper than a chlorine pool in the long run.
How? Let us explain. The installation cost of a salt water pool may range from $600 to $3,000, or more. A top-notch salt water generator might set you back by another $800. Keep in mind that such a machine, how much ever high-tech, will probably serve you for a maximum of six years. Add to it the cost of salt. Initially, you will be requiring a huge amount as much as 1,000 pounds of salt! No wonder the installation doesnt come cheap.
The good news is that the annual supply of salt needed is much lesser. So the total cost that you need to spend on a salt water pool is nominal, probably $100 a year. Not much, right?
In the case of chlorine pools, there is a reversal of cost. The installation is much cheaper but the annual cost of sanitizing this kind of pool is more. Concentrated chlorine bought from a local store is much more expensive as compared to salt. If we see the annual expenditure, chlorine pool costs around $300 to $800.
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Which Pool Is More Expensive
Its hard to nail down a specific answer since the cost of your pool can depend on location and construction materials. However, most homeowners will find that saltwater pools are almost always significantly more expensive to install.
This has to do with the salt chlorine generator in saltwater pools. These generators by themselves can cost up to $2,500 or more and thats only on top of any other costs youll incur while building and installing the pool in your backyard.
Regardless of how you try and cut it, the initial investment of a saltwater pool is almost always going to be more than youd spend with a traditional chlorine pool.
However, when it comes to long-term numbers, this is where a saltwater pool can save you some money. Once youve got the salt chlorine generator, your annual operating costs for maintaining the pool should only be around $100 to $400. Salt shouldnt run you more than a few hundred dollars, but youll probably see an increase in your energy bill.
Salt chlorine generators run on electricity, and depending on how much you use it, your energy bill could increase at certain times of the year .
Keep in mind that one expense youll have with a saltwater pool is replacing the cells in the generator. This can cost you anywhere from $200 to $700, but you shouldnt need to replace cells more than every few years.
With a traditional chlorine pool, purchasing chlorine and other balancing agents can run you up to $1,000 a year, but sometimes even more.
Are Salt Pools Better
Because they have lower chlorine levels, salt water pools are much gentler on the eyes and skin. Research indicates that salt water systems may be safer than chlorine pools, which force owners to store and handle unsafe chemicals. … Salt water pools produce softer-feeling water, which many find desirable.
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What Happens To Fiberglass Pool After 25 Years
What is the life expectancy of a fiberglass pool? A fiberglass pool is expected to last up to more than 25 years the reason they are the most low-cost option in the long run. Their surface does not support algae growth and resists stain, which means maintenance cost and hassle is significantly minimized.
Pool Maintenance: Which One Is Lower
When it comes to pool maintenance, both kinds of pools need similar care in terms of:
- Skimming the bugs and leaves
- Brushing and cleaning the pool
- Cleaning the filter
- Services the pool heater if you have a temperature-control
- Covering the pool when not in use
- Emptying the pump basket and skimmer
- Cleaning the deck area
Most importantly, in both, you will have to balance the chemical content. Ensure that there is perfect level of pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and of course chlorine.
That best part about a salt water pool is that its chlorinator monitors and adjusts chlorine levels on a regular basis. So less work for you! But there is a downside. Chlorine thats generated through electrolysis tends to fluctuate more, even burn, especially under the sun. It may then not be able to shield you against UV rays. A vital point that concerns every pool owner.
But when theres a problem, theres a solution too. You can add a stabilizer and boost chlorine effectiveness.
As explained earlier, a salt water pool can cause corrosion. It needs regular maintenance. Even structures around it need to be inspected from time to time. Also remember that too much salt or too little, can be detrimental to your pool and you.
Our verdict:
- Dedicated effort required for maintenance
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Health Factors: Which One Is Safer
If theres one difference between salt water or a chlorine one its how the water feels against your skin. In the case of the former one, the water is gentler and lighter. Chlorine, on the other hand, makes the water harsher.
Those who support a chlorinated pool insist that since the chemical is used to keep harmful bacteria away, a little discomfort can easily be tolerated. The bigger picture of protecting the body from toxins is more important.
There is no denying that the chemical is known to cause dryness and itchy skin. Salt water chlorine is less concentrated and doesnt dry or irritate the skin as much. Its safer for clothes too. So less fading and deterioration.
As far as the typical red-eye effect that a pool has on you, both kinds of pools have been known to cause it. It could be because of the chlorine imbalance, excess chloramines, or simply dirty water. The trick is to keep your water free of all contaminants.
Our verdict:
- May cause skin to itch or dry out
Salt Water Pool Vs Chlorine Pool: What’s The Difference In Terms Of Maintenance Cost And Practicality Find Out Here
Did you know that 10.4 million householdsin the US have pools in their backyards? Are you thinking of joining them?
If you’re considering installing a pool, you will have some choices to make, like whether you want a saltwater pool vs. a chlorine pool. To learn the differences in terms of maintenance, cost, and practicality, keep reading. We’ll break it all down for you.
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Reasons Salt Water Pools Are Better Than Chlorine Pools
Trying to decide between a salt water or chlorine pool? Thinking of making the switch to salt water? Salt water chlorinators have many advantages over traditional chlorine pools. If you are exploring the option of building or converting a pool into a salt water pool, or simply intrigued, read on to find out why a salt water system may be the best choice for your pool.
Saltwater Pool Vs Chlorinated Pool
A saltwater pool gets cleaned using a filtering system called a salt chlorine generator. The system uses electricity to turn salt into chlorine, which cleans the pool.
In a chlorinated pool, chlorine tablets or granules are physically added on a regular basis for the same purpose.
In both pool types, its important to still check the pH levels and alkalinity of the pool so it stays sanitized and the chemicals stay balanced.
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Salt Water Chlorinators Vs Chlorine Pools Explained
Is there really a big difference in saltwater pools and chlorinated pools? Well, the answers might surprise you. In a nutshell, satwater pools are easily the best investment you can make for your home pool. A saltwater pool isn’t just dumping sacks of salt into your pool, it’s much more than that. We’ll go over the advantages of saltwater pools from traditional chlorinated pools, and why you should really consider converting your pool to one.
Salt Water Pool Vs Chlorine Pool: Pros Cons Comparisons
If youre in the market for a new pool, theres a lot that youll need to consider when choosing a type of pool. The two main pool systems that you can select from include a salt water pool and a chlorine pool. The main difference with these pool types involves the amount of maintenance and testing that needs to be done with the water. When you select a salt water pool, the generator inside the pool will maintain the chlorine levels for you, which means that the water wont need to be tested as often. On the other hand, chlorine pools require you to manually add chlorine to the water on a weekly basis.
Before you choose a pool for your home, its important to understand how these two pool types differ if you want to make the right decision. Even though both pool types provide homeowners with numerous benefits, they work very differently.
This article will go into greater details about the pros and cons of these types of pools while also providing you with an in-depth comparison.
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History Of Pools And Hot Tubs
Pools have been around for centuries. Throughout their existence, they have continuously evolved, using multiple treatment methods for maintenance and safety. For example, over the last 100 years, pools have been treated with the following:
- Chlorine The first chemical invented for pool treatments in the early 1900s.
- Ozone Originally used to disinfect drinking water, Ozone was eventually used by Europe and the U.S. in the 60s and 70s to clean pool water.
- UV UV rays destroy bacteria and viruses by attacking their genetic core DNA.
- Saltwater With roots from Australia, this is a simple treatment method that entails using salt to produce chlorine.
- Direct Hydroxyl Injection A recent and modern method that involves injecting hydroxyl radicals to sanitize water.
Hot tubs have also been around for centuries. It all began with the birth and popularity of hot springs and bathing chambers.
Providing hydrotherapy, soaking in hot springs was common among hunters and gatherers who often spent their days doing strenuous physical activities. Later in history, with Japans hot springs and the ancient Romans public and private baths , the concept of hot baths was a widely favored activity across cultures.
No More Liquid Chlorine
Most traditional chlorine pools utilize liquid chlorine to maintain the pools cleanliness and sanitization. Liquid chlorine, however effective, is harmful for your body should fumes be inhaled, or come in contact with eyes or skin. Handling such a volatile substance can be dangerous, and it loses its potency quickly, so you will likely come into contact with the substance daily. Occasionally, salt water pools may need to have its chlorine levels adjusted. This is typically done with granular types of chlorine, so no liquid chlorine is involved.
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Myth : Switching To Saltwater Will Wreck My Pool
This one is a partial mythunless you take some precautions, converting your pool to saltwater might introduce rust. My recommendation is to get a sacrificial anode, which is a zinc cell that takes on the damage that would otherwise hit the parts around it. Youll want a professional electrician for thisas you probably know by now, electricity and water arent recommended for a novices first try. Yowch.
Its also best to avoid all steel, aluminum, or metal inside and nearby your pool, and invest in a vinyl pool liner if you have an above-ground pool.
Myth : Saltwater Pool Water Smells Strong And Tastes Like Salt
When you imagine owning a saltwater pool, you might assume that its like having a little piece of the ocean in your backyard. Its notand thats a good thing. A saltwater pool wont dry out your hair, make you smell like salt, and cover you in sand. As a swimmer, this pool type couldnt be more convenient.
And no, it doesnt taste like salt, eitherbut you shouldnt be drinking it anyway! And by the way, that includes your pets, too. This is not a water source for Fido, for his sake and yoursthe last thing you want to deal with is a dogs stomachache. Ill leave it at that.
If youre interested in saving the cost of operation significantly over time, the first thing to do is get a variable-speed pump. The 1.5 HP Blue Torrent Thunder Variable Speed In-Ground Pump is the way to go: it comes with a lifetime warranty, is available for rebates, and pays itself off in under a year. As customer Brian Turner says, delighted with the purchase first class service.
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Advantages Of Salt Water Pools
Less Maintenance
With a saltwater system, pool maintenance is much simpler. Saltwater pools still require some chlorine, but its minimal. With these pools, the salt cells will produce any chlorine as needed, but you will still want to monitor chlorine levels periodically to ensure everything is working properly. Additionally, cleaning your saltwater pool is only required about once a year, where you drain the pool, change the filter, and scrub.
Saltwater Pools Are Gentler
No more red eyes and itchy skin. Because chlorine levels are much lower with a saltwater generator, people that are sensitive to chlorine will have fewer irritations.
Softer Water
Like rainwater or water softeners, saltwater pools make water feel smooth and silky as opposed to the abrasive feel of chlorinated water.
More Cost Effective
Though expensive upfront because of the purchase of a saltwater generator, saltwater pools are actually more cost effective in the long run. With saltwater pools, homeowners can forgo buying pool chemicals on a regular basis.
Whats The Main Difference Between A Saltwater Pool And A Traditional Chlorinated Pool
In a traditional chlorine pool, chlorine is added directly to the pool. With a saltwater pool, salt is added to the water in which the levels are maintained by the chlorinator. In turn, the electrodes in the chlorinator will convert the saltwater into chlorine for clean, clear, and luxuriously soft water.
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Benefits Of Saltwater Pools
Chlorine has been used for years by pool owners and continues to be the main option for pool sanitizing. That doesnt mean there isnt a better option. Saltwater pools offer benefits that are making it easier for people to switch their pool waters sanitization choice.
Some of the main benefits of using salt in your pool water include:
- Improved comfort both during and after swimming
- No messy or expensive chemicals
- Saltwater pools offer self-regulating options that allow you to set it and leave it
- Pool maintenance is less expensive
- No overwhelming odor left on your clothes and skin after swimming
Because of these benefits, people are searching for options to allow them to switch to salt for their pools. If this sounds like something you want to do, visit our website to find out more about how we can help you make the switch as well as getting signed up for regular maintenance and cleaning options. WIth Opulent Pools, owning and maintaining your pool is a breeze!
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