Benefits Of A Chlorine Pool
The Pros of Chlorine
- Chlorine gets the job done. Nothing is quite as effective when it comes to killing algae and bacteria as chlorine is. And for anyone who wants a sparkling clean pool, thats a big deal.
- Chlorine pools cost less to install. Without a salt and chlorine generator, installing a traditional pool is more affordable than a salt water pool.
The Cons of Chlorine
- Chlorine + humans = chloramines. When our sweat, saliva and cosmetic products mix with chlorine, the combination creates chloramines, which irritate the skin and eyes.
- Chlorine really isnt good for you. Its been associated with some types of cancer, and since its so hard on the lungs, it can worsen asthma.
- Chlorine pools require extra time and maintenance. Just like you have to add salt to salt water pools, you also have to add chlorine to chlorine pools. However, monitoring chemical levels in chlorine pools takes more time and should be done carefully.
And there you have it: the cold, hard facts on salt water and chlorine pools.
If you still have questions about which pool is right for you, call us at our SC location at or our NC location at . You can also reach us online to find out more about our pools and spas. With more than 25 years of experience, Hot Springs Pools & Spas is your local pool water expert.
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Are Saltwater Spa Pools Maintenance Free
Saltwater spa pools still require some maintenance but far less than the regular up-keep required for chlorine spa pools. Salt cell chlorinators function best when water is maintained above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so to keep your saltwater system effective and safe, temperature monitoring is necessary.
You will also need to replace your chlorinator every 2-5 years depending on how heavy your use is. You can use test strips or a digital meter to check the pH levels of your water once a week to ensure everything is working properly. You will still need to test and adjust your water pH, alkalinity and total hardness like you would with other types of sanitisers.
Enter Mineraluxe For Hot Tubs
The new system, called Mineraluxe, gives you the same soft feeling of salt water, is easier on your tub and more beneficial for your skin. With Mineraluxe, your tubs plumbing and acrylic are both scrubbed from the inside out, maintaining your equipment and effectively making your tub self-cleaning. It also gets rid of that pool smell which clings to any bather long after theyve left the tub. Originally, we reserved this option for people with extremely sensitive skin, but the positive feedback we have received from these initial users was so overwhelming that we have begun recommending it to everyone! The effectiveness and ease-of-use of this system has proven to be unparalleled with any of the multitude of water care options weve tested.
Backyard Leisure now offers a free one-month trial of the system so all those frustrated hot tub users can see first hand what their hot tub experience should feel like. To date, more than 90% of people who have tried Mineraluxe have continued using it! Contact us for more details.
For more information about your options, and how the old system compares with the new system, check out this blog article: Saltwater Pros, Cons, and the benefits of Mineraluxe.
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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.
Why We Use Chlorine
Right from the beginning of the 20th century, chlorine has been used as a disinfectant for a huge number of things, including water. The use of chlorine in sanitising the water of swimming pools has been a standard practice for over a century, and which spilled into hot tubs once they were invented and gained popularity. Even now, a century on, chlorine is still considered the most suitable and trustworthy way to clean and sanitise hot tubs and pools.
There really is no substitute for chlorine when it comes to keeping the water clean for a longer period of time, helping keep your heated pool or hot tub safe and hygienic, and staving off any illness-causing viruses or bacteria that try to make a home in the warm water.
One major factor in chlorines continued importance is that it is highly effective and economical, making it an affordable choice for pool and hot tub treatments. There is no match on the market for chlorine when it comes to achieving cleanliness and oxidation levels in the pool or hot tub. No other methodology or element or chemical comes close to.
Chlorine is also the safer choice for any of the fixtures in the pool or hot tub, as it will not damage or erode them. Saltwater is a known culprit when it comes to rusting or changing the colour of fixtures.
As compared to saltwater pools and tubs, chlorine water hot tubs:
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How Do Chlorine Spa Pools Work
Chlorine spa pools rely on manual chlorine adjustments in the water. For spa pools, a special type of chlorine called sodium dichlor works the best due to its neutral pH level and its ability to function in the warmer water temperatures of a spa or swim spa.
It is recommended that you sanitise your spa water with a daily dose of 6-10g of chlorine per 1000L. Ensure you follow the directions on your chlorine sanitiser labels to make sure your water is safe.
Chlorine spa pools also require shocking from time to time to properly sanitize the water. A shock dose of chlorine may be required around 25g per 1000L of water. Check the directions on your sanitiser or shock product label.
Saltwater Vs Chlorine Spa Pools
The number one difference between saltwater spa pools and chlorine spa pools is their medium for bacteria management. Both pools ultimately work with chlorine to kill bacteria, but saltwater spas convert salt to release natural chlorine while traditional chlorine spas require the direct addition of chlorine to the water.
Along with the method of water chlorination, saltwater and chlorine spas differ in price and management too. Saltwater systems cost more upfront but require less regular maintenance, while chlorine spas start off more cost-effective, yet require manual management of chemical levels.
In terms of water quality for spa use, there is a major difference here as well. Saltwater spas have better buoyancy compared to chlorine spas and are healthier for the skin in general. They may have less risk for irritation to skin, hair, or eyes.
If you find chlorine irritating for your skin or lungs, then a saltwater system may work better for you , but if you have financial constraints and dont want to cough up the extra money for a salt cell chlorinator, then stick to good old-fashioned chlorine to sanitize your spa.
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Salt Water Pools Are Becoming More Common In The United States
Salt water pools are becoming more common in the United States, and for good reasons! Many find that their skin feels softer after swimming in one of these pools, and doctors recommend them for those who have sensitive skin. Salt water pools also require less maintenance than traditional chlorine pools since they do not generate chemical by-products as chlorine does.
Like many things that are better for you, saltwater pools cost more to run. Replacing the salt is generally more expensive than simply adding chlorine to a water system. You will also need an automatic salt water generation system which may cost up to $4,000.
The advantages of salt water pools outweigh the disadvantages by far! Swimming in salt water is much more enjoyable than swimming in traditional chlorine pools and you will not have to deal with the harsh smell of chlorine. Since you will not be using as much chlorine, your water will stay cleaner for longer and require less treatment.
If you are on a budget or simply dont like the smell of traditional chlorine pools, consider investing in a salt water system for your hot tub or pool. Your skin will thank you!
Salt Water Vs Chlorine
When it comes to understanding the real difference between a salt water system and a chlorine-based system, you have to consider the whole picture. Not only are salt water hot tubs easier to maintain and gentler on your skin, but theres also no annoying chlorine smell, creating a more enjoyable spa experience. Fewer refills mean you can conserve more water, making salt water systems more eco-friendly. And many owners enjoy knowing theyre using fewer chemicals and providing a more natural experience for their families.Heres what some Hot Spring customers, who formerly used traditional chlorine systems, had to say about the difference between salt water and chlorine-based systems:
- “I couldnt be happier with the hot tub and the salt system. Coming from a traditional chlorine system, there is no going back! I highly recommend. “
- Prism® owner, Greensborough, North Carolina
- “We decided to opt for a salt water system in our new spa. The difference in ease of maintenance has been amazing The water stays amazingly clean. We would recommend the saline system to anyone. The spa always smells fresh and is a delight to use. “
- Grandee® owner, Tennessee
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They Require No Maintenance
Hot tubs require TLC, no matter what you use to sanitize them. No system is truly set it and forget it. Chlorinator cells must be replaced every one to three years. Until then, they need to be cleaned regularly.
Typically, cells are cleaned by soaking them in muriatic acid, but always defer to the manufacturers recommended maintenance for your model.
Salt Water Hot Tubs Does Not Have An Odor
An advantage salt water has in the debate of salt water hot tub vs. chlorine is that it does not have any odor. Chlorine can have a certain smell that some people may find uncomfortable, especially when they spend a considerable amount of time in their hot tub. Therefore, salt water can get rid of that.
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The Experience About Salt Water Pools
Salt water pools and hot tubs are the new trends, but theres a lot of misinformation out there. Weve made this blog to help you make an informed decision on whether or not salt is right for you.
Here are some benefits:
Why Did Canada Ban Saltwater Hot Tubs
Even if you dont live in Canada, the banning of saltwater hot tubs raises questions. After all, if something is banned at the governmental level, is it really dangerous?
So, for many years, sodium bromide was considered a safe pesticide. But the government regularly reassesses pesticides in Canada and deemed the harm from improper use of sodium bromide to be too great in 2020.
Since then, all bromine pools, spa electrolysis units, or sodium bromide products intended for use in swimming pools and spa electrolysis units have been canceled.
Note: If you use sodium bromide in a spa without using electrolysis , ozonation, UV, or MPS, Health Canada has recognized the use of sodium bromide as not only legal but safe.
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Should I Buy A Saltwater Or Chlorine Hot Tub
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Perhaps youve already decided on installing a hot tub at your home. Before you buy, youll want to weigh the pros and cons of saltwater vs chlorine for your hot tub. Saltwater and chlorine hot tubs are the same in terms of the way they are made but differ in how to keep them clean.
Saltwater hot tubs have a salt cell chlorinator that functions in producing chlorine naturally through an electrolysis process. Therefore you do not need to add chemical chlorine directly into the hot tub to keep it clean and hygienic.
Chlorine hot tubs require chemicals in concentrated amounts that you add to water and monitor the levels of chlorine.
However, there are pros and cons of installing both types of hot tubs, and this guide highlights the key factors to help you determine the best option for you.
Saltwater hot tub Pros
Most people are searching for healthier alternatives to chemical solutions. The current saltwater hot tubs provide healing and soothing features without having the potential impact of chlorine. Below are some of the benefits of using a saltwater hot tub.
Increased water buoyancy and softness
The moderate amount of chlorine content produced by a saltwater system can keep the water quality soft for an extended period before refilling and draining your hot tub. The steady flow of natural salt minimizes the risk of having a cracked and dry skin.
Gentle on sensitive skin and eyes
No unpleasant odor
Strong smell
What Happens If You Have Too Much Salt
If you end up adding too much salt to your spa, then you should drain 25% of your water, and then refill with fresh water. Test the levels after doing this and add drain 25% again if required, or add salt to bring the salt level up to the required amount.
The Aquasal recommended salt level is 1500 – 2000 PPM. Other salt systems may require different levels – check the instructions that were supplied with the unit.
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Sonoma Hot Tubs Will Put You In The Right Hot Tub
This debate of salt water hot tub vs. chlorine clearly indicates that chlorine systems are better in terms of affordability and reliability. S, if youre ready to buy a hot tub in Sonoma, Napa, or Santa Rosa in California, then look at the extensive inventory of premium hot tubs at Sonoma Hot Tubs and Pool Supplies. Were also offering price promotions and financing options to make your new shift luxury more manageable.
Your Hot Tub Sanitizing Options
Weve all enjoyed a soak in traditional chlorine hot tubs, coming out smelling like the local pool. Its a feature most people who enjoy hot tubbing rarely think about. Were here to tell you that you have other, more beneficial options for your tubbing experience. We will cover the range of possibilities, including some that should never be done, over the next three weeks.
Your two main sanitizing options for your hot tub are chlorine/bromine or salt.
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The Salt Water Superiority
Salt water is all-natural and chemical free, and so a salt water system must be the better choice for a pool or hot tub, right? The flaw in this is those saltwater systems used for heated pools and hot tubs are not chemical-free. Salts chemical name is sodium chloride , which is literally a mix of sodium and chloride. Saltwater pools have chlorine generators that produce disinfectant that keeps the water system clean.
However, given that the amount of chlorine used in saltwater pools and hot tubs is considerably less, this makes them more susceptible to bacteria and viruses forming and causing illness amongst users.
On the pros side, salt water can be gentler than a chlorine pool or hot tub, and for some people, its less likely to cause allergies and wont irritate the eyes or skin or offend the nose. Saltwater is also known to aid in buoyancy, which makes it an attractive medium in a pool or hot tub. The installation of saltwater pools and hot tubs is more expensive, time-consuming and complex than chlorine ones. Saltwater fed pools and hot tubs are also costlier and require greater precision to maintain and run, including water replacements. They also have a shorter life span. And unless stringent protocols are followed, saltwater causes corrosion to the features of your pool or hot tub, damaging them and spoiling their look.
What Is Your Ideal Pool
Chlorine is a necessary component in order to maintain the integrity of the water, but it doesnt always do the job when heated saltwater pools are an alternative because they can be maintained without chlorine.
The benefits of saltwater pools include less eye irritation, skin dryness, and itchiness no need for pH balancing softer skin and hair easier breathing due to reduced levels of chloramines.
Chloramine-free water also means that youre able to swim or soak in a hot tub for longer periods of time without feeling sick because there isnt any residual chemical buildup in your lungs like with regular chlorine pools. Safety first!
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Saltwater Hot Tubs Require Cartridge Replacement
When you are buying a hot tub, you will likely expect to have to clean and/or replace a filter. A saltwater hot tub, though, also has a cartridge to create the chemical reaction. Depending on the manufacturer and model, a cartridge will need to be replaced every four months increasing how much it costs to own a hot tub.
