Which Is Best Salt Water Pool Or Chlorine

The Pros And Cons Of Salt Water Pools

Hazardous to handle and store, chlorine can irritate the skin and the eyes. Its no wonder, then, that many people opt for salt water pools, which offer some big advantages over traditional chlorinated swimming pools. Salt water pools do have some downsides you need to consider before purchasing one, however. To decide which type of pool might be right for you, consider the pros and cons of each.

Salt Water Systems vs. Traditional Chlorinated Pools

If you dont know much about salt water filters and pools, the facts may surprise you. For one, they arent anywhere close to being as salty as seawater. In fact, they have only about one-tenth the salinity. Second, they arent completely chlorine-free. Instead, the system uses a process called electrolysis to create chlorine, which disinfects the water.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Salt Water Pool?

Salt Water Pool Advantages

• 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. Likewise, studies suggest that regular exposure to heavily chlorinated swimming pools could pose long-term risks.
• Salt water pools produce softer-feeling water, which many find desirable.
• Because the salt cells in a salt water system only produce chlorine as needed, the pools require far less maintenance when compared to traditional chlorinated swimming pools.

Salt Water Pool Systems

Salt water pools are notable for including a salt water generator thats designed to regulate and maintain the proper pool water chemistry. The generator works via a process known as electrolysis, which converts the salt thats placed inside the generator into chlorine thats distributed to the pool. This works by turning the dissolved salt into hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite, the former of which occurs when chlorine is added to water. The generator will maintain the chlorine levels so that you dont need to measure the water chemistry as often. The standard chlorine levels for this type of pool are situated at 3,000-4,000 PPM.

The Composition Of The Tablet

Depending on the manufacturer, chlorine tablets might contain different chemicals. Before purchasing something, though, you should be 100 percent sure that the tablet contains roughly 90 percent chlorine. The disinfecting properties of chlorine are highly acknowledged.

This will make the tablet highly efficient at killing viruses, bacteria, fungus, algae, yeast and other naughty elements that might be present inside your pool water.

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Blue Works Pool Chlorine Generator Chlorinator

This is another product that will significantly ease your mission of sanitizing your pool. The price-quality ratio is a key attraction point especially to those of you who are on the lookout for a cost-efficient option.

The unit is recommended for pool areas of a maximum of 40,000 gallons. This usually addresses the needs of most customers.

Regarding the installation process, it is not too difficult to follow. You also have the alternative of adjusting the chlorine output, depending on your needs and preferences. Essentially, the chlorine output can be up to 2.1 pounds per day.

The installation process shouldnt cause too many problems, and youll most likely install the unit hassle-free. Thanks to the handy salt and temperature indicators, you can be sure that youll safeguard your equipment and extend its lifespan. You may also plug it in a 220V or 110V power outlet.

Some former clients have reported that this can be very efficient when it comes to sanitizing pools during hot weather.

Pros

Salt Water Pool Vs Chlorine Pool: A Complete Review

The most useful tool to calculate your home renovation costs for free.

Getting a pool installed in your home but confused about the type that will suit you best? If youre stuck in the debate of saltwater pool vs chlorine pool, dont be. Our article will give you the complete lowdown on both kinds. We have analyzed the two in terms of cost, maintenance, health factor, and storage.

But first, a basic question for a new homeowner or a person who is contemplating a pool resurfacing.

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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!

Circupool Core55 Salt Chlorinator System

as of January 10, 2022 6:46 pm

Features

• Revolutionary compact design allows for incredibly easy DIY installation.
• 4th-Generation system, combining the best in advanced technology with reliable, simple operation.
• USA Titanium Cell, industry-best 8-Year Limited Warranty.
• Heavy-Duty, Weather-Proof construction with IP-66 Rated Protection.

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Potential Drawbacks Of Chlorine Pools

Consequently, keeping chlorine pools clean is not as easy as salt water pools. The pH balance of a chlorine pool can go wonky with little warning, which means it takes a lot more effort and diligence to make sure the water doesnt go green and the filters dont get clogged up with algae.

Furthermore, excess chlorine can seriously dry out a swimmers skin and hair, while also occasionally causing some eye irritation. This is because there are more chemicals in the pool water, which works for keeping the water safe to use, but doesnt always do hair and skin many favors.

Chlorine Pools Vs Saltwater Pools: Which Is Best For Your Home

A pinch of salt versus a pinch of chlorine no, were not gearing up to give you a poolside dinner recipe. Instead, were getting ready to talk about what the perfect recipe is for your inground pool. While chlorine pools are an industry standard, saltwater pools are also a viable option. Before making a final decision, it is important to understand not only the operating logistics of both chlorine and saltwater pools, but also the pros and cons of each.

Chlorine Pools

This type of pool uses a chemical powder or tablets to maintain water cleanliness. The chlorine molecules or ions kill microorganisms by slashing through the cell walls and destroying them so they are no longer hazardous to humans.

Pros:

• Extremely effective and efficient at preventing algae and bacteria.
• Cost-effective when compared to other options.
• Simpler to maintain since there are no complex electronic systems.
• Lower initial cost.

• Requires regular maintenance in order to keep chlorine levels properly balanced.
• Unpleasant odor or smell.
• Potential for skin, eye and / or respiratory irritation.

Saltwater Pools

This type of pool has a chlorine generator, also known as salt cell, salt generator, salt chlorinator, or SWG. The system uses electrolysis in the presence of dissolved salt to produce certain acids and sodium, which act as sanitizing agents. Its important to understand that while saltwater pools do not use chlorine, they do make their own in order to keep the water cleanly.

Pros:

Cons:

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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

Bigger Return On Investment: Saltwater Pools

Whether or not youâre planning on selling your home soon, it’s important to consider which type of pool system offers the biggest return on investment.

Saltwater pools are more expensive upfront, but they’re less expensive long-term due to lower daily running costs.

When installed with quality fixtures that withstand salt, you can increase your ROI to 100%.

If you have an old pool that needs to be removed and replaced, trust Hometown to help you find the right local expert for the job.

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Potential Drawbacks Of Salt Water Pools

The up-front cost of a salt water generator is, admittedly, much pricier than the chemicals youd use in a chlorine pool, to say nothing of the utility costs that come with running a generator for up to 12 hours a day during pool season.

Furthermore, the salt can be corrosive to certain pool liners and pool lights, but those issues can be avoided simply by purchasing liners and lights in the first place that are designed specifically for salt water pools.

Comparison Chart For Best Salt Water Pool Test Kit

Salt Water Pool Test Kit

• Taylor Technologies K-1766 Salt Water Kit is for use with salt water chlorine generators
• Country of Origin: United States
• Brand Name: TAYLOR TECHNOLOGIES INC
• Model Number: K-1766

• AquaChek 561161 White Salt Titrators Test Kit 40 strips Per Bottle

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Why Salt Water Instead Of A Chemical Chlorine Pool System

When I tell guests that Elites pools are salt water they are very surprised. Most people in our area have never heard of a salt water pool. The first question they ask is what is it and why?

Chemically treated chlorine pools have long been the most popular type to own. Recently, saltwater swimming pools have become more popular because of their many advantages.

Salt water pools are much more swimmer friendly, this is because of the lower levels of chlorine in the pool necessary to maintain the quality of the water.

Elite is one of the few clubs in the Milwaukee area that offer salt water pools at 3 of our 5 locations in Brookfield, Glendale, and Mequon. If you havent tried swimming in a salt water pool yet, the best time to try it is now as we just opened our outdoor pools for the season! You will enjoy the difference of salt compared to chlorine, we promise.

Using Chlorine As Pool Disinfectant

Chlorine has been a traditional product for pool cleaning for over 50 years. It became the standard because technology and available disinfectants made the pools easy to clean and maintain.

Pool disinfection often relies on chlorine tablets to clean and disinfect pool water from germs, bacteria, and algae. Tablets are dispensed into an external chemical feeder or in-pool floating device mounted next to the pool equipment.

The most convenient way to dispense chlorine tablets into a pool is with an external automatic feeder. While the pump is running, the water flows over the tablets, the tablet chlorine dissolves slowly in the pool water.

Changing the distribution rate to keep your chlorine levels in the optimal range can be easily done with the dial on the chemical feeder. The dial adjusts the amount of water flowing over the tablets this changes the rate at which the tablets dissolve and are released into the pool water.

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Chlorine Vs Salt Water: Which Type Of Pool Is Best

Whether you have an inground pool or an above ground pool, or you’re considering installing one, you’ve likely considered the different types of pool systems and which is best.

The two most popular pool systems are chlorine and saltwater.

Of course, you want your pool water to be clean and safe, but there are other considerations to take into account when deciding whether your pool should be a chlorine or saltwater pool.

Which water system is best for you depends on many factors, like overall costs, ongoing maintenance requirements, your desired return on investment, etc.

Saltwater Or Chlorine Pools: What’s The Difference

Basically, there is no special difference. Both saltwater and chlorine pools use chlorine to kill harmful bacteria and organisms in the water. The only difference is that saltwater pools use a special chlorine generator to produce chlorine through electrolysis and inject the required amount of less harmful chlorine automatically into the water, saving you from manually adding any chlorine shocks for pool sanitization. So they are easier to maintain, and that is why I converted.

Ever since I converted my pool, I spend much more time swimming and less time fiddling with the chemicals.

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Which Is Better Chlorine Or Salt Water

Using chlorine or salt helps to clean and sanitize the water in your swimming pool so its safe for your family to swim in.

There are pros and cons for each, and theres no stand-out better option.

It really does depend on personal preference and how often your pool is used.

But if you want my honest opinion salt water is generally the way to go.

The Pros Choice For Salt Water Pools: Pentair Intellichlor

• Price : $1,399 to $1,799
• Average customer review: 4.6 stars
• Treatment capacity: 20,000 to 60,000 gallons
• Maximum chlorine production: not reported
• Treatment cycle: set by user
• Plumbing / pumps required: connect to existing filter system
• Salt cell lifespan: 8,000 hours
• Replacement salt cell cost: $699 to $1,399

Many pool builders prefer working with certain systems, and will connect a salt chlorinator as part of the overall installation project — if you request one up front. Installing a salt chlorine system with your pool allows you to bundle its cost into the total project price, which means you might never have to deal with the retail price of these systems unless they break down on you after the warranty period.

River Pools exclusively installs Pentair salt water systems. The Intellichlor line is well-supported, easy to install with most pumps and filters, and widely available. The Intellichlor IC20, which can treat up to 20,000 gallons, is well-suited for most fiberglass pools.

Our largest pool, the T40, holds nearly 24,000 gallons, so well use the IC40 instead, which is rated for pools of up to 40,000 gallons. Pentair-brand salt cells can be a bit costly, but there are plenty of knockoff brands — BLUE WORKS makes less expensive Intellichlor-compatible replacement cells, but they dont have especially good reviews on Amazon, so you might want to stick with the genuine article.

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Putting It All Together

If you want to combine the pros and cons of each type, heres how saltwater and chlorine match up:

Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines this comparison doesnt cover the specific details as well as what factors might influence cost or maintenance. If you want the detailed numbers as they relate to cost, regular maintenance, and even health and safety, keep reading.

Best For Spas : Controlomatic Smarterspa

• Price : $429
• Plumbing / pumps required: No
• Salt cell lifespan: 7,000 hours
• Replacement salt cell cost: $219

Sometimes, you just dont need to treat that much water. ControlOMatic makes several salt chlorinator systems for spas, with a maximum treatment capacity of 1,000 gallons. The SmarterSpa salt chlorine generator is ControlOMatics more automated option — it includes an integrated detector that can activate an automatic chlorinating cycle if the level of chlorine in your spa drops too low.

You could also use SmarterSpa in a small above-ground pool, but itd have to be pretty small. Our two spa add-ons, the RS08 and SS08, have 800- and 890-gallon capacities, respectively, to give you an idea of how much watery space the SmarterSpa can handle.

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