Here are the Pros and Cons of Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pools are becoming the latest trend among homeowners, but do you know how it actually works?

This type of swimming pool uses salt for the same cleaning functions as chlorine does. Some may think that the saltwater pool would be similar to the ocean water, but this is not correct. The water has only enough salt in order to do its cleaning purposes, much less than the ocean water does.

Even though they have the same cleaning functions as the chlorine pool, they have some different effects, maintenance, and functioning principles. This way, it can be an alternative option for your swimming pool if you’re planning on building one or converting your chlorine one.

Keep reading below to learn some of the pros and cons of a saltwater pool system and how it works!

The Pros

Chemicals are safer to store and deal with

Since chlorine in concentrated form can be a dangerous chemical, storing it at home can be as well. The salt, on the other hand, doesn’t have the same dangers and it’s much safer for you and the ones who deal with the material.

Healthier to your body

Different from chlorine, which can cause irritation to your eyes and skin, the salt doesn’t have or perform these same effects. It is safer for your body, and since it makes the water softer, so does your skin after swimming.

Cleaning needs less often

While a chlorine pool usually needs to be cleaned once per week, a saltwater pool doesn’t have these same needs. It’s recommended for you to do the cleaning at least every six months, and sometimes more often if you feel the need.

Less maintenance

Saltwater pools, when compared to traditional chlorine pools, usually need much less maintenance, saving you tons of money in that regard.

The Cons

Initially more expensive

During the first periods of converting your pool to a saltwater type, the cost of the materials, labor, and installation can become heavy in your pocket.

Needs expert technicians for repairs

Even though it may rarely need repairing, any minor situation which would need repair needs an expert technician for the service, since it has a more complex system.

It can damage some materials

Since the salt is a corrosive material, in the long run it can cause some damage to your pool, liner, and other objects around, just like a pool that has a continuous high chlorine level. Keep your grill and other metal objects a little further away from the water, just to be safe.

How Does a Saltwater Pool Work?

It is the chlorine and the chemicals that keep the water clean in a chlorinated pool, and it is the salt that is responsible for this part of the saltwater pool. But how does that work?

The saltwater pool uses a salt-chlorine generator to convert the salt into chlorine. The salt is added to the water at a specific level efficiently to the machine, and that will make it perform the cleaning purposes, such as killing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms which could cause diseases or other health issues.

How to Convert Your Chlorine Pool to Saltwater?

And before anything: yes, a chlorine pool to saltwater conversion is totally possible, and it’s much simpler than you may think, doesn’t matter if it’s an inground pool or an above-ground saltwater pool that you want. With the help of a professional in this area, follow these steps below:

Balance your swimming pool’s chemistry, draining the water if needed
Install the saltwater chlorinator, but be careful with possible leaks
Next, add the salt to the pool water (the amount will depend on the pool’s size) and, keeping it balanced, test its chemistry

If you ever get interested in having a saltwater pool or converting yours into one, there is no need for worrying. The process can be quite simple when you know what to expect. The saltwater pool is a great alternative if for some reason you don’t want a chlorine one.

Don’t forget to call a professional for the service if you desire to convert a chlorine pool into a saltwater pool, in order to avoid future issues.