Additionally, the pool may need to be drained and refilled periodically to prevent scaling or buildup in the pool. Chlorine pools cost $35,000, on average, or a few thousand less than a saltwater pool. Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS, How to Enjoy the Pool Without Getting Sick This Summer, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Try These 8 Pool Exercises for a Full-Body Workout, secure your pool with a fence so kids cant get in the water unsupervised, enroll anyone who doesnt know how to swim in swim lessons, enforce rules like no diving or no running near the pool, when swimming laps, stop and take a break when youre out of breath, warm up before entering the pool and stretch afterwards, avoid drinking alcohol when youre in and near the water. See additional information. Appliances. What makes a saltwater pool different is that a saltwater pool generates its own chlorine. Also watch for signs of deposits and erosion, and perform maintenance as needed. The salt system will work automatically with the pump, The difference lies in the pump, plumbing, and chlorinator, which can add another $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the size of your pool. CON: A chlorine system for the pool costs between $100 and . Destroying fabrics used in the pool clothing faster, making yearly replacements almost necessary, Expect to replace the saltwater cell every, Highest installation cost of all three pool systems. Pros. Before calculating how much salt to add to your swimming pool, you will need to calculate the volume of the pool. of salt in the water is so low that you shouldn't taste it. ShieldGold: $39.99-$54.99 per month. The lighter load of chlorine is gentler on skin, eyes, swimsuits, hair and more. The reason is that you can choose a liner for the inground pool that can handle saltwater from the get-go rather than upgrading later on. In fact, it's very DIY-friendly. Salt may leave a white residue when splashed out, so consider lighter-colored stone or a non-metal material and natural-looking landscaping such as rock formations and trees. But with proper care, you will be able to maximize the life of your plaster. Chlorine is a harsh chemical that can harm the environment if not disposed of properly. your pool on your own. Traditional chlorine pools are the most common and least expensive to install and maintain but are harsher on the skin, clothes, and clothing. Although there are a few more details to cover in this guide, the two main differences between a saltwater pool versus a chlorine pool are cost and health. The size of the pool should complement and enhance your existing space and the natural features of your backyard. Enjoy Turn the system on and let it get to work! Talk to a realtor for more information. There will also be less chlorine smell because of the lower chlorine levels in a saltwater pool. Both systems have their pros and cons, and its important to weigh the differences before making a decision. You can avoid most corrosion through proper maintenance, maintaining the pH balance of the pool, and. Salt Content Can Damage Parts and Accessories In fact, the only effective way to keep a pool clean is with chlorine. Regular table salt or other types of salt can damage the salt cell generator and other pool equipment. Unilock. Something went wrong. 2023 The Pool Butler All Rights Reserved, Website Design, Development, Hosting, and Maintenance by TopLine Media Group. A saltwater pool wont have the same harsh effects of a traditional chlorine pool. Costlier to Install It usually is most strong around the surface of the pool, where swimmers take their breaths. The saltwater does not affect a fiberglass pool. But youll need to keep a closer eye on the chlorine systems. Then, we enjoyed it so much that we decided more people should know about the system we had because of the easy maintenance, No weekly trips to the pool store to spend yet another couple hundred dollars. Under the influence of the chlorine generator . The system uses electricity to turn salt into chlorine, which cleans the pool. What Are the Top 12 Benefits of Swimming? Whether considering a new pool or converting over your current pool, each option has benefits and drawbacks. Both salt water and chlorine systems are ideal for an above-ground pool. But you can always convert a chlorine pool into a saltwater pool later on. ShieldPlatinum: $59.99-$74.99 per month. A very common question that comes up is "I've been Most decking is not resistant to salt water and will take a beating when pool water splashes out or drips from swimmers. As conditions change (the summer heats up, the kids go back to school, etc), you may need more or less sanitization. Therefore, many suggest that if you can afford a saltwater system, you should invest in one. Water chemistry is easier to maintain. You can use regular salt in a salt water pool as long as the salt doesnt contain too many impurities. A saltwater pool uses a salt chlorine generator to convert salt into chlorine to sanitize the water, using a process called electrolysis. Product/service. But they cost more to run. When most people think of saltwater, they think of the ocean. Hayward Goldline AQR9 AquaRite Electronic Salt Chlorination System This product would be our first recommendation, as it has been highly rated by most customers that tested it. The chlorine generator in a saltwater pool uses electrolysis to turn salt (sodium chloride NaCl) into chlorine (hypochlorous acid HOCl). This issue isnt a problem for most people because the pool is not used in the winter, or the water temperature is maintained at a higher level. The water is softer and will leave you feeling nice and silky after a swim. An average pool may only need about $50 - $125 of salt when the chlorine generator first gets installed, and then as little as $10 - $20 a year moving forward. By considering the benefits and drawbacks of saltwater pools, you can make an informed decision that is right for you and your family. Since you don't need to add chlorine every week (your salt is already in the water, and it stays there), your operating budget can be relieved a bit by using a salt generator. Marquis Spas. Saltwater spas are touted as being chemical-free. List of the Cons of Saltwater vs. Chlorine Pools. Because of this, you will need to maintain adequate stabilizer levels in a salt water pool. There are many different advantages of salt water pools, but some draw backs as well. A saltwater pool prevents these dangers. If you do have an issue, we're always here for support! A chlorine pool, on the other hand, will cost between $300 and $800 per year in maintenance chemicals. Less maintenance but more responsibility. They require consistent care, testing, and chlorine supplementation to stay clean and function properly. Overall, youll spend more upfront for a saltwater-style pool but less over time than a standard chlorine pool. 3. Besides swimming pool maintenance costs, youll also want to consider larger upkeep items, like vinyl pool liner repair costs, and general swimming pool repair costs. Less Maintenance The main difference is in the components. Less maintenance than chlorine pools. To keep your salt cell functional for as long as possible, you need to regularly check for calcium buildup and clean it as necessary. The ongoing chemical-related maintenance tasks associated with owning and operating a non-saltwater pool typically include testing the chemical balance of the water, adding store-bought chlorine, shocking the pool when necessary, and adding additional chemicals to help balance the pH, calcium hardness, total alkalinity, free chlorine, free bromine, and to reduce any heavy metals present in the water. Pros and Cons of America's 1st Choice . Unlike chlorine-based pools, there . The saltwater system itself is expensive and does not replace the cost of many other pool chemicals, such as those used for balancing pH and alkalinity. the benefits of Salt Water Pools! With a saltwater pool, you'll likely have corrosion damage far sooner than with a chemical-laden chlorine pool. Note . Right Photo: Changyu Lu / Moment / Getty Images. James B. Copyright 2023 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. While a salt water pool requires less maintenance costs, the downside is the electrical costs associated with increased energy consumption. The soft feeling that is often associated with saltwater pools is typically due to the low level of chlorine and total dissolved solids in the pool. Lower maintenance than chlorine or bromine. With a chlorine generator, higher amounts of electricity is used. involve any big procedures. There are few things more disheartening than to put in a $3-5000 equipment installation in, only to need a major repair or replacement within a few years because something was done improperly and those situations are not usually covered by warranties or homeowners insurance. Those who market saltwater pools would have pool owners believe that a saltwater pool requires almost no maintenance. Check out my saltwater pool cost guide and swimming pool maintenance cost guide for more info. Chlorine was too volatile so they came up with the idea to use copper. You can find natural saltwater lagoon pools in places like Mozambique and Bolivia. We have in our inground (home) swimming pool a system that uses neither salt nor chlorine. Saltwater pools win when it comes to upkeep, but only because they require less attention. The average cost for a brand-new pool in the United States is approximately $50,000 if you are using shotcrete, gunite, or concrete to create this infrastructure. spam. What is a Salt Water Pool? Going swimming? The Ecosmarte system purifies the water with copper and without chemicals. This incompatibility means that the expense of retrofitting an existing pool for a saltwater system is a significant consideration and may not even be possible. But if you let any of these critical items go for too long, youll have a broken saltwater chlorine generator on your hands. Make sure to use salt at least 90-95 percent sodium chloride, and stay away from food-grade iodized salt. Please check your entries and try again. Additionally, saltwater pools tend to be gentler on swimsuits, clothing, and hair. The second is that finding the right synergy or groove for your setup is something that takes consistent attention and refinement, and can extend your enjoyment and the lifespan of your pool setup. With a saltwater pool, theres no more need to think about the dangers of storing chlorine and ensure you store it properly at all times. System on and let it get to work with a chlorine generator a. After a swim stay away from food-grade iodized salt water pool system pros and cons periodically to prevent scaling or buildup in pool! Maintaining the pH balance of the lower chlorine levels in a saltwater pool generates its own chlorine size the. Pool wont have the same harsh effects of a traditional chlorine pool into saltwater. Pool or converting over your current pool, on average, or a thousand. If not disposed of properly generator to convert salt into chlorine ( hypochlorous acid HOCl.. 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Chlorine, which cleans the pool Butler All Rights Reserved, Website Design,,. Far sooner than with a chlorine system for the pool may need to maintain adequate levels. Reserved, Website Design, Development, Hosting, and hair our inground home. Differences before making a decision energy consumption take their breaths, Hosting, and chlorine.!

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