Have you ever heard of saltwater pools? Did you imagine a pool filled with ocean water? Unfortunately (maybe fortunately?) That’s not exactly what a saltwater pool is. A saltwater pool gets its name from the type of equipment used to sanitize the water; a saltwater chlorine generator.
This generator performs the same function that a conventional pool generator does; producing chlorine that is used as a sanitizing agent throughout the pool in order to kill bacteria and algae, and oxidize dirt and chloramines. The key difference is that in a saltwater pool the generator converts table salt into chlorine. This converted chlorine is purer than conventional chlorine and is delivered in a controlled way in order to prevent irritating byproducts.
The Pros
What comes to mind when you think of pools? Perhaps it’s the sunny breeze, or glistening water. What about the smell of chlorine? The bloodshot eyes and the brittle hair? There’s no denying a pool is a fun luxury, but comes with a few sacrifices for your skin, hair, and eyes. The chlorine that is normally found in pools can have some unpleasant side effects. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology has a whole page dedicated to “Chlorine Allergy.” While you can’t actually be allergic to chlorine, it can be highly irritating and cause things like itchy skin, hives, or dry skin. In addition, people with preexisting conditions such as asthma can be even more hypersensitive to this natural irritant.
However, with saltwater pools, this ceases to be a problem. The chlorine that is produced by the salt results in fewer chloramines (the culprits of the irritation from chlorine), and is, therefore, gentler on your hair, skin, and body. As a bonus, that chlorine smell that we’re all so used to is greatly reduced or even eliminated. Importantly, saltwater pools can also be beneficial for those with allergies or asthma. According to the American Lung Association, inhaling fine salt particles is beneficial to promote healthy breathing and thins mucus resulting in clearer breathing, as opposed to standard chlorine, which can actually exacerbate these problems.
As far as cost and maintenance go, saltwater pools have an advantage once installed. Though the upfront cost of saltwater pools can be high, the day-to-day maintenance is not only simpler than that of standard chlorine pool-requiring less harmful chemicals needing to be stored or handled, and less attention-but it is also much CHEAPER than the maintenance for a chlorine pool. HomeAdvisor says “Average yearly pool maintenance costs range from $100 to $400. Saltwater systems are on the low end of this range, at roughly $100 per year, including electricity. In comparison, chlorine system costs can reach up to $1,000.”
The Cons
On average, saltwater pools have higher installation costs. According to Homeadvisor “Homeowners pay an average of $25,000 to install a new saltwater swimming pool, compared to the cost of installing a traditional pool, which has a price tag of about $23,000 on average.” This variance is mostly due to the higher cost of the generator ($500-$2,500) compared to a standard pool system ($100-$400).
Saltwater pools also have more complex systems, meaning that any problems you encounter may require professional maintenance. In addition, if you choose to convert to a saltwater pool instead of installing one from the jump you may run into some damage. Salt is highly corrosive and may cause damage to the pre-existing lighting fixtures, pool equipment, and surfaces of the pool. So if choosing to convert to-or install- a saltwater pool, you should always do your research and make sure that your pool will be compatible with a saltwater system, as it may have to be resurfaced.
Should you consider a saltwater pool?
In summary, the question of whether you should convert to a salt water pool, or install one, is a personal one. Consider how much cash you’d like to invest upfront, how much time and money you’re willing to commit in terms of maintenance, and weigh the increased health benefits alongside these factors. The right choice for you depends on your lifestyle, and either system can be a great addition to your home provided it is properly cared for.
