There are a ton of benefits when it comes to owning and running a salt water pool, but there are also a handful of common misconceptions about what to expect from them. In this article, we’ll separate the fact from the fiction in helping you decide whether this effective and time-saving technology is right for you.
How Salt Water Pools Work
Simply put, salt water pools use electricity to create a chemical reaction that converts ordinary rock salt into chlorine that in turn cleans and purifies the water in your pool in the same way that an ordinary chlorine pool does. In this sense, the preconception that the water is chlorine free is incorrect. The difference here is that the harmful by-products of adding chlorine directly to the water are completely eliminated, meaning that you get the full sanitary benefits of chlorine without the negative effects of red eyes, itchy skin and other side-effects that may be more difficult to detect. For individuals sensitive to chlorine who don’t want to miss out on summer fun, salt water pools are highly recommended.
Benefits of a Salt Water Pool
In addition to the lack of negative health consequence experienced with chlorinated pools as previously mentioned, salt water pools are easy on the eyes even for people without chlorine sensitivity, making them especially child-friendly. This is due to the fact that the salinity of a salt water pool is very similar to that of the human body. This also means that while some people expect the water to have the same harsh saltiness of seawater, they are surprised to find that the water of salt water pools is actually very mild to the taste.
A definite plus, particularly for indoor pools - both heated and not - or pools built close to the home, is that salt water pools are virtually odorless and definitely don’t have that cloying chemical smell of chlorine pools. Another thing often noticed about salt water pools is the softness of the water due to the salt content, giving it a pleasant, silky texture that really needs to be experienced to be understood.
Salt Water Pools and Saving Money
Salt water pools can save you money, but perhaps less than some people expect. The cost of salt is much less than that of chlorine, but this is countered by the initial cost. That said, the transition from chlorine to salt water is one that very few people regret, given the many advantages. Certainly starting out with a salt water chlorinator will save you money in the long run, but more than any sort of huge financial return, the real advantage is how much time you’ll save. Salt water pools require far less maintenance and upkeep, and depending on the amount of salt added, you’ll need to add salt less frequently than you would have to add chlorine to a regular pool, although pH tests still need to be done regularly.
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In conclusion, salt water pools are an excellent investment and are sure to save you time, money and the negative health consequences of a chlorine pool.