Chlorine Vs. Saltwater Pools

Advantages of Chlorine Vs. Saltwater Pools

When an individual decides to install a pool, one of the obvious questions is what type of pool should they have? Two major types are a chlorine pool or a saltwater pool? There are many advantages and disadvantages to both types of pools, it all just boils down to what the consumer wants. Both use chlorine in them, just in different ways. With a chlorine pool, chlorine is added right to the pool to sanitize and disinfect. But with a saltwater pool, a salt-chlorine generator is used to separate the chlorine from the sodium molecules, and then filters these back into the pool.

First let us take a look at chlorine pools. Chlorine is used in pools to disinfect and sanitize the pool. Hypochlorous acid is made when chlorine is added to the water. This will sanitize the pool water, killing any germs. The cells in these molecules have then been oxidized. It will then combine with ammonia or nitrogen compounds to form a chloramine, and will then become deactivated itself.

Pools with chlorine can have one of three types of chlorine in them. Liquid chlorine is stronger than bleach but chemically has the same formula. This liquid can be poured directly into the pool. However it is strongly recommended that a diaphragm pump or a peristaltic pump is used to have it injected into the pool. Some find this method difficult to use, even though it has a low cost.

Tri-chlor tablets can also be used to chlorinate a pool. These tablets are a cost effective way to control algae but they will stain if thrown directly into the pool. They will also deteriorate vinyl. Many pool supply stores sell these by large buckets, and one or two can last a whole season long.

Granular chlorine is the third type of chlorine for pools. This is known as Di-chlor. This is the most expensive chlorine. It lasts longer due to the fact that it contains cyanuric acid. This can be used for normal sanitation of a swimming pool or can be used to shock the pool.

There are many advantages to have a chlorine pool. First off, the system that is used to chlorinate a pool is easy to use. Chlorine tablets are easy to purchase and can easily be added to either floating device for these tabs or in a pump system. Chlorine pools also clean up bacteria very fast and it is very easy to shock a pool. It takes about 24-48 hours to clean up messes in pools when shocking them versus the 72-120 hours that a saltwater pool would take to clean up. Upkeep to a chlorine pool will run between $50-60 a month depending on how large the pool is. Other factors for figuring up how much chlorine is used is how much it rains, water loss, and backwash.

Saltwater pools basically have a saline solution in them. The concentration of salt in this pool is between 3,000 to 6,000 ppm. Compare this to the ppm that an ocean has- 35,000. There should not be a salty taste or smell to the pool if it is maintained how it should be. With a saltwater pool, there is not as much maintenance as there is with a chlorinated pool. They pretty much clean themselves. Water sanitation does not need constant supervision and checking. And there is not a strong odor with saltwater pools. Since no chemicals are added to the water, swimsuits will last longer in a saltwater pool, and there is not as much irritation to the eyes and skin.

Saltwater pools have a high upfront cost but within a few years, the pool pays for itself. There are not as many chemicals to buy for these pools and they do not require the assistance of a pool technician. It is said that a saltwater pool will cost half or less than half to maintain than that of a chlorinated pool.

Saltwater pools are very easy to use. With the push of a button, the chlorine in them can be generated to set the levels. The water feels much softer in these pools as well.

When deciding what type of pool to go with, it is best to look at your budget. Do you feel comfortable with a pool that will cost more upfront, such as in a saltwater pool, but will pay for itself in a few years, or would you rather have a pool that is cheaper in the beginning, but has a higher maintenance fee? How much time are you willing to dedicate to the pool to get levels at where they should be? What is your budget? Ask and answer these questions and it can help an individual help make an informed decision on which pool is best for them and their families.

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