The Benefits of Saltwater Pools: Are They Right for You?

The Benefits of Saltwater Pools: Are They Right for You?

Summer is on the horizon! Now is the time to prepare your yard for summer fun. If you’ve been looking at installing a pool in your backyard, there are many things you’ve probably been looking into. Things like the size, design, safety measures, or other water features for your pool, like waterfalls, slides, or even outdoor kitchens.

But one of the many things you need to consider is the type of pool you want. Do you want a saltwater or a chlorine pool? The difference between the two is not as drastic as you may think. However, knowing what you want before you design the pool will help with installation and choosing finishes inside your pool. Because the type of water you want in your pool will change what finishes you can have around and inside the pool.

Salt Water Pools

You will be surprised to hear that saltwater pools aren’t saltwater or chlorine-free. Saltwater pools use salt chlorine generators, also known as salt chlorinators, to produce enough chlorine to disinfect the pool. Although chlorine is still in the pool, the lower levels make the saltwater pools gentler on the eyes and skin.

This comes in handy when people want to spend extended periods in the pool, such as children or athletes. With these lower chlorine levels, the pool can be disinfected but not fade swimwear or damage anything around your pool. If you have children or others leave the pool and sit wet on the furniture on your pool deck, it could fade or damage the fabrics.

One of the greatest benefits of a saltwater pool is it requires fewer chemicals and less maintenance than a standard chlorine pool. Once you achieve the ideal salt levels in the pool, you must watch the water’s pH and alkalinity. Then you need to add salt as needed. The salt in the pool, through the chlorine generator, creates just the right amount of chlorine. This also means you need to spend less on purchasing chemicals.

The biggest con to a saltwater pool is that the initial investment is much more costly than a normal chlorinated pool. You not only need to make sure that the salt chlorine generator is installed properly, which is more costly than that of a standard pump system, but you also need to be aware of how the salt water will affect everything in and around the pool.

Saltwater can be damaging, and all underwater lighting, fixtures, heaters, and masonry work needs to be specific to saltwater pools. Having Hopkins custom pools help you with bringing your dream pool to life and will be able to guide you in what finishes are appropriate for your saltwater pool. Besides the initial cost, saltwater pools need the expertise of a licensed technician for any repairs.

Their generators are a complex system, and for any repairs, whether they be minor or major, they need to be assessed and repaired by experienced professionals.

Chlorine Pools

Chlorine pools are a popular choice for custom built pools because they are cheaper to install initially. The other biggest reason for their popularity is that if maintenance or repairs are needed, you may be able to fix the issue yourself, or finding a technician to help you fix the issue is easy. Understanding maintenance for a chlorine pool is much more common.

You can easily visit a pool shop to get guidance on your pool’s needs and purchase the chemicals you need to treat your pool. Though treating your pool and its maintenance is a more frequent affair, you will need to check on your pool weekly, especially during the busy season. Chlorine pools also use less electricity because instead of a generator, they use a pool pump to circulate the water in your pool.

This pump will prevent dirt, bacteria, and algae from multiplying in the water and keeps your pool clean. You also don’t need to worry about the decking, lighting, or fixtures in or around your pool because the chlorine won’t damage them the way salt will. One of the biggest differences between saltwater pools and chlorine is how they feel on the body. Chlorine pools can be more aggressive on the hair, skin, and eyes, so you should know that you may need goggles and good bath products to help with these irritations.

With the extra maintenance that a chlorine pool needs, you also need to store the chemicals properly. Not only do you want the chemicals to be stored safely, away from pets or children, but you also need them to be dry.

What is Best For Your Family

There is no choice that is better for everyone when it comes to the type of pool you have installed in your backyard. Whether it's a saltwater pool that costs more upfront but saves you maintenance and chemical purchases throughout the years or your more traditional chlorine pool, it’s up to you how you choose what is best for your family.

Especially as summer gets closer, your outdoor living should be how you want it. Working with a professional pool company to bring your pool to life will make your outdoor space an oasis, not just for your family but for your friends as well. Hopkins custom pools will help you every step of the way, including maintenance afterward, to bring that oasis to your home without the hassle.

They will also be able to help you look through all the different components of saltwater or chlorine pools to help you make an informed decision before you settle on a pool design. So get ready for a good time with your sunscreen and your little ones, and follow all pool safety recommendations with your custom pool.