Chlorine has been used for many years to keep the water in swimming pools clear and free of algae. It is an effective germ killer also. However, recently saltwater swimming pools have become very popular. There are many advantages of saltwater pools over chlorine pools including a lower maintenance cost and a reduction in the use of chemicals. Saltwater pools also have other benefits.
Most people find that saltwater pools are much more comfortable than traditional chlorine pools. The saltwater pool is not as harsh as a traditional chlorine pool is. The pools help to avoid red eyes, discolored hair and itchy skin associated with a chlorine pool. You will not have the drying of chlorine, even if you swim every day.
There are fewer chemicals required for saltwater pools than with chlorine pools. You do not have to buy, store or handle the toxic chemicals on a regular basis. Saltwater pools are better for the environment and do not have the strong chlorine smell of most swimming pools. The only chemical that must be bought is table salt.
Saltwater pools have the distinction of being almost self-cleaning. The require little maintenance yet keep the chemical level constant for the entire swimming season. You will not have to constantly be checking the pH level or chlorine content with these pools. The salt generator is filled once each season and then left alone. As a bonus, there is never a need to add anything to get rid of algae, as it just does not grow in a salt pool.
Chlorine pools can cause many medical problems, including infertility or reduced fertility, problems with the immune system, and even cancer. Some of the chemicals created when the chlorine reacts with ammonia from the human body can make emphysema and asthma worse. Since the chlorine level is always constant in the saltwater pool, these chemicals are never formed.
While more expensive to install, saltwater pools are much less expensive to operate. It is estimated that you will save over half of the operating expense with a saltwater pool.
There are, however some disadvantages to the saltwater system that a buyer needs to be aware of before deciding to buy the system.
Sometimes the saltwater pool may cause problems with scaling, where calcium deposits form on the surface of the pool. This is especially true in areas where there is hard water. Salt can cause corrosion of metal parts including furniture and handrails. Lastly, for the salt generator to produce the correct amount of stable chlorine, the pool pump should run continuously. If you are used to running your pump continuously, this may not be a problem, but it could increase utility bills for those who must make this change.
Even with these disadvantages and the additional cost of installing a salt system, the advantages of new saltwater swimming pools over the other swimming pool types makes them a very good option for most pool owners. Saltwater pool owners do not have to purchase, handle or store pool chemicals. These pools do not need as much maintenance as other pools. Even though these pools may be more expensive in the beginning, the savings in operating costs will quick repay the additional costs. Anyone considering purchase of a new pool should consider a saltwater swimming pool.
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