What Is Better: Salt or Fresh Water Pools?
If you are like many people who live in Florida and are considering a pool, you may wonder- what is better: salt or freshwater pools? Confused? You are not alone; there are pluses and minuses to having both. The question really is- what type of pool will work best for you? Let’s investigate and find the answer.
What is a Salt Water Pool?
Everyone is familiar with freshwater pools that use chlorine to sanitize the water. However, a growing number of people in Polk County and West Central Florida are opting to go with saltwater pools. The obvious difference between freshwater and saltwater pools is the salinity, but there is another aspect as well. Saltwater pools use salt chlorinators, also known as salt generators, to sanitize the water. Because salt chlorinators continuously keep the water chlorinated, the need to add chlorine manually is eliminated. You might think having a saltwater pool is much like swimming in the Gulf, but it has a much lower salinity level. So, you won’t feel that gritty, sticky feeling on your skin that you do from swimming in a natural body of salt water.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Fresh and Salt Water Pools?
Pros:
Easier on the Eyes and Skin
Believe it or not, saltwater pools aren’t as harsh to your eyes and skin as freshwater pools. Why? Because freshwater pools require a moderate level of chlorine to stave off organisms from growing in the water. If you have ever had red eyes after a day in a freshwater pool, you understand how harsh chlorine can be.
Salt Water Pools Won’t Bleach Hair or Clothing
If you have blonde hair that turned green because of high chlorine content in a freshwater pool. Maybe your swimwear went into the pool red but came out pink. These two examples have happened countless times over the years in freshwater pools.
Less Maintenance
As we already stated, a saltwater pool needs less maintenance because the constant work of the salt chlorinators does the work for you.
Softer Water
If you have ever experienced hard water in a shower or bathtub, then you know how harsh it feels. Imagine jumping into a pool that feels like that. Saltwater pools have a much softer feel.
Cons:
It’s Expensive
While there are many benefits to owning a saltwater pool, the upfront cost can be steep. The salt chlorinator is an expensive component of saltwater swimming pools.
It’s Corrosive
If you have anything metal around the pool, be it a ladder, a pool brush, or fixtures, the salt water will cause it to corrode quickly.
Higher Repair Costs
If any of the components of the pool fail, especially the salt chlorinator, it can be expensive to repair.
While many people are concerned with the upfront costs of a saltwater pool or the cost of repairing it, there are as many who consider the savings in the long run with a saltwater pool. There are also some very appealing benefits that counteract the initial costs.
The Benefits of Owning a Freshwater Pool
Lower Costs
The initial costs involved with a freshwater pool are much more budget-friendly than a saltwater pool. Traditional pools are easier to set up, and the repairs are less expensive.
No Corrosion
You don’t have to worry about pool accessories, fixtures, and tools rusting before their time with freshwater pools.
The Drawbacks of Owning a Freshwater Pool
Bleaching Hair and Clothing
As mentioned, chlorine can bleach hair (or turn it green) and clothing. There is also that chlorine smell that can be overpowering.
High Maintenance
There is no way around it; maintaining a freshwater pool is just more labor-intensive than a saltwater pool. If you have a busy schedule or you are away from home frequently, then saltwater may be a better option for you.
Which is Better?
Which type of pool is best comes down to your wants and needs. If you want a low-maintenance, high-quality pool and can afford it, then saltwater is the better of the two. But, if you have time to spare and can keep up with the maintenance, then a freshwater pool is definitely the better option.
Pool Works Can Help Choose Between Saltwater and Freshwater Pools
Do you want to put in a new pool but can’t decide between freshwater or salt water? Maybe you want to restore or upgrade an existing pool and don’t know which type to choose. We can help. Get in contact with us today, and one of our staff will happily discuss what options are open to you when it comes to saltwater or freshwater pools.
