If you’re thinking about adding a pool to your property, you may be wondering which is best, saltwater or chlorine. Both types of pools have their pros and cons, but today we’re going to take a look at the benefits of saltwater pools.
The Benefits of Saltwater vs Chlorine
When it comes to deciding if you should get a saltwater or chlorine pool, it’s important to realize that this refers to the system that keeps the water clean.
Without this in place, you would see algae and bacteria growing along the walls and floor. Keeping your water clean is essential, and finding the right cleaning system should be a top priority. Here are a few benefits to using saltwater.
Saltwater is a Natural Cleanser
Saltwater cleaning systems reduce the need to use and store harsh chemicals on your property.
Chlorine is an effective cleaner; however, it’s harsh on our skin and can become dangerous if not used in the correct amounts. Extended exposure to it can irritate your nose, throat, and eyes, and breathing it in can damage your lungs.
Proper storage of chlorine is essential, especially if you have young kids or pets around. Saltwater cleaning systems are easier on our bodies, safer for kids and pets, and reduce the need to use and store harsh chemicals.
You Can Forgo Algaecides
With a saltwater cleaning system, you won’t need additional chemicals to prevent algae because saltwater naturally prevents its growth.
If you use a chlorine system for your pool, you’ll need chemicals like algaecides to help keep your pool clean.
You'll Spend Less on Chemicals
I think you see the pattern, chemicals cost money. The less you use, the more you save.
When it comes to the cost of salt, is is a lot less than chlorine and the other chemicals you need to keep your water clean.
Everyone likes to save money, and you’ll be able to do that in the long run when you add a saltwater system to your pool.
Balancing Your Water Levels is Easier
Keeping your water clean requires having the right alkalinity, pH, and calcium hardness.
Chlorine and other chemicals can help balance your water but you must be precise in your measurements and test your water frequently.
This task isn’t necessarily hard, but it’s time-consuming. If the water is off in any way, it can be dangerous for swimming. It’s important to understand that just because you have a saltwater system doesn’t mean you’re getting away from chlorine completely; it’s still the best element to keep your water clean.
However, saltwater cleaning systems make their own chlorine. While you still need to test the chlorine levels with your saltwater system frequently, this process is much easier.
You’re working with one balancing agent as opposed to several different chemicals. Saltwater systems require less maintenance, which means you get to spend more time in the water instead of testing and balancing it.
Saltwater is Soft and Gentle
By using saltwater, there is less skin and eye irritation and it won’t dry out your hair.
Saltwater also won’t fade your bathing suits and towels because it’s not made up of harsh chemicals. Soft and gentle water means more family fun time spent in the pool.
The Type of Salt Used in Saltwater Systems
Now that you have a better idea of what benefits are associated with saltwater, you may be curious about the types of salt that are used in the cleaning system. There are three different types you can consider, including:
Solar Salt
This salt is derived from seawater that has been evaporated by the sun.
Because this salt comes from seawater, there is organic matter living in the saltwater solution. This organic matter is killed off during the evaporation process but can result in impurities in the salt.
While solar salt can be a great option, your saltwater system may need to work harder to remove any remaining impurities.
Mechanically Evaporated Salt
This salt is also derived from seawater.
Instead of the sun evaporating the water, heat generated from a machine is used. The high-heat process burns out organic matter, which means you may not have to worry about leftover impurities.
However, there may still be minerals left in the salt that could affect the water balance. You can use sequestering agents to remove leftover minerals and rebalance the water level.
Mined Salt
This is salt that is mined out of the ground.
It is considered one of the purest forms of salt and typically comes with sequestering agents already added.
Since this is a pure form of salt, there’s typically less work needed to balance your pool levels and your filtering system will work less. This salt is more expensive than the other two options due to the way it’s processed.
Which One Should You Use?
When it comes to deciding which type of salt to use, the first thing you want to do is make sure that you find one that is specified for use in swimming pools.
You don’t want to introduce organic contaminants, metals, or minerals into your cleaning system, and you want to make sure the salt is going to be effective. Using salts with a higher purity percentage is also important.
This can help reduce problems with the water and keep your equipment running optimally for an extended amount of time. In the end, it comes down to the type of saltwater cleaning system you have, as well as your budget and preference.
The Amount of Salt You'll Need
In addition to figuring out what type of salt you’ll need to keep your water clean, you’ll also need to know how much to add.
The amount of salt will depend on several different factors, including:
- The size of your pool
- The type of generator you have
- The water’s current salt levels
Typically, you need 3,000 to 4,000 parts per million to keep your water healthy and clean, but this can vary. Check your owner’s manual to determine what your specific generator needs. You’ll also need to get a saltwater test kit to determine the current salt levels and add the correct amount.
Adding a saltwater system to your backyard can be incredibly beneficial. You don’t have to worry about storing harsh chemicals on your property and maintenance is typically easier. Your water will also be much more gentle on the skin, eyes, and hair.
If you’re searching for clean, locally sourced water for your swimming pool, large event, construction site, or emergency service your search is over!
Taylor Farm’s Water Hauling is the area’s leader in water delivery for West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia and limited areas of Pennsylvania. You may contact us online or call us at 304.229.1194. We deliver water for any size swimming pool or hot tub, ponds, and cisterns. We also provide potable water for events and emergency services.
