Texans can tell you that having a pool in the backyard is one of the best ways to beat that Texas heat. In a state where the average high is 96 degrees in July and 71 degrees all the way up until the late fall and early winter, beating the heat is crucial.
Most of us think of chlorinated water when we think of pools. That chlorine smell is sure to bring back memories of our childhood summers spent poolside! But what if we told you there was another way to keep your pool clean that wasn’t difficult and possibly even better for you?
We’ve already talked about the differences between chlorine and saltwater pools. But we’re not done raving about saltwater pools!
Read on to find out 7 awesome advantages of revamping your pool with a saltwater pool system.
1. Low Annual Maintenance Cost
Saltwater pool systems can cost more to install than chlorine systems. Saltwater pool systems require saltwater chlorine generators. You also may have to replace certain features like lights and filters if your current ones are made from materials that don’t react well to salt.
Pool financing can help soften the blow of this initial cost. Even more fortunate is how affordable saltwater pool systems are to maintain after installment!
Maintaining a saltwater pool system will cost about $100 per year, compared to the $300-$800 you may have to pay for chlorine pool maintenance. It won’t take long before the price of your saltwater pool evens out with the amount you would have spent to install and maintain a chlorine pool.
2. Minimal Maintenance Required
Because salt cells in a saltwater pool system produce chlorine as needed, you won’t have to do nearly as much work to keep your chlorine levels balanced. It is still recommended that you regularly check your saltwater pool’s chemical levels to make sure everything is running smoothly, but rarely will you run into any real issues.
For the most part, maintenance will consist of keeping your saltwater pool filter and pump clean and clear of salt build-up and debris. This doesn’t take long, nor does it require harsh chemicals.
3. Less Contact with Unsafe Chemicals
To maintain a chlorine pool, you are required to store and handle a lot of chemicals.
Properly administered pool chemicals are safe for most swimmers to come into contact with. However, these chemicals must be handled with the right safety equipment and mixed properly to avoid any risk of injury and even explosion.
With a saltwater pool system, you will only need to store and handle salt. This is a much better alternative for inexperienced pool owners or families with small children and pets, as it lowers the risk of accidents.
4. Saltwater Pool Systems Are Better for Skin and Eyes
Chlorine neutralizes the bacteria in water to prevent the spreading of germs. However, it also has a habit of neutralizing some of our bodies’ natural resources that keep us from drying out!
Mass quantities of chlorine can strip away the natural oils in our skin and hair that we need to stay naturally moisturized. It can also strip away the tear film in our eyes that keep our corneas free from irritants. Unfortunately, without that film, we are more exposed to pink eye and other eye infections.
While saltwater pool systems are still producing chlorine, they’re producing a lot less of it, which means our skin and eyes won’t be nearly as dried out and irritated after a long swim!
5. Saltwater Pools May Be Better for People with Asthma
When chlorine comes into contact with organic matter, it produces a gas that, in large quantities, can cause inflammation in your respiratory tract and sinuses. For most people, this inflammation won’t be too harmful. However, for people with asthma or strong allergies, this inflammation can be triggering.
This gas is more of a concern for large indoor pools, where it can become trapped and dense. Unless outdoor chlorine pools are highly over-chlorinated, they should be safe for swimmers with respiratory problems.
However, if you are a regular, active swimmer with respiratory problems, it might be in your best interest to switch to a saltwater pool system. The less you come into contact with this gas, the better off your lungs will be and the more you can enjoy your swim time!
6. Saltwater Pools Feel Better
Because humans are actually quite salty themselves, the salt level in water can actually change the way our skin interacts with it.
When we submerge ourselves in water, we can absorb or lose water. In water without salt, our body will likely absorb water. In water with tons of salt (like ocean water), water is actually being drawn away from our body.
As confusing as that may seem, the biggest takeaway for saltwater pool owners is that the water feels softer and better on the skin!
7. Saltwater Pools Are Better for Our Furry Friends
Plenty of pool owners have dogs that love to go for a dip. As we’ve mentioned, high levels of chlorine can be irritating for our eyes and skin. Our dogs are actually more sensitive to these problems than we are!
Not only is it harder to wash chlorine away from a dog’s skin because of their hair or fur but it’s also pretty difficult to explain to a dog that they should probably swim with their eyes closed. Saltwater is less harsh on their skin and less likely to cause damage to their eyes.
That being said, dogs should never be allowed to drink pool water, even if it’s treated with a saltwater pool system. Ingesting large quantities of chlorine or salt can have negative effects on their health. Make sure you always monitor the way your dogs are behaving around the pool!
Make the Change to a Saltwater Pool System
If you feel like you’d benefit from these saltwater pool system advantages, why not make the transition?
Check out our service area to see if we can help you out. If you are, contact us today! We can’t wait to make your saltwater pool dreams come true!
