Salt water pools are becoming increasingly popular for residential pool systems. Sure, the concept sounds luxurious, and it can be appealing to want to move away from traditional chlorine pools for many reasons, but what does having a salt water pool actually mean? And what are the advantages and disadvantages of salt water pools?

What Does it Mean to Have a Salt Water Pool?

A salt water pool is just that. Instead of water with traditional chlorine chemicals, your pool instead uses salt water chlorination. These pools require a high amount of salt poured into a salt chlorine generator, since the salt is what makes the generator function. It’s great to know the basics behind how they work, but what are the actual benefits of salt water pools?

Advantages of Salt Water Pools

Besides feeling like you’re swimming in the ocean every time you jump in your pool, there are quite a few other advantages of salt water pools. These include:

• No chlorine smell: One of the first benefits of salt water pools that you’ll notice is that there are no heavy chlorine smells that you associate with swimming pools. Since you’re using significantly less chlorine in salt water pools, you now have an almost scentless pool.
• Water feels softer and looks clearer: Forget about harsh-feeling chemical water and sometimes even a murky look in your pool. Salt water pools feel silky smooth since they don’t have as many chemicals.
• Gentler on eyes, skin and hair: You might think salt water may sting your eyes like it does in the ocean, but don’t expect that with your salt water pool. Though these pools do require a large quantity of salt, the water becomes so diluted that you barely notice. Again, due to the lack of chlorine in the water, a major benefit of salt water pools is that they won’t dry out your skin and hair nearly as much as a chlorinated pool would.
• Less handling of unsafe chemicals: It’s much safer to lug a big bag of salt to your pool’s generator than it is to carry a container of dangerous chlorine chemicals.
• Less money to maintain annually: Salt is cheaper than chlorine, and salt water pools use less electricity. Both of these factors are beneficial to your wallet.

Disadvantages of Salt Water Pools

• Higher initial cost: Though the annual maintenance costs of salt water pools are lower than a chlorinated pool, there can be higher initial costs. If you’re converting your existing pool to salt water, you’ll have to buy the special generator, which can be a somewhat expensive investment.
• More expensive to replace parts: Salt water pools require less maintenance, but when they do need something fixed, it can be pricey. A disadvantage of salt water pools is that they require special technicians to do the job right.
• Metal pool parts can corrode: Though salt is less harmful to your skin, hair and eyes than chlorine, it can be harmful to the pool itself. Since enough salt can corrode metal, you have to ensure the proper precautions are taken to not let it corrode metal parts in your pool.
• Can forget about water testing: Since salt water pools are almost always very clear, it can be easy to forget about water testing. Salt water pools do use some chlorine, and if you’re not testing the water regularly, the chlorine levels can get too high, which can be harmful to the pool itself and to the equipment.

Is a Salt Water Pool Right for You?

If you’re trying to decide which type of pool is right for your home, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of salt water pools. If the pros outweigh the cons, get in touch with Prestige Pools for all of your salt water pool needs. Our experts can answer any questions you still have, and get you on your way to your own luxury salt water pool.