Nothing can be better than spending a warm summer afternoon relaxing in your own backyard pool. But when it comes to filling your pool, many homeowners find themselves asking: is a salt water pool better than chlorine? Salt water pools utilize a special generator that converts the salt into sodium hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid, the same chemical chlorine pools rely on. However, there are more differences between these two types of pools than meet the eye.
Salt Water vs. Chlorine Pools: Cost
Salt water and chlorine pools have very different startup and maintenance expenses, though these costs generally even out over time. Salt water pools can be more expensive to install and may use more electricity; however, they don’t require the expensive chemicals that chlorine pools need in order to keep the water clean.
A saltwater generator (which a chlorine pool doesn’t need) costs between $400 and $1,800, while the installation runs anywhere from $300 to $500. And on average, a salt water pool will cost between $70 and $100 per year in salt and chemical costs. A chlorine pool, on the other hand, will cost anywhere from $300 to $800 per year in chemicals.
Salt Water vs. Chlorine Pools: Health Benefits
Is a salt water pool better than chlorine? When it comes to health, salt water is the clear winner. Salt water pools can be very gentle on your skin and hair, and aren’t as salty as you might expect—their salinity is close to that of saline solution or eye drops. Individuals with psoriasis, contact dermatitis, or other skin conditions may benefit from swimming in a salt water pool.
Chlorine pools use more chemicals, which can cause skin and eye irritation and dry out healthy hair. However, swimmers can reduce the effect of these chemicals by showering immediately after they exit the pool.
So, When is a Salt Water Pool Better Than Chlorine?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. And whether you end up opting for a salt water pool or a chlorine one, we can help. At Field of Dreams Outdoor Living and Landscaping, our specialists will work with you to evaluate each design element to craft the perfect pool for your landscape. Give us a call today or visit our website to get started.