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Chlorine or Saltwater? That Is the Question

February 12, 2021 By Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

happy little girl floating on a pool tube

From simple dinners al fresco and family staycations to block parties and maybe even a graduation party or wedding reception, your backyard oasis is destined to become the backdrop of many happy memories! Offering benefits impacting everything from your cardiovascular health to your mental and emotional stability, the choice to have a swimming pool installed is definitely a good one. But after that, the decisions get a little more complicated. One of the first ones you’ll want to consider is whether to choose a chlorine pool or a salt water pool. Before you do, it will help to understand the pros and cons of both.

bikini wearing young girl in pool

The Traditional Choice: Chlorine Swimming Pools

Most, if not all, of us are more familiar with a chlorine swimming pool. Chlorine is an additive that helps keep pool water free from algae and other contaminants; however, it doesn’t come without drawbacks. For one thing, chlorine can be toxic, so it requires careful handling and storage for safety. It also has a strong odor and can irritate skin and eyes, even when precisely the right amount is used; however, precise measuring is an added deterrent for some. According to some studies, chlorine can cause health risks to some, including allergies and asthma in children and coronary heart disease and some forms of cancer in adults.

couple relaxing on floating tube

If you choose a chlorine swimming pool, make sure to follow manufacturer instructions regarding regular chlorine levels as well as occasional shocking. You can also mitigate health risks by drinking an abundance of filtered water before entering the pool, showering both before and after entering the pool, while using an all-natural soap. If you have an indoor pool, you’ll also want to make sure to get some fresh air immediately after spending time in the pool. To make sure your pool water doesn’t contain harmful levels of chlorine, you can also use a high-grade structured, saline, or ozone water filter.

goggle wearing kids with floating alligator

The Trendy Choice: Saltwater Pools

Contrary to common belief, saltwater pools are not free from chlorine. Instead, this type of pool actually creates its own chlorine by using salt. A saltwater pool will eliminate your need to manually add chlorine, since the chlorine will be produced on its own using electrolysis. Chlorine levels will still need to be monitored. The salt generator will produce water with lower levels of chlorine, reducing the potential negative effects of chemically-treated water as described above. The water will seem softer, similar to your home’s water if you have a water-treatment system to neutralize minerals.

young couple relaxing on stairs inside pool

Many people prefer saltwater pools due to the higher water quality and lower maintenance needs. Some still choose not to go the saltwater pool direction because of the higher price point; the lower cost associated with maintenance does come into play, though, since you don’t need to regularly buy more chemicals. Of course, like chlorine, salt can cause damage to light fixtures, railings, and moving parts associated with your pool’s filtration system. You’ll have to be careful about regular maintenance and periodic inspection of metals and other surfaces, to ensure that damage does not go unchecked. Corrosion can be reduced by periodically rinsing metal compliments with fresh hose water, and brass anchors may be preferable to galvanized steel.

young brother and sister laughing in pool water

Read More About Pools

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Lyon Financial

Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 400,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.

Filed Under: Swimming Pools

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