Chlorine keeps your pool sanitized. However, over-exposure to it can irritate the skin, trigger rashes, cause itchy, burning eyes, and worsen bronchial problems like asthma.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to regular chlorine. Among them, saltwater pools are growing in popularity due to the significantly decreased health risks.
Read on to learn more about them and why you should consider using residential pool services to convert your pool into a saltwater pool.
No Chlorine?
There is a common misconception that saltwater pools don’t have chlorine. They do, but you don’t have to add it yourself in the form of pucks, granules, or powder.
Saltwater pools generate their chlorine through electrolysis. They utilize a system that sends safe electrical pulses into the water, which has dissolved salt.
You may recall from your grade school days that salt’s chemical formula is NaCl, that’s sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl). The electrical pulses break the salt down, chlorinating the pool.
Fewer Chloramines
Reading the above, you may think that saltwater and non-saltwater pools are essentially the same. However, the former produces a purer form of chlorine, which results in fewer chloramines.
Chloramines are byproducts of chlorine oxidizing nitrogen-based compounds, usually introduced into the water by swimmers’ body waste. These irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory tract when you enter regular pools.
The Pros
Less Irritation
Saltwater pools don’t have that strong chemical smell and cause less irritation to the eyes and skin because of the reduced levels of chloramines. They are also less likely to trigger allergies and asthma.
Less Maintenance
Saltwater systems automatically generate chlorine and only as much as is needed. You just need to add salt at the start of the swimming season and monitor it once every two weeks.
Remember that you still need to balance and monitor the pH, calcium hardness, and alkalinity as you would with a regular pool.
No Need to Store or Handle Chlorine
Just a moment of carelessness can turn chlorine pucks, powder, or granules into health hazards. They can be especially harmful to children and pets who play with the chemical or put it in their mouths. You avoid these altogether with saltwater pools.
The Cons
More Expensive
Saltwater pools require a larger initial investment. Regular chlorine system installations cost $100 to $400, while electrolytic chlorine generator system installations cost up to $2,500.
You also need to replace the generator cell, which converts the salt into chlorine, every five years. Their prices range from $200 to $700.
Need Experts for Repairs
Electrolytic generators are complicated pieces of equipment, so you need a technician experienced in handling them for repairs. Then again, your area has suitable service providers who could install a saltwater system for you.
Can Damage Some Materials
Salt can degrade metal objects in the pool. This includes ladders, handrails, heaters, and diving board brackets. You have to clean pool water from these surfaces and replace damaged structures.
Residential Pool Services in Dallas
Avoid directly handling chlorine by having Weber Pools install a salt system pool. Use our high-quality residential pool services in Dallas for a healthier, more pleasant swimming experience.
Talk to our team about your requirements. Call us at 214-693-7005 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you.