If your aim is to thrive, not merely survive a Texas summer you will need to be one of two places: the Lake or your own backyard oasis complete with a pool. Recently, homeowners have had two choices when building their own pool – chlorine or saltwater? Client First Landscape Solutions is here to break things down and give you the pros and cons of each. 

Salt Water

It’s a common misconception that saltwater pools contain zero chlorine and resembles that of seawater. The truth is, they don’t even compare to the sea and they do contain chlorine. Saltwater pools use a process called electrolysis to produce just enough chlorine to disinfect the water. So, if it is not like bringing the great big salty sea to your backdoor, what are some of the pros of having a saltwater pool?

Pros:

  • Less chlorine is more gentle on the skin and eyes; suitable for young kids or anyone who may swim for extended periods of time, like athletes.
  • The lower chlorine levels are also more gentle on your swimwear! While they still disinfect the water, saltwater pools aren’t as likely to fade your swim gear. 
  • Because of the natural chlorine, saltwater pools require fewer chemicals (and less attention) compared to fully chlorinated pools.

Cons:

  • The initial investment of a saltwater pool tends to be more expensive.
  • The systems are more complicated than traditional pools so large and small repairs will require a licensed and specialized technician
  • Higher electricity usage. Saltwater pools use a special salt chlorine generator to convert the salt into chlorine.
  • Because of the damaging effects, saltwater can have on pool materials over time; you will need to purchase things like underwater lighting, heaters, fixtures, liners, and stone specific to saltwater pools. This also adds to the initial cost or even more so if renovating an existing pool.

Chlorine pools

Traditionally chlorinated pools tend to be popular due to their easier maintenance and cheaper installation costs. Unlike salter water pools, chlorine is added to the system rather than naturally produced.

Pros:

  • Lower investment costs
  • Less use of electricity. Chlorine pools use a pump to circulate the water in the pool, preventing dirt, and algae from multiplying, as opposed to the generator used in saltwater pools. 
  • Special fixtures are not required to prevent wear and tear over time.
  • Most repairs can be done by the homeowner

Cons:

  • The higher levels of chlorine tend to be irritating to skin, eyes, hair, and fabrics (swimwear). It is best to invest in bath products that help remove chlorine.
  • Constant attention needs to be paid to the chlorine levels in the pool to ensure excess bacteria doesn’t grow. In addition, one must also keep an eye on other chemical levels such as balancing agents. This can be done by the homeowner or a regularly scheduled pool maintenance company, which should be built into the budget of building and owning the pool. 
  • Proper storage of chlorine and other pool chemicals is vital. 

So how do you choose? Chlorine pools need more commitment while saltwater requires deeper pockets on the front end. Ultimately, the choice is yours. Client’s First Landscape Solutions will build the best, most efficient, and user-friendly version of whichever you decide. Make an appointment for a consultation and you’ll be one step closer to thriving this summer!