Salt water vs chlorine pools

When creating a pool for you and your family, one of the key decisions is deciding which water option works best for you. Salt water and chlorine pools are both popular options in suburban backyards, but do differ in a number of ways.

Salt water pools use salt and titanium electrodes to clean and condition the pool. First, a packet of titanium electrodes will be installed on the filter line before raw salt is added to the freshwater of the pool. Once the pool pump is started, salt water is pumped through the filter and over and around the electrode plates. Salt-water pools are more expensive to set up and maintain, as large quantities of salt need to be purchased on a regular basis. One particular benefit of salt water is that these pools contain no chemicals.

Freshwater pools are filled with basic water and treated with chemicals to kill any bacteria. These types of pools must be monitored for pH levels, which tell you how much chlorine needs to be added in order to make the water safe for swimming. The chlorine must be added carefully and consistently in order to create perfect swimming conditions and avoid irritation for eyes and hair. Freshwater pools are easier and cheaper to set up, but more difficult to properly maintain due to the chemicals. Chlorine also has a rather unpleasant smell and can irritate skin, eyes and hair.

For more information on pool care and maintenance, click here.