Having a swimming pool in your yard is a great way to beat the Texas heat. Installing a pool is also a significant investment, so it’s essential to consider your options and choose the one that best suits your needs. One critical factor is how you want to sanitize the water to kill algae and germs and ensure your pool stays clean. While chlorine pools are what you’re likely most familiar with, installing a saltwater pool in Texas can also be a great choice. This article will compare these different pool water systems, showing you the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision on which type of pool is right for your home.
Initial Cost
One reason that most homeowners opt for a chlorine pool is that the installation cost is generally much lower than it is for a saltwater pool. Chlorine pools are fairly basic. The chemicals used to treat and disinfect the water are added either manually by the homeowner or automatically through a chemical feeder. Saltwater pools also use chlorine to treat the water. The difference is that chlorine is produced automatically from salt by electrolysis. That means saltwater pools require specialized equipment like a salt cell and salinity sensors. Additionally, some components and nearby surfaces must be more corrosion-resistant to salt, which can increase overall costs.
Maintenance Requirements
All pools require regular maintenance to keep everything in good condition. However, chlorine pools need much more ongoing maintenance. Saltwater pools automatically regulate chlorine levels, meaning all you really need to do is occasionally test the water and replace the salt cell every few years. Chlorine pool maintenance involves regularly adding chemicals such as chlorine, shock treatments, pH balancers, and water clarifiers to maintain water quality. Not only does this require more work, but it also means chlorine pools have higher ongoing costs.
Swimmer Comfort
Swimmers generally prefer saltwater pools, as the water feels gentler and doesn’t have such a strong, lingering chlorine odor. Swimming in a chlorinated pool often causes eye irritation. It can also dry out skin and hair, making you feel itchy and uncomfortable once you get out of the water. This is especially true if the chemicals aren’t properly balanced and the chlorine concentration is too high.
Pros and Cons of Chlorine Pools
The main benefit of a chlorine pool is that the initial cost is lower. In most cases, you can expect to pay 10% to 20% less for a chlorine pool than for a saltwater pool of the same size and design. You can also treat the water in a chlorine pool more quickly and easily, such as in a situation where heavy rains and debris contaminate the water. The main drawback is the higher maintenance requirements and increased ongoing costs. Many people also simply don’t like the feel of swimming in chlorinated water. Chlorine pools can be especially problematic for anyone with sensitive skin.
Pros and Cons of Saltwater Pools
While saltwater pools are more expensive, they’re quickly growing in popularity due to the advantages they provide. The lower maintenance costs usually offset the higher initial cost over time. This makes a saltwater setup more cost-effective in the long term. The biggest concern is the impact that salt can have on metal and the surrounding pool area. Over time, salt causes things like metal pool ladders to corrode and start deteriorating. The salt also tends to leave white streaks on poolside surfaces and can damage stone, causing it to fade and deteriorate over time.
Contact Your Local Pool Experts
At the end of the day, the choice between a chlorine or a saltwater pool is really a matter of personal preference. At Cooper Custom Pools, we specialize in pool construction. We have more than 15 years of experience serving homeowners in Boerne, New Braunfels, and the surrounding areas. From the initial consultation to the custom design and construction, we’ll expertly manage the process from beginning to end. Whether you choose saltwater or chlorine, we can also handle all of your pool service and ongoing maintenance needs.
Contact Cooper Custom Pools to schedule a consultation for your new pool today.
