What’s best? Saltwater Versus Chlorine Pools

If you’re looking to install a pool in your home (or you already have a pool and are looking to possibly convert it), you may be wondering if saltwater or chlorine is right for you.Each has its own merits and disadvantages. Check out the comparison and see which one may be best for you!

• Healthier – While saltwater pools do indeed have some chlorine in them, they have much lower levels of chlorine than traditional pools and are easier on your skin, hair and eyes. You can avoid itchy skin, red eyes and discolored hair by having a saltwater pool. Also, because this pool requires fewer chemicals, your exposure to potential toxins during routine maintenance will be greatly reduced.
• Easier to maintain – After you add salt to your water, the filtration system does most of the work of maintaining the chemical levels in your pool. Make sure you keep your filtration system running smoothly and you won’t have to worry about constantly balancing the pH of your pool or adding various chemicals. Cleaning your pool is only required once a year when you will drain the pool, change the filters, scrub surfaces and inspect the chlorine generator.
• Less expensive to maintain – Because the only chemical you’re adding is salt (unless an issue arises), you should be able to save lots of money on chlorine and other chemicals, which tend to be pricy. Subsequently, you don’t have to be concerned about finding a safe place to safely store chemicals.

• More expensive to install – The upfront cost of installing a saltwater pool is greater than installing a chlorine pool because the pool’s filtration system is more complex. The system actually generates small amounts of chlorine that, in conjunction with the salt in the water, kill bacteria, viruses and algae.
• There is still a cost associated with maintenance – Though the maintenance is less with this type of pool, it can be costly and take a lot of time and labor for the annual draining, cleaning and refilling of your pool.

• Less expensive to install – The upfront cost for installing a chlorine pool is less than installing the filtration system for a saltwater pool. If you’re on a tighter budget right now, this may be a better option for you.
• Doesn’t need to be drained annually – One of the major cons of a saltwater pool can be the cost and labor associated with draining your pool annually. Chlorine pools require more daily maintenance but don’t have the same annual cleaning process of a saltwater pool.

• More expensive to maintain – Though you do save some money by not refilling your pool annually, pool chemicals needed to maintain proper chemical levels in your pool tend to be costly and safe storage of these chemicals is required. Over time, maintenance of the pool will cost you more than it would with a saltwater pool.
• Not as healthy – Chlorine levels in this type of pool are much higher and tend to irritate eyes and skin and can discolor hair and swimsuits. If you’re sensitive to chemicals, this type of pool may not be the best option for you.

If you are installing a pool and still are not sure which type to get, consult a few different pool companies, do a cost comparison and think of the future. And be sure to consult a realtor if you don’t plan on living in your home very long, because a pool changes a home’s value. For questions about this or any other real estate related issue, contact Jacobson Realty and Home Staging. We’re in tune with you!