Saltwater Generator

Should You Get A Saltwater Swimming Pool?

Saltwater swimming pools have gained in popularity over the years and it has many of our Michigan swimming pool customers asking us to explain some of the advantages and disadvantages of making the switch from traditional chlorine cleaning to a salt water cleaning system.

Saltwater pools work by converting salt to chlorine using an electrolytic converter. This produces the same type of bacteria-killing chlorine found in a traditional pool, but in a radically different fashion. Since the salt generator is adding chlorine to the water at a constant rate, it is capable of displacing the bad odor and the burning irritation associated with chlorine, and keeps the levels maintained continually.

Here are some of the advantages that we see with owning a saltwater swimming pool. Keep in mind, though that most salt-water swimming pools are cleaned through the use of a saltwater generator. This device takes table salt and converts it into chlorine to keep your pool water clean.

  • There will be lower levels of chlorine in your swimming pool. Because you’re not physically pouring chlorine into the water, you will be swimming in fewer chemicals and exposing your skin to fewer chemicals.
  • Saltwater is gentle on your skin. If you swim in an ocean you will notice how much more buoyant you feel in the water and how much smoother and softer your skin feels when you get out. Individuals with sensitive skin will benefit from saltwater pools. Additionally, the healing power of salt is not unknown. A day at the beach is proof enough that salt does the body good. A little nick or scrape starts to heal quickly when exposed to salt water.
  • The salt level in a saltwater pool isn’t much more than the salt content in your tears. This means you can easily open your eyes underwater in a salt pool.
  • A saltwater swimming pool will require less maintenance and upkeep than a chemically treated pool. Additionally, saltwater pools can be “neglected” for a few days without much fear of the water turning green with algae. We don’t recommend neglecting your pool, but if you get called out of town and aren’t able to address your pool for a few days, chances are it will still be clean and clear when you return.

“They’ve literally exploded in popularity in the last decade,” says Erika Taylor of “Pool and Spa News.” “It really does make a difference in the way the water feels on your skin. Nothing feels as good as jumping into a saltwater pool.”

Along with these advantages come a few disadvantages that you may want to think about before making any final decisions on making a switch to a saltwater cleaned pool.

  • You will need to purchase the saltwater generator so that is an upfront expense. Also, you may see an increase in your utilities from having to run the saltwater chlorine generator. The money you save on purchasing chlorine may improve your return on investment, though.
  • Some pool owners feel that the salt will damage the pool’s plumbing or lead to corrosion. It may also cause a “salt line” at the top of your pool, but this is also seen with chlorine pools – the chemical line at the top of the water line of the pool.
  • Salt can damage your plants. Chlorine can also damage the plant life around your pool and that is why we take steps to contain the water when we backwash your pool filter so that the water isn’t discharged into the ground.

More and more families are turning to more natural ways of living, and a salt water pool is a good option. Salt is softer on your skin than chlorine. Also, chlorine has the tendency to cause red eyes, itchy skin, and discolored hair. If you use plan to use your saltwater swimming pool on a regular basis, you won’t have to suffer any of those symptoms of chlorine.

Saltwater filtration systems are also very versatile. Saltwater systems can be used with any body of water– whether it’s a small hot tub for the home or a large commercial pool. It may sound like a daunting task, we are here to help. Stop in today and take a look at your options.

 

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