As average summer temperatures unfortunately begin to rise in Arizona, the luxury of a pool is becoming more and more of a common necessity to beat the heat and properly enjoy summer. And as we wave goodbye to the 2021 summer, you may be starting to plan to treat yourself to a pool or upgrade your current pool for next summer. One important choice, and one that doesn’t get enough discussion, is deciding between a saltwater or chlorine pool. McCallum’s Pool Service & Repair offers a look at some of the benefits to making your pool a saltwater pool.
What Is a Saltwater Pool?
Many immediately think that a saltwater pool is comparable to the salty, foul-tasting ocean water, but luckily that isn’t the case. A saltwater pool is called that because it uses a salt chlorine generator, otherwise known as a “salt chlorinator.” The generator converts added salt to chlorine (in other words, it is naturally produced), rather than solely adding chlorine on its own.
Good for those swimming, the concentration of salt in a saltwater pool is around 1/10 that of the ocean’s salinity, so there’s no worry for a taste of the ocean in your personal saltwater pool.
More Gentle on Your Body
A traditionally-chlorinated pool can actually be rough on your body, eyes, and swimsuit. After long periods of time in the pool, eyes can be red, skin feels irritated, and a swimsuit can actually face wear and tear from the chemicals.
Because of the natural production and lower levels of chlorine, a saltwater pool feels and is more gentle for your entire body and swimsuit. Your skin will be less dried out and silier after a dip in your saltwater pool. This can make pool time more safe, fun, and last longer.
Less Maintenance
Something that has turned saltwater pools into a favorite is that they require less maintenance than traditionally-chlorinated pools. A chlorine pool requires you to constantly be on the lookout for the pool’s chlorine content and excess bacteria so that you need to add more chlorine on your own. Especially in the hot desert of Arizona, the sun and extreme temperatures can deplete chlorine content quicker than other places. So, Arizona residents get the short end of the stick in regard to pool treatment and maintenance.
On the other hand, the salt chlorine generator, already installed and self-operating, will track the chlorine levels and produce chlorine as needed. You don’t need to worry about the chlorine levels but just add more salt to the generator, which typically needs to be done once a month or once every two months (depending on use and weather).
Plus, a saltwater pool requires less storage. You won’t need to store and handle harmful chemicals like chlorine, but just the salt for the generator. Although the generator has a higher initial investment, it certainly makes up for it with less maintenance and ease of chemical adding. And a generator will typically last between 5 to 7 years, so your worry of problems is on hold for quite some time.
Smell and Deck Safety
Frequent users of a traditionally-chlorinated pool, especially at a public pool, agree that there can be an unpleasant chlorine smell. With naturally-produced chlorine, the smell is removed, which makes for a better swimming and relaxation experience.
Also part of the pool’s surroundings can be your deck. If you’re using traditional chlorine, then your deck can be at risk of quicker wear and decay because of the harsh chemicals from splashing onto it. A saltwater pool also removes this problem from your long list of household worries.
Final Thoughts
Saltwater pools, with several benefits, have continued to grow in interest over the years. They are safer, easier to maintain, and more affordable with less repairs and chemicals over time. A saltwater pool gives you the ultimate pool experience.
If you want a saltwater pool installed, it’s best to go with the pool experts. With over 80 years of industry experience at McCallum’s Pool Service & Repair, we are confident in and eager to provide our services for your dream pool. Contact us today to get a free estimate or learn more.