Salt Water Pool versus Chlorine Pool: Which Should I Get?
Take it from a pool construction expert—fall and winter is the time to begin planning your pool installation! One of the most popular questions we get is about the different types of pools.
If you’re researching salt water pools versus chlorine pools in Kansas City, York Companies is happy to break down the differences for you to help you make the right decision for your home.
Benefits of saltwater pools versus chlorine pools
Pros of Saltwater pools
• Saltwater pools have less chlorine, so you’re less likely to have hair, skin, and eye irritation.
• You won’t have to worry about chlorine fading your swimwear, but there’s still just enough to keep your pool clean.
• There’s less maintenance required with saltwater pools.
Pros of Chlorine pools
• Chlorine pools have cheaper installation and upfront costs, so it’s a go to if you want a pool on a budget.
• A lot of chlorine pool maintenance can be done on your own.
• Chlorine pools use less electricity, which could save you $$ on your electric bill.
Health concerns with chlorine pools
Some people choose salt water pools because they think there’s no chlorine involved. Let’s just throw that myth right out the window. The difference between salt water pools versus chlorine pools isn’t that one has chlorine and the other doesn’t; it’s that salt water pools have less chlorine.
To keep it simple, instead of adding chlorine to a pool, salt water pools use a process called “electrolysis” to produce enough chlorine to keep everything clean. It’s a natural process that eliminates the need to keep chemicals around.
So what’s the big deal with chlorine, anyway?
Well, chlorine is known to damage the skin and irritate eyes, especially if you put too much chlorine in your pool. Even our hair can turn brittle and dry with prolonged exposure, which definitely isn’t “cool.” To help, it’s best to get special bath products to get rid of the excess chlorine in the shower if you’re in the pool often.
Maintenance of salt water pools versus chlorine pools
All pools require some sort of maintenance, but chlorine pools take a little more effort to keep up than salt water pools. Since the pH of a chlorine pool can change unexpectedly, you’ll have to always be aware and do regular checkups. But if you keep your saltwater pool’s system up to date, you could go a couple of weeks without needing to do anything at all!
Fortunately for chlorine pools, a lot of the work is only a quick DIY search away. If there’s a problem you simply can’t fix on your own, it won’t be hard to find someone who knows the ins and outs of a chlorine pool. Salt water pools are a bit peskier when it comes DIY maintenance. They have a more complex system, so oftentimes you’ll need a specialist if there’s a problem.
Cost of salt water pools vs chlorine pools
To be honest, a salt water pool is going to cost you quite a bit more upfront than a chlorine pool. Some people choose to go with a chlorine pool simply because the price is more affordable. Be sure to take into consideration, however, the cost of maintenance in the long run. For some, having less maintenance work for a saltwater pools makes up for the initial cost.
Chlorine pools also use less electricity, since it doesn’t depend on the salt-to-chlorine generator that salt water pools require. That could be a factor if you’re concerned about the cost of your electric bill.
How to get a saltwater pool or chlorine pool in Kansas City
Even though the weather is cooling down, it’s the perfect time to decide on a pool for summer. York Companies installs both saltwater or chlorine pools in the Kansas City area, so whatever your choice, we’re here to help!