Advanced Pools, Inc. swimming pool contractors serving Memphis, TN explain salt water pool pros and cons
A move toward green living has made its way to the backyard swimming pool in the ways that individuals care for their pools, the chemicals that they use and the ways in which they heat the pool water — among others. In addition to that, the swimming pool contractors from Advanced Pools, Inc. talk with their customers about the advantages and disadvantages of making a switch to a saltwater swimming pool system. The reason for individuals wanting to make that change is mainly because they don’t want to swim in chemical-laden pool water or for particular health reasons.
Here are some of the advantages to having a salt water swimming pool: 
- Lower levels of chlorine in the water. A salt water swimming pool uses a salt water chlorine generator that uses salt and “turns it into” chlorine to clean the pool water. Because you’re not physically adding chlorine to the pool water, the exposure to chlorine while you’re swimming is greatly diminished.
- Salt water is soft on your skin. If you swim in the ocean you will notice how “soft” the water feels on your skin; this is the same feeling you will get when you swim in a salt water pool. Salt water is ideal for individuals with sensitive skin or those who are prone to skin rashes or red eyes from swimming in a chlorinated pool. Additionally, your skin will simply feel softer and smoother when you’re swimming in saltwater.
- It’s not a lot of salt — nothing like the ocean! Even though you’re swimming in a salt water swimming pool, it has much less salt than the ocean or sea. The amount of salt in your swimming pool is about the same amount as what you have in your tears and that’s why you can open your eyes underwater without feeling a burn.
- A salt water pool will be easier to maintain. You heard it right! Your swimming pool contractor won’t have to spend as much time at your home cleaning and maintaining your swimming pool if you use salt water. Also, even if you forget to clean the pool for a few days, you won’t usually have to worry about being faced with an algae filled pool once you return.
- There will be an up front cost. You will need to budget for the purchase of the salt water generator and its installation. Once the installation is complete, you don’t have to purchase or pay for chlorine when your pool contractor visits and the money you save will really add up. You will likely see a return on your investment in short order.
- Salt water is harmful to plants. Just as chlorine is detrimental to your ornamentals so too is salt water. You will need to be aware of the need to properly dispose of any water that is discarded during a backwashing of your swimming pool; this is the same as if you were backwashing a chlorinated pool as well.
- It could corrode your pool equipment. Some pool owners note that salt can lead to corrosion of plumbing and you could also see a “salt ring” around the top of your swimming pool.
- A salt water pool may require less maintenance, but the generator uses electricity to perform its task. Adding chlorine to the pool doesn’t contribute to an increase in utilities, but both methods will still require the running of pumps and filters.
If you’re looking for ways to use your swimming pool in a manner that won’t expose you and your family t the typical pool chemicals, you may want to talk with your contractor about installing a salt water generator.
