If you’re remodeling your pool, you might have heard something about saline or salt water systems. Salt water pools have proven a popular, if slightly controversial, alternative to traditional chlorine pools. If you’re considering asking your Chester County pool renovation company to install a salt water system in your pool, there’s some information you should consider first.
What is a salt water pool system?
Contrary to the implication of the name, salt water pools actually contain chlorine. Instead of being manually added to the pool, the chlorine is split out of salt within a generator that adds it to the water in your pool automatically, at much lower concentrations than traditional chlorine pools. This means in order to have a salt pool, you’ll need to purchase a salt chlorine generator and have your Chester County pool contractor install it for you.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a salt pool?
There are actually quite a few pros and cons to consider before diving into a salt water pool:
- PRO: Lower Long-term Maintenance Costs. Because you don’t have to purchase chemicals every month, you’ll save money in the long term. You’ll still have to test your pool’s chlorine levels, but it should require less chemical adjustment than a typical chlorine pool.
- CON: High initial cost. Salt chlorine generators are fairly expensive to purchase and install, so they require a higher outlay of money upfront. Eventually the salt cell will have to be replaced–but like a lightbulb, it runs out only as quickly as you use it. You should ask your Chester County pool renovation company about the cost of specific models and get an estimate on installation.
- PRO: Lower chlorine levels are better for your skin. Salt pools are much gentler on your skin and eyes; the treatment leaves the water feeling silky. It has a very mild salt taste, but it’s nothing like the ocean. Less chlorine also means less chlorine smell.
- CON: Salt can corrode your metal fixtures and deck. Salt is mildly corrosive, and if your deck, metal stair railings, and pool finish aren’t rated for salt exposure, a salt system could stain, rust, or even shorten the life of your pool. However, this usually happens with pools that were converted from chlorine to salt systems–your Chester County pool contractor can design a pool with appropriate materials while you’re renovating.
If you want more information about salt systems, the experts at Coronado’s Pools and Plaster are available for a consultation and estimate. We have 25 years of experience in pool renovations, and are up to date on all the latest systems, techniques, and technologies to make your pool beautiful, energy-efficient, and fun. With
- a membership in good standing in the National Plasterers Council,
- certifications in NJ and PA,
- an A+ rating the with BBB,
- and a long history of satisfied customers,
we can proudly promise that if you choose us for your Chester County pool renovation company, you’ll get a job done right, done beautifully, the first time.
