Once you've designed your home's new swimming pool and planned the installation, it's time to consider the water that will go in it. For many years, chlorinated water was the standard for safety and hygiene, but a more natural method of chlorination has become popular recently: the saltwater pool. Whether you add chlorine tablets or let the salt do the work, there are distinct differences between these types of pools. Here's a closer look at each.

Chlorine

Pool water must be kept clean at all times for the health of its users, and this involves a constant fight against bacteria. Since the advent of the swimming pool, this has been done using chlorine. With this pool system, the bacteria-killing chemical is added in tablet or liquid form on a regular basis—usually once a week. However, balancing agents like cyanuric acid must also be added to stabilize the chlorine and create a healthy pH balance in the water.

Chlorine fumes are dangerous, so it's necessary to store the chemical safely. It can also have harsh effects on skin and hair for those who swim regularly, but specially made shampoo and soap are available to provide relief.

Saltwater

A common misconception is that a saltwater pool has no chlorine. You may not have to add the chlorine yourself, but the salt creates its own through a process known as electrolysis. However, this level of natural chlorine is much lower than that of a manually chlorinated pool. Through this natural process, achieving the ideal pH balance is much easier.

A generator helps the salt convert into the minimum amount of chlorine to keep the pool clean at all times, which means no additional chemicals need to be added to the water. These conditions make saltwater easier on the skin and hair, and swimmers are also less likely to experience redness and irritation in the eyes.

Saltwater systems are somewhat more expensive to install and maintain due to additional electricity being used for the generator. However, salt is generally less expensive than the range of chemicals needed for a chlorine system, and the health benefits of a saltwater pool are worth the additional cost to more and more homeowners today.

Whether you're drawn to the benefits of a traditional chlorine or modern saltwater pool, Don Marcum's Pool Care will transform your backyard into an oasis. From building swimming pools to maintaining and repairing them, this professional team has been serving homeowners throughout Cincinnati, OH, and the surrounding communities since 1967. They're proud to have been voted as one of the top 100 pool companies in the country by AQUA magazine—not once but twice. Call (513) 561-7050 to discuss pool design and schedule an estimate. Visit the website to learn more about service and repair.