A Saltwater Pool in Your Outdoor Design

Despite not building or maintaining swimming pools here at West Coast Design Build Florida, we often incorporate existing swimming pools into our designs for beautiful outdoor areas. It makes sense why so many in Florida have backyard pools; the fantastic weather allows for pool fun almost all year round. If you have considered adding a pool fixture to your house, one of your most important decisions might be whether or not to install a saltwater swimming pool. Despite being less common, saltwater variations are becoming more and more popular as time goes on. If you are unsure of the pros and cons of each type of pool, read on and learn which type will best fit that outdoor space you dream of building in the future.

The main difference between saltwater and chlorinated pools can be inferred by their names. Chlorinated pools rely on adding chlorine tablets and other chemicals to neutralize bacteria and inhibit algae growth. Saltwater pools, in comparison, rely on an automatic process of salt chlorination and keep your levels of dissolved chlorine at near-constant levels. Despite what you might think, saltwater and chlorinated pools are still more similar to each other compared to the ocean. An average saltwater pool will contain less than 10% of the dissolved salt content. So what are the real benefits and drawbacks that you should consider when deciding which pool to install?

Benefits of Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pools are recommended for people that find chlorinated pools too harsh on their skin, eyes, or bodies. The concentration of dissolved chlorine agents through the salt chlorination process holds steady at a level lower than the average manually chlorinated pool. In addition, chlorinated pools often have the unfortunate issue of being extremely harsh immediately following treatment. Despite some maintenance still being needed, saltwater pools do not have large fluctuations in choline amounts, ensuring a friend or family member that reacts badly to chlorine can always use your pool, no matter the occasion.

You may have seen your pool maintenance company use testing strips, chemicals, and machines to get your pool pH to a safe level. All of that costs money! By cutting out constant maintenance and relying on natural, automatic processes, saltwater pools save money in the long term. Some care may be required, but it is often much more periodic than chlorinated pools.

Disadvantages of a Saltwater Pool

Saltwater pools seem great so far; so what is their downside? Especially for swimmers that do not react well to chlorine, a saltwater pool can provide benefits that far exceed a chlorinated pool as long as proper care and maintenance is maintained.

Due to salt in the water, different considerations must be made when designing and purchasing pool equipment and furniture. Salt can corrode certain materials and even accelerate the formation of rust. However, by buying equipment graded for a saltwater pool, your cleaning tools and accessories will stay just as protected.

Despite their lower lifetime costs, saltwater pools’ initial installation costs run slightly expensive due to their complex saltwater chlorination system. A saltwater pool makes financial sense if you have the initial investment, often a few thousand dollars. However, this is only feasible for some. The size of your pool might affect this cost, so always investigate if it applies to your situation as well.

Saltwater pools are a gentler, easier-to-maintain option that is perfect for a homeowner wanting a simple swimming experience. The fact that your pool is free of chlorine chemicals might even become a talking point you share with friends and family that come to hang out in your new outside living area.

Once you have your pool installed, it’s time to create a wonderful outdoor living area! Call West Coast Design Build Florida to learn more about gourmet outdoor kitchens, gorgeous seating areas or landscaped decks that will be the envy of your friends.