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Saltwater vs. Chlorine vs. Ozone Pools
The Great Swimming Pool Debate
Home Stratosphere
Find out pros and cons of each water system for having clean swimming pool water: saltwater vs. chlorine vs. ozone.
You’ve looked
at pictures, measured your yard, priced out features, and dreamed of backyard
water falls, and now the day has come; you’re ready to have your own swimming
pool installed.
But while
you’re trying to decide what shape of pool you want and whether or not to
enclose it, don’t forget to also pay attention to how you’re going to keep the
water clean.
While you
probably grew up swimming in a bright blue, chlorinated pool, and you’re likely
comfortable with what that entails, it isn’t the only type of backyard pool
available today.
Saltwater
pools, as well as ozone pools are creating steep competition
for chlorine.
Best for Keeping Your Pool Clean
Swimming pools are
beautiful, innovative additions to your yard. They can enhance your backyard
and even include waterfalls for additional peaceful and soothing qualities.
But whatever type, size, and shape of pool you include, one
thing remains the same; you need to keep it clean.
Any amount of standing water – even water being used in an
infinity pool – is going to eventually grow algae and bacteria if not properly
treated.
Chlorine is the probably the most well-known treatment for most
pools, but is it right for your yard. Make sure by comparing it to other
methods first.
Chlorine
You’ve probably swum in chlorine a dozen or more times without
giving much thought to what it is.
Chlorine is a chemical found in bleach, and is very effective at keeping your water
clean.
It’s inexpensive, easy to use, and you can likely fix most
problems at home. It also won’t damage your pool or surrounding gardens.
Unfortunately, chlorine can also dry out your skin, making you
itchy and flaky by summer’s end.
It can also irritate your eyes and mucous membranes, and it
requires a lot of regular maintenance to keep the levels right.
Saltwater
Funnily enough, a saltwater pool also contains chlorine – just a
lot less of it than a traditional chlorinated pool.
Like the name implies, you actually add salt to the pool;
electricity is used to turn the salt into hydrochlorous acid,
or essentially – chlorine!
The difference is that the chlorine is produced at a slower
rate, so there’s less maintenance, and the resulting mixture is much friendlier
to your skin, your eyes, and your swimsuit.
And despite the name calling to mind the saltiness of the ocean,
the resulting liquid is actually closer in salt concentration to your tears,
which means that it’s a lot less harsh than you imagine it to be.
Unfortunately, saltwater set up is a lot more expensive than
chlorine, because you need to purchase the generator that will convert the
salt.
In addition, the salt may damage your pool lining and
surrounding garden over time, so this should be kept in mind.
Ozone
The whole point of keeping your pool clean is to eliminate not
only things like algae, but also harmful bacteria that might grow there.
And there’s nothing quite like ozone to help kill bacteria and
other harmful organisms in water.
Ozone generators also
help your filters function better, getting rid of anything that you don’t want
in your water, producing crystal clear results with none of the hazards of
chlorine.
This is ideal for anyone who is sensitive to chlorine – even the
lower levels associated with saltwater pools.
An ozone generator uses only electricity to run, so there’s no
chemicals to add to your pool, and no levels to check.
It’s a more expensive upfront option than traditional pools,
though, and it can be more difficult to find a technician to give it the
service it needs.
What Does Each System Cost?
You’ve likely already priced out all the associated costs with the swimming pool design of your
choice, so you shouldn’t be shocked to discover the range of costs associated
with keeping it clean, too.
Just remember that keeping your pool clean is a way to protect
your investment – especially when the average swimming pool costs more
than $29,000 to install.
Chlorine
The start-up costs for a chlorine pool aren’t much; it’s the
ongoing purchase of the chlorine, shock, and test kits that’s going to get you.
A chlorine pool costs around $300 – $800 a year just in materials.
Saltwater
Saltwater pools cost more to set up, as the generator comes with
a price tag of around $400 – $1,800 with installation costs of around $300 –
$500.
However, you’ll save in the long run as the yearly chemical and
maintenance costs are only around $70 to $100, allowing the system to pay for
itself over time.
Just keep in mind that you’ll also have a yearly electricity
cost of around $36 – $48 as well.
Ozone
The great thing about an ozone generator, is that there’s no
chemical or yearly maintenance costs involved beyond the electricity needed to
run it – around $40.
The cost of the generator upfront is around $400 – $1,200, with
installation running another $300 or so.
Ozone can help pay for itself over time, however, without the
maintenance costs, or the leaks and other damage that sometimes occur with both
chlorine and saltwater pools.
What Kind of Maintenance Is Involved?
Let’s be honest; you want to get maximum enjoyment out of your
pool, and that means finding a maintenance level that works with your
personality.
Chlorine
Chlorine pools have the highest level of maintenance involved.
You need to test the pool water each day,
and add the requisite chemicals to help maintain its balance.
This may involve periodically “shocking” the pool with
additional levels of chlorine.
For some people, this is fine; it becomes a daily ritual to dip
and test the pool and tinker to get it just right.
For others, testing the chlorine can be a real pain and
something that takes a lot of effort to get right.
Remember that you’ll also need to pay closer attention to your
filters, as the chlorine won’t affect surface particles like pollen and other
debris.
Many people with chlorine pools end up choosing to hire out
their maintenance just to make it a little easier.
Saltwater
Saltwater pools have less maintenance than chlorine pools,
because the generator will release the right amount of chlorine for you.
All you need to do to keep the pool running well is to add the
right amount of salt recommended for its size.
There’s no testing involved, which can definitely take some of
the stress out of your summer.
You still need to filter the pool regularly, though, as well as
skim the surface as the salt/chlorine mixture doesn’t take care of surface
particulates either.
Ozone
Ozone pools have the least amount of maintenance.
You don’t need to add anything or check the levels, and the
generator actually helps your filters work even better, meaning that you may
not even need a pool cover whenever it’s not in use.
If you’re looking for a maintenance free pool that stays crystal
clear all the time, this is definitely your best option.
What About Health Issues?
Pools are a great way to include some exercise, fun, and
recreation in your life.
Unfortunately, they can also create some health concerns if you
aren’t careful. Some of these concerns also are inherent in the type of system
you use as well.
Chlorine
Many people are sensitive to chlorine, particularly when the levels
are high. Chlorine can dry out your skin and irritate your eyes.
And if the levels aren’t maintained properly, a chlorine pool
can quickly get out of whack, allowing harmful bacteria levels to grow.
Saltwater
Saltwater pools are better for you than chlorine, simply because
they’re easier to maintain.
You don’t need to worry as much about bacteria growth, and the
lower chlorine levels mean they are less irritating to your skin and eyes.
Unfortunately, for those that are very sensitive to chlorine,
however, they may still irritate you over time.
In addition, the salt may also harm your installation, including
wood decking and natural stone pavers.
Salt isn’t always the healthiest thing for the environment,
particularly if you live in a watershed area or use groundwater for wells, so
choose carefully based on your area.
Ozone
Ozone pools are one of the easiest ways to create a safe,
healthy pool with no side effects.
With no chemicals involved, there’s little to no chance of
irritation, and ozone pools are extremely easy to maintain, so there’s no
chance of bacteria growth.
Which Is Right for You?
Chlorine pools are cheap to set up, but can become
time-consuming and costly over the years.
Saltwater pools are lower in cost overall, while they can be a
bit of an issue to their surroundings.
Ozone pools have a higher upfront cost than traditional chlorine
pools do, but they take the work out of maintaining your pool, doing the bulk
of it for you.
All of these options can give you a healthy, safe pool to swim
in.
Ultimately, the right pool system for you is likely to be a very
personal choice.
The upfront and ongoing expenses, amount of maintenance, and
your personal comfort levels will all play a role.
Just remember to treat your pool right, and to find a system
that works for you to get the most enjoyment possible out of your yard each
summer.
And when you want to know more about what things like this will
cost you, be sure to visit our Cost Guides.
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