Salt or Chlorine?

Swimming pools offer a refreshing escape from the summer heat and a place for recreation, exercise, and relaxation. One of the fundamental choices pool owners face is whether to use saltwater or chlorine for pool sanitation. This blog aims to provide a comparative analysis of saltwater and chlorine pools, examining their advantages and disadvantages in terms of maintenance, cost, comfort, and environmental impact.

Saltwater Pools

A saltwater pool contains 10 times less salt than the ocean. There’s around 3,000 ppm (parts per million) salinity in a saltwater pool. By comparison, there are 35,000 ppm in the ocean. Saltwater pools use a salt chlorinator to produce chlorine through a chemical process known as electrolysis. This results in a consistent, low-level chlorine concentration, making them gentler on the skin and eyes. Maintenance in a saltwater pool is generally lower than in a traditional chlorine pool. Owners appreciate the ease of maintenance, as it requires fewer chemicals and less frequent monitoring.

Advantages:

• Reduced skin and eye irritation: The lower chlorine concentration in saltwater pools is less likely to cause irritation, making them more comfortable for swimmers.

• Lower maintenance: Regular salt levels and automated chlorination systems reduce the need for constant monitoring and chemical adjustments.

• Softer water: Saltwater pools tend to have a smoother feel, similar to natural seawater without the salt taste.

Disadvantages:

• Initial cost: The installation of a salt chlorinator system is more expensive.

• With the state-of-the-art automation:

• The salt system is $1,025 more initially.  Converting to salt would cost around $2,200.

• For an automation system that has the ability to add a salt cell later on easily, the cost difference is $592.

• Corrosion risk: Salt can cause corrosion of pool equipment and nearby metal fixtures, which may require regular maintenance.

• The new Hayward S3 salt system can operate at half the salt levels of the previous version, approximately 1,700 PPM.   The corrosion risk is minimal. 

• Note: Most modern equipment, particularly Hayward equipment, is designed to be used with salt generators. 

Chlorine Pools

Chlorine pools use traditional chlorination methods, with chlorine tablets, liquid, or powder added manually or through automatic feeders. The chlorine levels need to be closely monitored and adjusted as needed to maintain water quality.

Advantages:

• Lower initial cost: Traditional chlorine pools are typically less expensive to install.

• Faster sanitation: Chlorine can quickly address pool contamination issues due to its rapid disinfecting properties.

• No risk of equipment corrosion: Unlike saltwater pools, there is no risk of corrosion to pool equipment.

• Note: Most equipment, particularly Hayward equipment, is designed to be used with salt generators.

Disadvantages:

• Skin and eye irritation: Higher chlorine levels may cause skin and eye irritation for swimmers.

• Ongoing maintenance: Regular monitoring and chemical adjustments are necessary, potentially leading to increased maintenance.

• Environmental Impact

• Handling dangerous chemicals regularly.

Environmental Impact: 

In terms of environmental impact, saltwater pools have the advantage of producing chlorine on-site, reducing the transportation and production of chlorine chemicals, which can be harmful to the environment. However, they may consume more energy due to the electrolysis process. Chlorine pools require the transportation and use of chlorine chemicals, which can be less eco-friendly.

Conclusion

The choice between saltwater and chlorine pools ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs. Saltwater pools offer gentler, more comfortable swimming experiences with reduced maintenance but come with higher initial costs. Chlorine pools are less expensive to install but require more maintenance and may cause more skin and eye irritation. Additionally, saltwater pools may have a slight environmental edge in terms of reduced chlorine chemical use. When making a decision, pool owners should consider their budget, desired level of comfort, and commitment to maintenance.

Helpful Links from Hayward about Salt Sanitization

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwg_FH7F1jI

https://hayward.com/why-hayward/explore-products/better-sanitization

Why should I build a pool?

Here are just a few of the reasons why building a pool is a great idea!

Recreation and Entertainment

·         Pools provide a space for relaxation, socializing, and recreational activities. They can be a focal point for gatherings with friends and family, offering a fun and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Exercise and Health

·         Swimming is a great form of exercise that offers a full-body workout with low impact on joints. Having a pool at home makes it convenient to incorporate swimming into your fitness routine, promoting better health and well-being. The Vitamin D is a bonus!

Increase Property Value

·         A well-designed and maintained pool can enhance the aesthetic appeal and value of your property. It can make your home more attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell in the future, especially in warmer climates where pools are highly desired. This is a huge reason why we design your pool with the view of it from inside your home in mind. It needs to be cohesive and not an afterthought.

Beat the Texas Heat

·         In hot climates, a pool provides a refreshing escape from the heat during the summer months. It allows you to cool off and enjoy the outdoors without having to leave the comfort of your home. If you want to drop your pool temps by 3-5 degrees in the summer, be sure to ask us about The Big Chill.

Create a Resort-like Atmosphere

·         A pool can transform your backyard into a resort-like oasis, providing a tranquil and luxurious environment for relaxation and enjoyment. Features like lighting, fire bowls, waterfalls, fountains, or spa areas can further enhance the ambiance. Our custom design can transform your space into an oasis whether it be Margaritaville or a tranquil spa.

Family Bonding

·         Swimming is an activity that people of all ages can enjoy, making it an excellent way to bond with family members. Whether it's teaching children to swim or simply spending quality time together, a pool can strengthen family relationships.

Convenience

·         Having a pool at home eliminates the need to travel to public pools or beaches, saving you time and hassle. It allows you to enjoy swimming and relaxation whenever you want, right in your own backyard. Who can resist the sun and the sound of water while sipping on a cold beverage to unwind?!

Before deciding to build a pool, it's essential to consider factors such as maintenance costs, safety regulations, and the amount of space available in your backyard. With the right planning and builder, it will give you years of endless fun and memories!

How much does a Gunite pool cost in Texas?

Are you considering installing a gunite pool in Texas but unsure about the costs involved? Look no further! In this guide, we'll break down the various factors that influence the cost of a gunite pool and provide estimates based on current pricing trends.

Factors Influencing Cost:

1.      Pool Size and Features: The size of the pool, along with additional features such as raised walls, water features, and heated spas, significantly impacts the overall cost.

2.      Materials and Upgrades: Choices such as tile options, coping materials (lueders, flagstone, cast concrete), lighting, and other upgrades like glass tile or travertine coping can affect the total expense.

3.      Site Conditions: Factors like the distance of pool equipment to utility meters, backyard access, yard slope, soil condition, and the need for soil injections or helical piers can add to the project's expenses.

4.      Depth and Perimeter: Deeper pools and larger perimeter sizes often come with additional costs, as they require more materials and labor.

5.      Miscellaneous Items: Considerations like irrigation repair, sod, drainage repair, and landscaping are often excluded from initial bids but should be factored into the overall project budget.

6.      Custom Design and Quality: Opting for high-quality equipment, thicker steel reinforcing for the pool shell, hydrodynamic calculations for optimal performance, and premium pebble finishes contribute to a higher upfront cost but ensure longevity and quality.

Estimated Costs:

Based on current pricing trends in Texas, here are some rough estimates for a gunite pool:

·         Standard pool with basic features: $75,000 - $85,000

·         Raised wall with water features: $5,000 - $7,500

·         Heated spa: $18,000 - $22,000

·         Popular upgrades: $2,000 - $6,000

Note: These estimates are subject to change based on individual project requirements and market fluctuations.

Conclusion:

While the cost of a gunite pool in Texas varies depending on several factors, it's essential to consider the long-term value, quality, and customization options when budgeting for your project. Consulting with a professional pool builder can provide you with a detailed proposal and firm numbers tailored to your specific needs.

Ready to take the plunge? Contact us today for a consultation and let us bring your dream pool to life!

Will the type of pool I put in affect the resale value of my home?

It sure can! Here are a few thoughts to consider.

In-ground vs. Above-ground

·         In-ground pools usually make your place look fancier, which could help with resale. Above-ground pools are cool too, but they might not add as much value since they're not as permanent.

Pool Size and Shape

·         Big pools are awesome for parties, but they also mean more upkeep. Small pools are easier to maintain and might appeal to buyers who don't want to deal with a ton of maintenance.

Pool Design and Features

·         Fancy stuff like waterfalls or lighting can make your pool stand out and could bump up the resale value. But don't go too crazy – some buyers might not be into all the bells and whistles.

Pool Condition and Maintenance Requirements

·         Keep your pool in good shape, and it'll be a selling point. Nobody wants to deal with a fixer-upper pool, so make sure it's clean and well-maintained.

Local Market Preferences

·         In some areas, pools are a big deal, especially if it's hot all year round. Texas is big on pools! But in cooler climates, they might not be as important to buyers. Know your market!

Regulatory Considerations

·         Make sure your pool meets all the rules and regulations in your area. You don't want any surprises when it comes time to sell.

If you're thinking about adding a pool, consider what will make you happy while you're living there, but also think about what might appeal to future buyers if you decide to sell down the road. And don't forget to have fun – pools are all about enjoying yourself!