Salt Water Pools

Many of us enjoy the benefits of a backyard swimming pool, and the lifestyle it provides, but want to avoid the toxic, irritating chlorine necessary to keep the pools' water clean and safe. Salt water pools are a safer, more eco-friendly alternative to traditional chlorine-treated pools, and are becoming more popular every year.

The Advantages of Salt Water Chlorination

Chlorine does a great job keeping pool water clear and keeping harmful bacteria and algae under control, but it and other pool chemicals are harsh, and can have negative effects for bathers. Salt water chlorination systems are an environmentally-friendly alternative to standard chemically-treated pools.

Salt water chlorination systems work by converting safe, natural salt (similar to the salt used in home water softeners) into chlorine, which cleans and sanitizes the water without the negative effects of traditional chlorine. There are several advantages to maintaining a pool with salt, including:

- Safety: Salt water pools eliminate the need to handle and store chlorine and other hazardous chemicals which can irritate the skin, and be highly toxic or fatal if ingested or inhaled in concentrated levels.

- Cost Effectiveness: The upfront costs of a salt water chlorination system are typically a bit higher than regular pool systems, but that cost is paid back in a couple of years, since to salt used in the pool is much cheaper than chlorine products.

- Health Benefits: Traditional chlorine pools can have negative impacts on swimmers, including itchy and dry skin, red eyes, chlorine smell, fading of swim suits, and the dreaded 'green' hair.

- Low Maintenance: Keeping a pool clean with salt water chlorination is easier. Maintaining proper pH levels is much simpler. Salt stays in the water longer than chlorine, which evaporates quickly, meaning fewer applications are needed. Also, salt is easier to handle than chlorine chemicals and their associated hazards.

- Better for Pools: Salt water not only keeps swimsuits looking new, but it also keeps pools and pool equipment in better shape; salt water is safe for all pool types; vinyl, plaster, concrete, or fiberglass.

Salt Water Pools: Mimicking Nature for a Greener Pool

The Earth uses salt to keep the seas healthy for aquatic life; salt water chlorination does the same for swimming pools, providing a much healthier water environment for swimmers.

Salt water pools are 'greener' due to the lack of hazardous chemicals; chlorine and other pool chemicals can be harmful to swimmers and nearby plant life, especially if the pool water is overchlorinated.

Proper maintenance of the entire pool system, including the salt water chlorinator, pump, and pool surfaces will ensure years of healthy, carefree summertime fun.

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