In recent years, salt water swimming pools have become increasingly popular. The name is slightly misleading as they don't resemble salt water found in the ocean; instead they use a slight amount of salt instead of large amounts of chlorine. In general, they are probably healthier than a regular pool, although a salt water pool has its pros and cons.
Salt water pool systems provide a more natural and comfortable experience; it also minimizes the chance of annoying effects of chlorine, including red or watery eyes, dry skin and damage to hair. The rather unpleasant smell from chlorine is not present either, although you may find that salt dries on your skin or clothes after bathing in salt water.
Salt water swimming pools generally require less regular maintenance than chlorine based pools. Adding the chlorine constantly can be tedious as well as expensive. Salt water pools have a slight amount of chlorine, but not nearly as much as regular pools and you don't have to replace the chlorine.
However, there are some disadvantages to salt water pools. Although a salt pool has far less salt in it than the sea, the salt present can still damage parts of a pool, including lighting, liners and concrete sides or bottom. A salt water pool is initially more expensive to install, although the ongoing maintenance costs are generally less.
Salt water pools do contain a very small amount of chlorine - nowhere near as much as a regular pool - and use what is known as a salt chlorinator which creates the chlorine effect without having to add the chemical. And if you use your pool a lot, you may find yourself running your chlorine generator constantly, which can be expensive.
One other thing to consider is that if you do have a conventional chlorine pool, it can be fairly easily converted to salt water use, although the costs of specialized plumbing and equipment needed to do that may be costly. Many homeowners decide that the cost of converting a pool may not be worth it.
Many people choose a salt water pool after enjoying bathing in one on a cruise ship or at a resort. It is certainly a healthier choice and in general, will cost you less than a chlorine pool. And if you are concerned about helping the environment, a salt water pool is certainly a better choice.
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