What do you think is best for your swimming pool when it comes to disinfecting it?
The water in your pool can get dirty really quick. If it is left untreated, the water will breed algae and other greenish substances, bacteria, and organisms that will make it quite unpleasant and unsafe to swim in. Of course, it does not make sense to keep on replacing it with new water. This is why pool owners usually put something to disinfect it. This makes it safer for your family and friends to use without wasting too much water. But the question is, do you go the natural route or do you opt for the tried and tested chemical way?
When we say the natural means, this refers to the use of salt water. And by chemicals, we are referring to the use of chlorine to disinfected the pool waters. Both of these options have their pros and cons. If you are undecided, you should probably read on to help you decide which option is best to use for your swimming pool.
Using chlorine to disinfect your swimming pool
Let us start with what is typically used by pool owners – chlorine.
This is considered to be the most effective and inexpensive way to sanitize the water in your pool. It will protect you from any contaminants that ended up in your swimming pool. This chemical is mixed into the water and since it is a reactive element, it will neutralize any harmful organisms that might breed in it. To be specific, the chlorine will bind with the elements (like ammonia from urine or nitrogen from wastes) in the pool to eliminate its harmfulness. As long as you have enough level of chlorine in your swimming pool, it will continue to disinfect the water effectively. This is why you need to make sure you test the water regularly to ensure that you have enough chlorine in it.
While this is quite effective and also the cheapest way to keep your swimming pool sanitized, it does have some drawbacks. The most prominent is how human skin reacts to it. This chemical can be very harsh on the skin, hair, and eyes. This is why some people end up with red and irritated eyes after swimming for some time in chlorine-infused water. It is also why you need to shower and clean yourself thoroughly to remove all traces of chlorine.
Not only that, but chlorine also has to be constantly added. Since this chemical is harsh to your skin, you should also consider proper storage. You do not want this to be left lying around where moisture can compromise its effectiveness.
Using salt water on your swimming pool
For people who have sensitive skin but would love to have a well-sanitized swimming pool, salt water seems like the perfect solution.
Just to be clear, salt water pools are not the same as what the oceans and the seas have. Admittedly, there are seawater pools. But generally, a salt water pool refers to those that uses a salt chlorine generator to help sanitize the water. It uses what is called an electrolysis process that allows it to produce enough chlorine that will sanitize the water.
The best advantage to using this is that it is gentler on the skin and the eyes of swimmers. If you mostly have children using the pool or those with sensitive skin, you do not have to worry about irritation. Salt water will not irritate your skin like the actual chlorine chemical.
Since it is not too harsh, you do not have to worry about any swimwear, toys, or gear fading because of the chemicals. The natural chlorine will not do that but it is still effective enough to disinfect the pool.
What makes this unappealing to some pool owners is that it can be quite expensive. At least, the initial investment will be more expensive. You need to have the generator installed to keep producing chlorine. You should also prepare for the cost of any repairs in the future. This is not just any machine – so you need to get in touch with a licensed technician.
Although the salt water is more gentle on the skin, you need to make sure that the lighting, liners, heaters, and other fixtures are specific to this type of water. Otherwise, it might end up being damaged after being immersed in salt water.
What to use on your pool
Now that you know the pros and cons of chlorine and salt water, what do you think is the best for your swimming pool?
Among the things that you should consider is the sensitivity of the people that will use the pool. Not only that, you should also consider your budget. If you can afford the more expensive initial investment, then you can go for the salt water option. If you do not mind the commitment of constantly boosting the chlorine levels, then opt for using the chemical. Either way, make sure to contact us to and see what’s the most affordable option for you.
