Choosing between a salt water and chlorine pool for your concrete pool installation is a significant decision that impacts maintenance, cost, and your overall swimming experience. At Aquarium Pools of Chattanooga, we’ve been helping homeowners make informed choices for over 50 years. Here’s a detailed look at the factors to consider when deciding between salt water and chlorine pools, including how each affects water features.
Key Factors to Consider
Maintenance Requirements:
Salt Water: Salt water pools use a salt chlorine generator to produce chlorine, reducing the need to manually add chlorine. However, you’ll need to monitor salt levels and clean the generator cell periodically to prevent scaling.
Chlorine: Traditional chlorine pools require regular addition of chlorine tablets or liquid, along with frequent testing to maintain proper chemical balance. This can be more hands-on but offers precise control.
Cost Considerations:
Salt Water: Higher upfront costs due to the salt chlorine generator (typically $800-$2,000). However, ongoing costs may be lower since you’re not purchasing chlorine regularly.
Chlorine: Lower initial costs, but you’ll spend more on chlorine and other chemicals over time. Expect annual chemical costs of $300-$500, depending on pool size and usage.
Skin and Eye Comfort:
Salt Water: Often gentler on skin and eyes due to lower chlorine levels and a softer water feel. Ideal for swimmers with sensitive skin or allergies.
Chlorine: Higher chlorine concentrations can cause irritation, especially if not balanced properly. Proper maintenance minimizes this issue.
Environmental Impact:
Salt Water: Uses less packaged chlorine, potentially reducing environmental footprint. However, salt water drained into soil can harm plants and local ecosystems.
Chlorine: Requires more chemical production and transport, but chlorine pools are easier to drain without environmental concerns when done correctly.
Equipment Longevity:
Salt Water: Salt can be corrosive to certain pool components, like metal fixtures or heaters, especially in concrete pools. Using corrosion-resistant materials (e.g., titanium or coated metals) is essential.
Chlorine: Less corrosive overall, but improper chemical balance can still damage equipment over time.
Considerations for East Tennessee Residents
Living in East Tennessee, with its unique climate and environmental factors, adds specific considerations when choosing between salt water and chlorine pools:
Humid Climate and Rainfall:
East Tennessee’s humid summers and frequent rainfall can dilute pool water, affecting chemical balance. Salt water pools may require more frequent salt level checks after heavy rain, while chlorine pools need additional chlorine dosing to counteract dilution.
Tip: Invest in a pool cover to minimize rainwater impact, especially for salt water systems where maintaining consistent salinity is key.
Water Feature Effects with Different Water Types
Water features like fountains, waterfalls, and bubblers add beauty and ambiance to your concrete pool, but the water type can influence their performance and maintenance:
Salt Water Pools:
Aesthetic Impact: Salt water’s softer feel complements cascading waterfalls, creating a natural, spa-like experience. The lower chlorine levels reduce the chemical smell, enhancing the sensory appeal of features like misting jets.
Maintenance: Salt can cause scaling on water feature surfaces, especially in concrete pools where mineral buildup is more visible. Regular cleaning and using scale-resistant materials (e.g., stainless steel) are crucial.
Example: A rock waterfall in a salt water pool may develop white calcium deposits faster, requiring monthly cleaning to maintain its look.
Chlorine Pools:
Aesthetic Impact: Chlorine pools maintain clear water, ideal for showcasing illuminated water features or glass tile accents. However, high chlorine levels can create a stronger chemical odor near aerating features like fountains.
Maintenance: Chlorine is less likely to cause scaling, so water features stay cleaner longer. However, chlorine can fade colored tiles or erode certain materials if not balanced properly.
Example: A bubbling jet in a chlorine pool may need less frequent cleaning but could fade nearby decorative tiles over time without proper pH management.
Making the Right Choice for Your Pool
Both salt water and chlorine pools have unique advantages, and the best choice depends on your priorities—whether it’s lower maintenance, skin comfort, budget, or adapting to East Tennessee’s climate and environment. For concrete pools, durability, water feature compatibility, and regional factors like hard water and rainfall are especially important.
At Aquarium Pools of Chattanooga, our experts can guide you through every step, from selecting the right water type to designing stunning water features that elevate your backyard oasis. With over 50 years of experience, we’re your trusted local pool installers.
Call us today at 423-298-4002, email us at mike@aquariumpools.com, or submit the form below with your request or questions. Let’s bring your dream pool to life!