Kelowna Pools: Choosing Between Saltwater and Chlorine Systems
The type of water system you use is an important decision when installing Kelowna pools in your backyard.
Many homeowners are looking for alternatives to traditional chlorinated water systems for their Kelowna pools. One option that has become increasingly popular is saltwater pools. However, what some people might not realize is that a saltwater system still uses chlorine to purify water, just in a different way.
With a conventional chlorine pool, the homeowner is required to manually add either chlorine sticks or pucks in order to sanitize the water. With a saltwater pool, sodium chloride is passed through an electrically charged salt cell that ionizes the salt to generate a continuous supply of chlorine.
If you’re wondering what this means to you, or which type of swimming pool Kelowna residents prefer, this article covers the basic points you should consider.
Installation
Chlorine pools cost less for installation because they don’t require the additional chlorine generator needed to operate a saltwater pool. The cost of the salt converter can vary greatly depending on things like:
- Size of the pool
- System automation features
- Build quality
Beyond that, the cost to build pools will be virtually identical. Of course, if you’re looking to install a pergola Kelowna homeowners love to lounge under along the poolside, then that’s a different story!
It should be noted that it is possible to retrofit an existing Kelowna pools with a salt converter and control box to turn it into a saltwater pool. If you’re looking for other ways to retrofit your pool, read our post: 6 Upgrades to Enhance Kelowna Pools When You Remodel.
Maintenance
There’s a misconception that saltwater swimming pools are maintenance-free. This just isn’t the case. That said, they tend to require less maintenance than traditional chlorine pools. As a result, they also cost less to operate in the long term.
In order to maintain balanced water chemistry in a chlorine pool, it’s recommended that you:
- Properly time the administration of chemicals
- Perform periodic shock treatments
- Test the water quality frequently
- Keep an ongoing record of the actions taken
With a saltwater pool, you no longer need to apply chlorine tablets, and there’s no longer a need to perform weekly shock treatments. Instead, the system is designed to create and distribute chlorine on an as-needed basis.
Like traditional Kelowna pools, it’s important to continually monitor the pH levels of saltwater pools. This is because they tend to become acidic over time. A low pH can corrode:
- Pool pumps, pipes and equipment
- Stainless steel and aluminum hardware (ladders etc.)
- Concrete pool decks
Water Quality
One of the most common problems people have with conventional chlorine pools is that they can:
- Dry out skin
- Irritate eyes
- Damage hair
- Emit strong chlorine odours
These concerns can largely be resolved by implementing an effective maintenance program. The result is a chlorine pool Kelowna homeowners will get maximum enjoyment from. However, it tends to be less of an issue with saltwater pools due to the automated sanitization process.
Want an outdoor oasis in your backyard? Call Rafter 4K Contracting to discuss a swimming pool installation. We specialize in Kelowna pools of all shapes and sizes.
