What Are the Advantages of a Saltwater Pool Vs a Chlorinated Pool in Boca Raton?
Salt vs. Chlorine In Your Boca Raton Pool
By now you have heard of saltwater pools. They have become very popular in South Florida, especially in the Boca Raton / Delray Beach area. For one, they are easy to clean and maintain. Should you consider converting to saltwater or building a new saltwater pool in this area? There are many reasons you should consider saltwater as an option, but let’s first understand how it works.
Pool Chemistry 101
NaCl aka salt is an ionic compound called sodium chloride. Equal parts, 1:1 ratio of sodium and chloride and when it passes through a salt chlorine generator, it is separated by electrolysis which in turn generates chlorine. But not the kind of chlorine you use in your pool.
Typical pools in Boca Raton, from A1A to West Boca, are treated with chlorine gas aka Cl2, sodium hypochlorite (liquid bleach), calcium hypochlorite (granular or tablet), lithium hypochlorite or chlorinated isocyanurates. When any of these compounds contact water, they release hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the active sanitizing agent. This has become a common irritant for swimmers and makes it very unpleasant to swim.
Advantages of Salt Pools in Boca
The chlorine that is generated by salt is much less harsh on your skin and eyes, and at the same time keeps your pool free of bacteria when you maintain it properly. It is softer on your skin. It does give off gasses like chlorine. Saltwater pools are better for your immediate swimming environment. And even though there is a little more up front cost, over the long term, you will save money. A bag of salt does not evaporate like gaseous chlorine so it lasts longer and is a lot less expensive than chlorine maintenance. You will still have to test your pH to keep up with algae, but when you swim in your pool, you will come out feeling a lot better!
Build It Or Convert to Saltwater
There are two ways to achieve a saltwater pool in your backyard. The first way is to build it with new construction. Lay the plumbing and everything you need for a saltwater conversion generator right from the start. As an alternative, you could also convert your old pool pump with a saltwater conversion kit. Assuming your pool is in good working condition, your upfront costs should be manageable.
Thinking About Converting? Need Cleaning and Maintenance?
If you are in the Boca Raton area, contact the Boca Pool Guys for a consultation. We are experts on cleaning and maintaining saltwater pools and chlorine pools alike. We can also walk you through the advantages of saltwater and the advantages of chlorine in your Delray Beach / Boca Raton area pool and help you make an informed decision. Whichever you choose, the Boca Pool guys are ready to clean and maintain it so you don’t have to worry about it!