In the past few years, saltwater pools have become a popular alternative to pools kept clean with chlorine. Many pool owners choose saltwater pools because they are easier to maintain. While saltwater pools provide many advantages, there are certain disadvantages of salt water pools that you should be aware of before investing.

This post will review some of the less obvious disadvantages of salt water pools. After you know the drawbacks, you can decide if you want one installed on your property.

Here are some disadvantages of salt water pool

Causes corrosion

As a result of its corrosive nature, salt is an ingredient you should avoid. Because of the salt’s corrosive qualities, the damage is more likely to occur in saltwater pools than in mineral or chlorinated pools.

Anything in and around your pool, as well as any pool toys, swimwear, and machinery, will wear out faster due to the salt in the water.

The splashed water evaporates, leaving behind pockets of salt that can and will eat away at any metal surfaces near the pool. Salt water can be easily removed from metal by giving it a quick hosing down with clean water.

In order to keep your saltwater pool from rusting, it is important to check on it frequently. Our skilled pool maintenance staff is available for such tasks. They will handle your pool-related maintenance, from minor fixes to major overhauls.

Higher start-up costs

A saltwater pool will cost more to set up at first than a chlorine pool. This is because buying a saltwater chlorine generator is expensive. Depending on the size of your pool and how well you want to treat the water, this can easily cost more than $1,000.

With salt water pools, there is also the first salt addition. After the initial dose of salt is injected, only minor changes are necessary to maintain appropriate salinity levels. The cost is also not much higher than a standard chlorine pool.

Require expert technicians for repairs

Maintenance of salt water pools needs the expertise of a pool service professional. Because of its complexity, only a trained technician should service an electrolytic salt chlorine generator. They’ll check to ensure everything is running well and your pool water is safe.

Forget about testing pool water

Because of the obvious clarity of a salt water pool, pool owners may sometimes neglect regular water testing. Some chlorine is still needed in a salt water pool. If the water isn’t tested regularly, the chlorine levels could rise dangerously. This can cause damage to the pool and its equipment.

Dependence on electricity

Your monthly electricity costs could increase if you use a salt water chlorinator. This is because anything outside your pool’s pump will generate the necessary energy. A prolonged power loss will also prevent the pool from being cleaned.

In case the chlorine machine breaks down, you can add chlorine products to a regular pool to clean the water. However, this may only sometimes be possible with a saltwater pool.

If your chlorinator were to lose electricity for several days, algae growth in the pool would likely increase dramatically. Having something fixed can be a time- and money-consuming ordeal.

Complex and costly to maintain

A salt water generator is just another piece of equipment that will need regular repair after you integrate it into your pool system. Maintenance of the system’s salt cell includes periodic cleaning and replacement every 3 to 7 years. Moreover, as it is an electronic system, you must seek the help of a trained technician for any extensive servicing. Lastly, a salt water generator eliminates the need for regular chlorine granule or tablet purchases. It does so at the expense of increased electrical consumption.

Saltwater Pool Care Tips

• Look for corrosion on a regular basis in pump seals and rubber O-rings.
• You should keep caring for the pool’s filter and pump to keep the water from standing still.
• Use salt strips to check the pool’s water during peak season.
• Make sure to get pool-safe salt.
• Make sure there is no accumulation in the salt cells by checking on them regularly.

Conclusion

The benefits of a saltwater pool over a chlorinated pool are substantial enough that some people are willing to pay a higher price. But if you live in a place with fewer warm weather days, how often you and your family will use your pool should factor into your decision. Thinking about getting a pool for your home? Weigh the benefits and disadvantages of salt water pools to find the best option for you. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you take the next step in installing your very own salt water pool in your backyard. Reach out to the team at Poseidon Pool Services immediately!