by Shey Cannon

Created on: June 06, 2008   Last Updated: December 14, 2009

BENEFITS OF CONVERTING YOUR SWIMMING POOL TO A SALTWATER SYSTEM

It's that time of the year again when you ask yourself if converting your swimming pool with a saltwater system is the better option. But, what do you really have to take into consideration before you finally decide to, pardon the pun, dive in to a swimming pool of options?

1) FINANCIAL

OK, this is obviously your starting point. The first thing to note is that a saltwater system is going to make a slightly bigger dent in your wallet, initially, that is. Salt water systems currently on the market can fetch you anywhere in the region of $1000 - $1500. However, the future maintenance is where you are going to save BIG TIME!

All you need to spend is around $20-25 every summer on a bag of salt to keep it regulated. Chlorine pools are high maintenance demanding three times as much spent on chlorine tablets to do the same thing the salt does. So, in the long-term it's cost effective.

2) HEALTH BENEFITS

Converting to a saltwater system will take a big chunk of worry out of your summer knowing the children aren't swimming in water laced with heavy chemicals. Chlorine can still be found in the saltwater, but it is far less harsh than the standard chlorine system. The saltwater system is designed in such a way that when the water passes through the control box it instantly charges the salt in the water therefore creating chlorine. With good maintenance of the system, the effects are less harsh. It is simpler and safer. Some of the benefits of your intended conversion are:

. The water is softer on your skin and more comfortable to swim in
. Smells better and if accidentally swallowed tastes better and is safer
. Hair won't be damaged or discoloured by the water
. No more itchy skin and irritated eyes
. Safer for children and pets

3) MAINTENANCE

Now you are wondering how easy it would be to maintain if you get one installed.

A) The system is sassy enough to monitor and keep itself clean.
B) If there is an imbalance of salt in the water, the system will bring it to your attention
C) Because it does not support algae, gone are the days of cleaning lime green gunk out of the water
D) It has a timer in place that will baby-sit your pool when you go on vacation

Just be sure to keep the PH and Calcium levels regulated and it will maintain for a long time.

Saltwater pools are a little more environmentally friendlier than chlorine pools but, they can still do damage to sensitive plants and flowers that are close by when splashed. So, place them well away.

Also, there isn't anything complex by converting from your current chlorine system to a saltwater one, so that's a big headache out of the way.

If, however, you've decided this is what you want now you've considered your options you might just have made one of the best long-term investments for summers to come. Not only is it cost effective it's less time consuming, which means for once, you can actually enjoy the summer!

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