Salt vs. Chlorine Pools in Los Angeles, CA

With nearly perfect weather year-round, Los Angeles is a hot spot for swimming. Pools are prevalent. But which is better: salt or chlorine? The debate over salt vs. chlorine pools in Los Angeles, CA rages on.

There are valid arguments on both sides. Here’s an overview of the common myths and facts. Review these to decide which might be better for your needs. For additional insight on this topic, contact your local pool experts.

Myth: Swimming in a saltwater pool feels just like swimming in the ocean.

Fact: The salt concentration of a saltwater pool is around 3,000 parts per million. In the ocean, this concentration is about 35,000 parts per million. If the pool is properly balanced, you won’t be able to smell or taste the salt in the water. Both experiences can be quite refreshing and enjoyable, but they are definitely different.

Myth: Chlorine pools require less maintenance that saltwater pools.

Fact: When it comes to maintenance, saltwater pools are actually easier to maintain because the water remains more easily balanced. Pool owners typically have to test the water less often and spend less on chemicals to maintain desired levels.

Myth: Saltwater pools will make my skin sticky and stinky.

Fact: Saltwater leaves skin feeling soft and silky. Unlike chlorine pools, there is very little odor to the water.

Myth: The salt in the water will corrode my pool.

Fact: Due to the low concentration of salt, the water is still considered fresh water. The levels are so low that there is very little chance of damage due to corrosion of hardware or decking.

Myth: You still need to use chlorine to keep a saltwater pool clean and balanced.

Fact: The pool salt in a saltwater pool converts to natural chlorine. This keeps the chlorine level optimal, so you don’t need to mess with adding chlorine to the water.

Myth: Saltwater pools will make my eyes burn.

Fact: When it comes to salt vs. chlorine pools in Los Angeles, CA, salt wins in the category of gentleness. Chlorine is typically harsher on eyes, hair, skin and clothing than salt water. Most swimmers are more likely to get red, burning eyes from swimming in a chlorine pool than in a saltwater pool.

Myth: A saltwater pool will damage my landscaping.

Fact: Splashes and backwashing from a saltwater pool are not harder on your lawn and garden than a chlorine pool. In fact, the low concentration of salt makes it gentler on your landscaping than a chlorine pool would be.

Myth: A saltwater pool will make my allergies flare up.

Fact: Typically, swimmers are more likely to have a chlorine sensitivity that flares up in a chlorine pool. Many report that a saltwater pool is a better experience, with no adverse allergic reactions to chlorine.

Get the Facts

Would you like to learn more about salt vs. chlorine pools in Los Angeles, CA? Contact the experienced team at Avanti Pools, Inc. The experts at Avanti Pools, Inc. are APSP certified professional pool builders who hold over 60 years of combined experience specializing in swimming pool and spa design and construction, automatic pool and spa covers, solar heating, self-cleaning pools and much more. Reach out to us today!