Now that the summer has arrived in earnest, Los Angelenos throughout the area are finally free to sink into their private swimming pools and soak up the California sun. Where a lot of homeowners opt for traditional chlorinated pools, however, more and more people are leaning toward salt water pools. Before you get your pool ready for the season or have a new pool installed, take a moment to consider the pros and cons of salt water pools in Los Angeles, CA.
Upkeep
Any pool owner can tell you that making sure your pool is in top shape requires work. You have to check chemicals and skim debris from the water. At least, that’s the case for chlorine pools. While there is undoubtedly a little maintenance involved in having a salt water pool, it is substantially less than owning a traditional chlorinated pool.
Safety
It’s worth noting that thousands of Americans own pools without harming themselves every year. However, some experts suggest that handling the toxic chemicals associated with a chlorinated pool could put pool owners at risk. Since there are no chemicals related to the maintenance of a salt water pool, the risk is much lower.
The price point
The most common question people ask themselves when considering the pros and cons of salt water pools in Los Angeles, CA concerns how much a salt water pool costs. When it comes to installation, a chlorinated pool is substantially cheaper than a salt water pool. That said, the average annual maintenance costs on a salt water pool are lower than those of a chlorine pool. In other words, while you might end up paying more initially for a salt water pool, you might end up saving money in the long run.
The DIY aspect
On a long enough timeline, a lot of homeowners become skilled at doing a significant portion of the required chlorine pool maintenance on their own. That’s not really possible with a salt water pool. These delicate bodies of water require professional attention whenever problems crop up. That may not be a big deal if you were planning on hiring a pool maintenance service regardless of your choice between chlorine and salt water.
Swimming in comfort
When you jump into a chlorine pool with a chemical imbalance, the water can be harsh on the skin, it can burn the eyes and generally make your soak in the pool unpleasant. That doesn’t happen in a salt water pool—the water is generally considered easier on the skin than the alternative.
Let Avanti Pools, Inc. help!
Still undecided? Let Avanti Pools, Inc. educate you regarding the pros and cons of salt water pools in Los Angeles, CA. We have more than two decades of experience helping our valued customers enjoy their own little backyard oases. Our talented team of experts can guide you through the entire process of installing your own pool or private spa.
Our professional pool builders have more than 60 years of combined experience that we can’t wait to put to work for you. Visit us online or give us a call today.
We get customers all the time who ask us, “How easy is it to install a saltwater system in Los Angeles, CA?” They want to make the switch from a chlorine pool to a saltwater pool—and they’d like to do it themselves. The good news is that making the transition only takes a few hours and some basic knowledge of plumbing and electrical systems.
After adding the correct amount of pool salt to your pool, mount the chlorinator controller near your pool equipment pad and wire the controller for power. Next, install the chlorinator cell into the pool plumbing after the filter. Finally, connect the chlorinator cell to the controller, and voila—you’re all set!
The advantages of a saltwater system
Saltwater pools are becoming increasingly popular across the globe, and for good reason. Here are the benefits of installing a saltwater system over the traditional chlorine pool:
- Cleanliness and safety: Traditional swimming pools are full of tons of different chemicals that can have adverse health effects, especially if there’s an imbalance of the chemicals in the pool. You won’t get that with a saltwater pool, as it’s just salt keeping the water nice and clean.
- Easier maintenance: A saltwater pool isn’t maintenance free. However, it typically doesn’t necessitate as much upkeep as a traditional swimming pool. Additionally, figuring out how much pool salt you need is a whole lot easier than balancing the chemicals needed for a chlorine pool.
- Cost-effective option: Buying pool-grade salt from the hardware store is a whole lot less expensive than picking up all of the different chemicals needed for a traditional pool. In fact, you could save hundreds of dollars throughout the year after making the initial investment for your new system.
Reasons to hire a professional
The answer to the question, “How easy is it to install a saltwater system in Los Angeles, CA?” is “fairly simple.” That said, we typically advise against DIY installation unless the homeowner is an electrician or a plumber. Here are the reasons hiring a professional is often a better choice than going it alone:
- Guaranteed results: Installing a saltwater system by yourself has some inherent risks, like causing leaks or burning up the electrical components of your pool. That won’t be a problem if you hire a professional to do it for you! You’ll get a perfectly-working saltwater pool in a matter of hours.
- Worry-free installation: If you’re not entirely confident in your electrical or plumbing skills, installing a saltwater system can be a bit nerve-racking. After all, one slip-up could result in a costly repair bill. Avoid any unnecessary worry by calling a professional to set up your saltwater system today.
Instead of focusing on “How easy is it to install a saltwater system in Los Angeles, CA?” just pick up the phone and give the experts at Avanti Pools, Inc. a call. Whether you’re looking to install a new pool or convert your chlorine pool to a saltwater one, we’re the team for the job!
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!
