Comparison of Chlorine, Saltwater and Ozone Pools
Are you looking for the best way to keep your pool sanitized and safe for swimming? Three of the most popular options for pool purification include chlorine, saltwater and ozone, but which is the right one for you and your family? Each of these options will help keep your pool water safe, but there are major differences in convenience, cost, and ease of maintenance. Here is an overview and comparison of these three pool sanitizing options.
Chlorine
For many years, chlorine was clearly the frontrunner when it came to pool sanitization. Chlorine is an effective agent to keep harmful bacteria and algae at bay, plus it is easy to purchase, use, and store. However, even though chlorine has been safely used for many decades, it does have its drawbacks.
Chlorine must be constantly added to pools and can upset the PH balance, making it fairly high in maintenance. It also can have residual side effects on swimmers, such as red eyes, dry skin, and brittle hair. The smell of chlorine can also be offensive to some due to its strong, chemical odor.
Saltwater
One of the alternatives to chlorine pools is the saltwater pool sanitizer. This option uses a salt chlorine generator that converts salt in hypochlorous acid through electrolysis. This hypochlorous acid sanitizes the pool like chlorine, then reverts back to salt and water again, repeating this process throughout the day. Saltwater pool owners enjoy the ease of maintaining a saltwater pool with the added benefit of not needing to buy, store or add harsh chlorine.
The main disadvantage to a saltwater pool is the startup cost: It does take an initial investment to get started with a saltwater generator. However, having a pool that does not need chlorine added constantly (and sanitizes itself for the most part) is worth the initial cost. If this sounds like a good option for your pool, ask about the SmartPure Salt Sanitizer available through our Blue Haven Pools & Spa location in San Antonio.
Ozone
One of the newer options in pool sanitization is the ozone generator. This purification system offers a way to clean the pool water with virtually no chlorine. These systems use ozone gas, which is a potent oxidizer–almost 100 times stronger than chlorine! Ozone also can help breakdown contaminants (like oil) in the pool water, helping reduce frequency of pool cleaning and upkeep.
Ozone generators, like saltwater generators, have an initial startup cost and will require the addition of ozone. The advantage for pool owners is a fresh, virtually chlorine-free pool, which is perfect for those who are sensitive to chlorine or do not care for the side effects. At Blue Haven Pools & Spas, we offer our SmartPure Ozonator for those looking for a chlorine-free, fresh water swimming experience.
Looking to find the best option for sanitizing your pool? Talk to our pool experts at Blue Haven Pools & Spas in San Antonio. We have all of the newest SmartFeatures that will make maintaining your pool a breeze. Give us a call today!